M1A1 - Real or Fake?

[USGI]

No expert here, but it's got my fake one beat! I wouldn't quite call it "original" - something about the pistol grip and some of the markings look questionable. To me it looks 'enhanced' a bit and some of the stock metal may be refinished, or swapped from a reproduction. One thing demonstrated here is how differences in the photography can sway your opinion. For example, compare pictures #24 with #40 - the finish can look so much different depending on the lighting. Boy, the muzzle and rifling sure look good! Harlan taught me all about slings, so I know that's legit! Without looking up the dates for all the pieces, to me the mix of early and late parts are questionable. I think the closeup of the front band shows the correct features discussed recently in the other threads. I wouldn't mine owning it. - Bob