Originally Posted by jplinville

Just now getting to this thread...beautiful example of the M1. I grew up shooting a Mattel made M1 Carbine and an Inland made M1 Garand.

Keep the original stock. Don't clean it to much that it removes the old finish or oils that seeped in with use, and seal it with a few coats of Tung Oil. I love seeing the old dirt and oil that has rubbed in to the wood grain through field use...it adds to the history of the rifle.

I was at the range in Ohio with the kids late last week and we saw a carbine example that, in my eyes, was ruined. The owner had reblued all the metal bits, added a new replacement stock, and a dded a scope. He was sure proud, showing the pictures of what it looked like 6 months prior, when he obtained it. In my eyes, and the eyes of any collector, the guy ruined it.

Keep her clean and dry, as well as well lubed, and she'll last you many years of fun.