I agree, I suspect it is a converted military rifle though I've not closely compared proofing between my contracted military gun and the Higgins I have that was built on a commercial FN action. My 50s commercial action does not have a stripper clip guide cut in the receiver; can't comment on the barrel as it was not made by FN. Does look like it was done well though, the checkering on the bolt handle is comparable in quality/look to my factory sporter, and that is a nice trigger guard they put on.