Up until about 1980 it was almost impossible to get one. Unlike the CMP the DCM only allowed one per person for life. There was a few made from DeMilled (cut in half) receivers found at gun shows but, the real McCoy was few and far between. I remember in the mid '70's when the Sheriffs Dept. was granted to purchase some for $165 IIRC.
The above is probably the biggest reason. I bought a M1 in the early 80's from the dcm for $125.00 but there just wasn't very much availability. Most 03's,P17's etc were sold as surplus cheap through the NRA for like $5. Then came production rifles and surplus rifle sales slowed or dried up.
I know guys in semi-auto restricted areas that drill out the gas plug and then had a bolt action rifle.
I love M1's, wonderful rifles and especially on days like June 6th it makes one really appreciate the contribution they made to the freedom of our country.
