USGI M14 Wood Stocks, "Big Red" Birch

Near the end of M14 production, the original wooden stock was redesigned to increase durability.  The pistol grip/stock wrist area saw increased thickness, as did the sides of the receiver/mag well cutout. 

Fred's M14 Stocks coined the name "Big Red" to distinguish this pattern from the earlier, slimmer USGI wood stocks. Big Red was the name of a bull that the owner of Fred's had in his field at the time (not the wood color). 

Big Red stocks are almost exclusively birch (10% or less are walnut) and most do not have the DoD and Circle P proof stamps, as the majority were issued as replacement stocks.

Many people like the thicker pistol grip on these stocks, especially for target and match shooting.  The increased wood thickness around the receiver area also makes them easier to work with when bedding the action, as a slip with the Dremel is less likely to exit the side of the stock...