My No4 T (complete fake)

[Surpmil]

I would agree that 'replica' better describes the situation here of jsne's rifle & scope. 'Fake' suggests a replica created with the intent to deceive (usually for monetary gain), at least, it conveys those vibes to me, even if it is not explicit in the word.

I also do not see any reason not to build 'replicas' if one is so minded to do, so long as it is not with the intent of defrauding. There are lots of reasons to do so; the high prices of originals, the desire not to wear out a rare original rifle, & so on. I also accept the concerns that some express that half a dozen sales down the line the rifle may be passed off as original, but whilst it is a serious issue I do not think we should start trying to demonise people who wish to make up rifles. We (supposedly) still live in free societies......

Most people who get burnt these days do so through their own laziness; there is ample high quality information on what real examples of desirable rifles should look like, both on line & in the standard texts, & to be honest, most fakes I see really aren't THAT good.

They fool people who couldn't be bothered to do their homework..........

Quite agree Roger, though I think we probably have to draw the line at identical replication of original markings, unless qualified by some others that make their status clear.

The Garand fans seem to happily buy and sell refurbs and perfect "replicas" all day long without a cheep from anyone, so not sure what all the fuss is about with other arms.

Heaven knows there is so much information on so many subjects available now so easily there isn't much excuse for ignorance about anything a person WANTS to learn about.

Assuming they have the wits to sift the wheat from the chaff, as the saying goes.

And yet a good proportion of the population seem to be more ignorant than they have ever been before.