Here's an M-1 recently finished for Chris, who is doing the transit case for "Robert's Rifle" (see the appropriate post)
Built on a six-digit 1942 receiver, this rifle was built up from parts....all of them inspected and refinished. Turns out this receiver has a "Lead-dipped heel". This was done during WWII when it was discoved that firing rifle grenades was too much for the gas system of the M-1. The bolt was getting slammed hard into the back of the receiver. The early M-1 receivers were too hard, so some rifles were dipped in lead to anneal (soften) the metal back there so it would absorb the impact better. The result is a "two-tone" appearance. Notice how the heel of the receiver is so much darker than the rest. Many collectors love these lead-dipped receivers. The real fix, of course, for the grenade-firing issue was the later gas cylinder lock screw that had a valve which was opened when you attached the grenade launcher, thus disabling the M-1's gas system.
Anyway, this was a fun build from what was essentially a receiver and a parts kit. The older stock refinished nicely, and will serve until Chris decides to upgrade.
