Robert I'd have to agree with Son. The first clearest indicator is the butt that is void of any markings. It would have been marked up as pictured. Also the wood looks unfinished and untreated. It doesn't have the appearance of a genuine factory assembled rifle. The forend and handguards usually fit very well together on an unmolested rifle with smooth lines and no gaps because they were finished off assembled. The jjco rifles similarly to this one don't appear to have had that final fitment. The rear sight protector looks like its been rusty and then refinished and yes the nosecap would certainly have been serial numbered. The rear sight bed ramp is blued and it wouldn't have been from factory and it looks a little battered to me. I wonder if this part was tampered with also. I've even got some doubt with the serial numbering of the action and barrel. Interesting the 3MD on the action. Cant say I've seen that on a 40's dated action.