The serial # dates to 1943 production, and the barrel has a date stamp of October 1943, so this rifle appears to NOT have been later arsenal refurbished as so many others were, which is kinda rare now after all these years. It seems it has only been fitted with new wood, which is gorgeous. The cleaning kit is in the butt trap. The sling is a genuine MRT, dated 1986. This rifle was acquired in the early 90s and has been a safe queen since then. The only modern alteration is a high viz luminous green fiber optic front sight insert. One of the cleanest Garands you'll ever see, which is why it costs more than the beat up ones you see advertized elsewhere.