Included with this rifle is a photocopy of an article from the August 1991 edition of "Soldier of Fortune" magazine by Peter Kokalis, titled "Mountains of Militaria"; the main subject of the article was a mass export of military hardware from Colombia by Springfield Sporters. Among the materiel was a large number of M1 Garand rifles supplied by the U.S. in the 1950s, which were noted as being of very good quality for their age and field of use. In particular, the author noted a set of 12, described as "quite unique", featuring a set of drill holes into the sides and underside of the forearm and through both sections of the upper handguard (pictures of a Winchester-made example are included in the article). Similar drill holes were seen on a set of 98k rifles. Both sets of drilled wood arms had been subject to conversion to 7.62mm NATO suggesting that the holes were intended to provide immediate tactile feedback to the user to prevent mishaps related to mixed ammunition in insufficient light, similar to the "Red Nine" Broomhandle of World War I fame. The additional holes through the handguard may have assisted in drainage and ventilation, reducing the risk of moisture being trapped within the stock. Manufactured in January of 1944. Blade front and peep rear sights, with the rear sight cover marked "R-74/INDUMIL/NATO", (Industria Militar of Bogota, Colombia). The barrel is marked "1S A-7-44", and has been set back approximately 5/8 of an inch. Fitted with a Springfield bolt, trigger housing, hammer, safety, and operating rod. The stock has been modified as noted, with no visible cartouches and a green canvas sling.

Fine as arsenal refurbished/refinished, with 80% of the strong near-black color, showing some bright wear on the edges and bearing surfaces, a mixed gray color on the gas cylinder and nut, minor spotting and scattered handling marks. The stock is fair, with a number of chips, scuffs, and dents. The exact caliber has not been verified; the article notes the Colombian military as using chamber inserts (which were in danger of being worked loose and then pulled out during the extraction cycle), though the barrel set-back suggests a more permanent modification. Mechanically excellent.