H&R Model 65 with Garand / MC-58 Safety

[JP_USAF_Ret]

New to me is a Mod 65 with the WWII-era receiver markings (CO. vs INC.), no serial #, and the Garand-style safety later added to the MC-58s.

From research on here and other forums, it does not seem to be a MC-58 as the receiver should have H&R MODEL #65 MODIFIED/HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON, INC.

It has no other markings on the receiver.  The barrel has the standard .22 CAL LONG RIFLE ONLY, but does not have the H&R/Worcester or any other marking such as barrel letter code.  And the stock has the matching # to the buttplate, as well as a DoD acceptance stamp??? on the grip.

The rifle does not seem bubba'd or otherwise modified/cobbled together; it's in excellent, looks almost unused, shape.  It has the later bolt catch release, bolt in the white, adjustable trigger, and crossbolt stock.

So far, there's no clear explanation (and there may very well not ever be) on whether it's a lunchbox special, a one-off, a prototype, etc.

I've reached out to the seller and will post anything else I learn.

Edited March 9 by JP_USAF_Ret
Updated with stock marking and photo

[JP_USAF_Ret]

The seller was not able to provide any further information; appreciate any other ideas on how this rifle may have developed into this configuration.