Not a scarce series at all. 100K rifles made.
One of the most common T-38 rifles found in nice condition. Serial number puts it just before they started to incorporate the School/M marked breech around the 83xxx range and the Artillery spotter with threaded sleeve in butt stock later in the series.

Everyones option is different regarding excellent, mint, etc....post some photos of the rifle and accessories when you receive it then we can be more accurate with our assessment.