Washburn - have a L61R in .30/06 sn 511XXX with 24 inch blued chrome moly barrel marked "Garcia Sporting Goods", purchased new circa 1975. Very accurate with great manufacturing quality i.e. steel work and machining. Only problem after all these years was the original stock finish became gummy and sticky. Had it re-finished with no problems since then. Over the years I've noticed the bluing on the receiver and factory scope rings has taken on a "plum" colored hue to it.
My "Vixen HB" (L461 sn 152XXX).223 Rem, purchased at the same time, went thru the same sticky gummy stock problem as the 06 and also exhibits the "plum" coloring. A gunsmith friend said it was caused by the steel's nickel content. Hope this has helped you some. Regards, Homesteader.
