[Harpers Ferry Arsenal]

This P14 that I have has these curious holes cut in both the stock and upper handguard on both sides just forward of the receiver. It had to have been done for a purpose but I can't find another one that has those cuts.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sqnjZD8MC7A/SNKbqX2TF5I/AAAAAAAAAqI/BoEjc4iaslA/s1600-h/004.JPG

Anyone else seen this before, and if so, what's it for?

 

[bones92]

Looks like the holes cut for the drilling of a hole through the chamber and insertion of a rod to make the rifle inoperable. It could be that someone salvaged a stock off one of these Drill Purpose rifles to use on a rifle (that may have had the stock cut) to make the complete rifle you have now.

 

[wheaty]

The stock is off an Indian deactivated P-14. The rifles were deac'd by drilling a hole through the chamber, pinning and welding in the pin. You MIGHT find evidence of charring around the hole from the heat of the arc welding.

 

[Harpers Ferry Arsenal]

Wow--that makes perfect sense, as I bought that wood years back from Sarco or Numerich and the metal was all stamped DP. But the holes threw me. For the longest time, I just thought that it was something that P14's had because I hadn't seen any others, but now that I'm looking at other ones...

Big thanks.

Any idea where to get non-holed wood for one these days?

 

[bones92]

P14 stocks show up fairly often. Just be watchful and patient. The wood you have looks fine enough to me.