I'm going by the Front Sight...If you have the Carbine in your hands and you can look at it real close. This Front Sight Looks like it has never been off this Carbine. I searched every inch of the Barrel and Receiver not one Scratch, grind or anything to show there was a import mark and was taken off. I think this Carbine was built this way. I like the Carbine and the deal was even better. All anyone can do is speculate. The DPS Trooper that sod it to me he has 7 others listed of a variety of WW2 Rifles and a couple more Carbines. They ALL look to be in really great shape. He did well Collecting all these years and is retiring, but is selling of his collection before he leaves the State Agency.