Proper lacing of Garand cheek piece

[mtnman31]

Does anyone know how to properly put on or have a quality photo of the proper way to lace up an M-1 Garand leather cheek pad? I have looked around and could find nothing more than a broken link on the CMP website. Any help is appreciated. Right now the thing is stiff as a board and I'm trying to soften the leather up a bit so that I can get the bugger tied on.

[Lee]

+1 Also curious. Also, will the leather stain/rot the wood if left on?

[sheepdog]

http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl05-e.htm
http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=46109

[mtnman31]

Sheepdog, the first link does not work and the second link to the CMP is the same one I found - the picture links are no longer valid. I cut and pasted the img addresses and the photos are no longer available.

Lee, about the rot. I have a leather cartridge holder on the buttstock of another rifle of mine and have not had any adverse problems concerning the stock. I do remove it every now and then just to make sure no dirt/grit gets trapped underneath and damages the stock. I have not been in any extreme environments as far as weather goes, so a guy living in the jungle may or may not have issues with the stock deing damaged. I imagine getting the leather soaking wet and leaving it to dry on its own could lead to potential problems. If my cartridge holder/cheek pad were to get wet, I'd just remove it and make certain it was completely dry before putting it back on.

[sheepdog]

First link does work. Takes you to this picture, however its not very big
http://world.guns.ru/rifle/m1gar_d.jpg