Is it known if the DoD ever disposed of surplus M1s to the civilian population by means other than the DCM/CMPicon?

Long ago on the old M1/M14icon Yahoo group, I was told by one poster that the Army had sold a large lot of surplus National Guard M1s to civilian dealers in the late 80s or early 90s (the only time I've ever heard such a claim). Also, many years ago at a D-Day reenactment in Chicago, one of the reenactors claimed that, in the early 60s, it was possible to go to Rock Island Arsenal and purchase an M1 for $100...he claimed they'd even let a buyer choose it off the rack. (Again, the only time I've heard such a claim.)

I know these tales could be BS, but it'd be interesting to know for sure.
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