Description
.30-06 Buttplate Assembly for M1918A2 BAR Rifle
The .30-06 Buttplate Assembly for M1918A2 BAR Rifle is the hinged buttstock-end assembly used on the U.S. M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle. It combines the broad checkered buttplate with the folding upper shoulder rest associated with this BAR configuration.
The folding component is identified as Rest, Shoulder, Butt Plate, M1918A2, part number B147321. That part number applies to the shoulder rest rather than the complete buttplate assembly.
Historical Significance
The M1918A2 BAR served as a U.S. squad automatic weapon during World War II and was designed primarily for bipod-supported use. Its hinged buttplate reflected that role by adding support at the rear of the rifle while the shooter maintained a prone firing position.
Wartime Army guidance described the hinged buttplate as a standard part of the M1918A2 firing position. The design helped keep the butt seated against the shoulder while the weight of the rifle was supported by its bipod.
What This Item Is and Does
The large checkered plate forms the rear shoulder-contact surface of the buttstock. The hinged upper piece, sometimes informally called the “shoulder thing that goes up,” rotates over the shooter’s shoulder to provide additional support and help prevent the buttstock from sliding downward.
The shoulder rest folds flat against the buttplate when not in use. This offered item is the loose buttplate and shoulder-rest assembly, not a complete stock or rifle.
Key Features
- Designed for the U.S. M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle
- Associated caliber: .30-06
- Large checkered buttplate surface
- Hinged folding shoulder rest
- Folding component nomenclature: Rest, Shoulder, Butt Plate, M1918A2
- Shoulder-rest part number: B147321; this number does not identify the complete assembly
- Loose buttplate assembly; stock and rifle are not included
- Mounting screws appear to be missing
Why This Item Matters
The hinged buttplate is a recognizable part of the M1918A2 BAR’s buttstock equipment and illustrates how the rifle was adapted for its squad automatic role. The folding rest is also useful for showing the differences between BAR configurations in a collection or museum display.
As an identified loose assembly, it can serve as a restoration reference, parts-pattern example, or display component for a documented M1918A2 BAR exhibit.
About This Item
The offered component is a loose M1918A2 BAR hinged buttplate and shoulder-rest assembly. The large plate bears against the shooter’s shoulder, while the hinged upper rest folds upward for support and flat for storage.
The mounting screws appear to be missing. Wear or damage may be present around the hinge.
Ideal For
This M1918A2 BAR component is well suited for:
- Browning Automatic Rifle and U.S. military-arms collections
- M1918A2 BAR restoration reference
- Museum displays on World War II squad automatic weapons
- Military small-arms parts and nomenclature study
- Educational and technical exhibits
- Film and prop departments seeking an identified BAR component
Approx length 5.25", Approx width 2", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight 1lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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