Springfield Armory M1 Garand, 1958 production, Type I, NM Rifle with Type II modifications. ("Type I" NM rifles were produced from 1953-1958 and were essentially standard production M1 rifles selected for accuracy. Beginning in 1958 and continuing until production of the M1 NM rifles ceased in 1963, Springfield Armory introduced special parts and glass bedding new and rebuilt NM rifles. The NM rifles manufactured from 1959-1963 are known as "Type II" rifles.) The serial number of this rifle, "6080744" is consecutive to the SA NM M1 Rifle number "6080743" also offered in this auction. This rifle has a gray-green parkerized barrel, receiver and trigger housing group. The walnut stock, handguard and forearm have a semi-gloss finish. The rifle barrel is stamped with the drawing number ("SA F6535448") and the date ("4 56") on the right side of the chamber along with proof and targeting marks and the Defense Acceptance stamp. The barrel is not stamped with the distinctive codes that were stamped on the chamber on NM rifles between 1959 and 1962. The left side of the barrel is hand-stamped with "NM" followed by a five-point star (the "NM" markings were stamped on the barrels of National Match from at least 1955; the star was added in 1958 to indicate the barrel met the higher accuracy standards instituted that year). The rifle is fitted with the hooded NM rear sight aperture and "NM/2" rear sight base authorized in 1962, "NM" marked windage knob, 1962 operating rod stamped "NM" on the handle and "7790722-RA", "NM" marked gas cylinder and front sight stamped "NM/062" on the right side. The stock has fiberglass bedding. The bedding is not armory quality work and is more extensive than armory bedding. The forearm is 'screwed and glued' to the lower barrel band. Springfield manufactured NM rifles had the forearms glued to the barrel bands and did not use the additional wood screws. The partial serial number "2959" is written on the inside of the stock which indicates that the stock is from another NM rifle. This rifle has no NM documentation but appears to be an original 1958 production Springfield Type I NM that was subsequently shooter-fitted with the improved NM components in 1962 or later and had the forearm attached by the popular 'screwed and glued' method. The stock is stamped with the Defense Acceptance mark on the left side below the rear sight and has an encircled "P" proof mark on the inside of the handguard and pistol grip. The rifle is complete with a CMP sales carton. U.S. service rifles with consecutive serial numbers (also offered in this auction, buy the other one also!) are very rare.