Identity help needed M1C Plugged receiver

[Eric H]

Hello everyone, A local gunshop got in an M1 Garand that appears to be one of those plugged receiver M1C rifles and before i make the purchase i was wondering if anyone had any insight on these?
SER # 3748596
The little bit i was able to see during a quick look over is that it had an SA-52 on the heel of the receiver and a barrel date of 4-47, now from the little bit of looking i was able to accomplish it appears most that are posted up online had barrel dates from the early 50's?
On the left side of the receiver i could only make out 4 of the 5 required holes 2 large and 2 small, Maybe this was an incomplete M1C receiver? the large hole that i cant see is by the clip latch.
The shop is asking $1000 for the rifle and wanted to check first with you folks before i spent the funds.
I've posted on another forum as well as im trying to reach out to as many as possible before my rifle on hold status at the shop runs out.

Thanks for any and all help!
Eric

Information

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[Bob Seijas]

Look inside for the holes.

[Eric H]

I can only make out 2 large and 2 small holes even when looking inside. Maybe it blended better? I'm trying not to make a $1000 mistake and on the other hand trying to make a great little investment

Thanks again,

Eric

[Bob Seijas]

Well, it's a good serial number for a receiver that was drilled for an M1C. I wouldn't know what to do with it, however. Back in the day they were in demand by collectors who would unplug them and restore to M1C, since real M1Cs were very scarce. After the GCA Journal article showed that the SA-52 mark meant it was plugged at one time, nobody did it anymore. Now they leave them plugged as an example of the type. I'm not up on prices, but $1000 seems full to me.