The rifle is "unissued", not "new." It has never been pressed into service or issued to use in any armed force, at least from what I can see. The stock is perfect with no blemishes or dents. There is no visible wear on any of the surfaces. Remember, these rifles were not coated in suncorite. They had a stove finish that many mistake for parkerizing. Also, keep in mind that the pictures are not the best quality and this might allow for many flaws or re-working clues to go unnoticed .

These rifles were available until about 20 years ago in this condition. I bought one from a dealer at a local gunshow for less than $50. I cleaned it and discovered an "unissued" rifle under dried grease.

Way too much, but things seem to have gone so crazy in the military arms field in the last ten years that the price may not be too far out of line in another 5-7 years.