That finger groove stock is really neat looking! Definitely adds some character to the M1 carbine look that the typical .44 carbine shows.
I have two, 1980's vintage with the cartridge release button. The buttplate cracked on one, so I changed them both to steel (from Brownells) and haven't had any more issues.
If .44 carbine owners aren't concerned with "original parts" too much, these are a drop-in fit, same size and profile as the plastic, but steel. You can set it down on the ground with impunity.
