Thanks everyone for your opinions. I've been reading all and taking them into consideration. I had wondered myself at the "faintness" of the circle "p". While I'm not willing to say as yet that it has been sanded, I'm not discounting it either. Why I would question the sanding is that the number stamped directly above the circle "p" shows no indication of being sanded. Could simply mean the rifle was refurbished and sanded prior to being given to the National Guard and they stamped the number on it or that some other individual stamped the number on it. All other markings on the stock are very sharp and it does have many light dings and scratches which light sanding would have easily removed. I've not noticed any raised grain anywhere on the stock so any appearance of such is just the result of the photo. The stock is very clean and smooth. The reddish color is most likely the result of the flash, it is not red under natural light and is much darker under national light.

As for the line inside the action, there is no browning inside the action. It is blued. The bluing does not look the same as the exterior of the rifle which could mean less wear or that parts have been replaced or refinished at some point. As for the line, I can't explain that one at all. It is not wear, it is a very sharp and distinct line between blued metal and bare metal. Does not appear to be sanded or filed either, just not blued. Looks almost like the part in question was lowered into the solution to that point only. No rust on it either, just bare clean metal.

I have not taken this rifle apart to see what the metal looks like under the wood. I guess I should do that at some point but it's not something I'm too concerned about, I'm not planning to sell it.

If anyone would like more specific photos let me know of what part or parts.