I had read of such things and today I saw one in the flesh. Front hand guard gone. Stock had been shaved down. Gas cylinder, operating rod, and trigger group had a shiny chrome finish. A buck horn rear sight was mounted on the barrel. It was truly hideous. Springfield Armory stamp on the heel, and I suspect it may be a re-weld receiver. $600 tag on it at my local gun store. I'm tempted to buy it, just to give it a decent burial.