Real or Fake Sniper

[Mark in Rochester]

The astute observer will note the one-inch M1D mount with weaver K4-60B scope

[FlightRN]

The screw head in the thumbscrew isn't original is it? They're riveted. I've never seen a slotted screw head inside the thumbscrew.

IF, the mount is original, it could be someone (not the military) utilized a slotted 5/16x32NF slotted screw to "repair" a GI mount which the original riveted screw broke. Over the years I've found three examples where the screw was missing (broke?) or had been replaced with field expedient substitute. Most older reproductions had the screw welded, but i seen one that was a ad-hoc repair of an original.

[mark1]

The drawing number on original M1D barrels ends in 555. This is located under the rear hand guard or on the right side when the op rod is pulled back.

[browningautorifle]

The drawing number on original M1D barrels ends in 555.

I think the question is was this done by the armory or did John Q Public do it... The correct barrels and scope blocks are around if you look.

[FlightRN]

The drawing number on original M1D barrels ends in 555. This is located under the rear hand guard or on the right side when the op rod is pulled back.

Good Day,
This is true (555 marked USGI barrels) in most instances, but there are exceptions. It's more important to look at the construction of the barrel in order to determine originality.

[Singer B]

I got priced out of it. Based upon your responses, I have a feeling this is a bubba job. Normally a rifle like this hits $1,000 in the first week on the auction but this one took over two weeks so I suspect other bidders feel the same. Thanks again to everyone for your help.

[Singer B]

Just a follow-up, this rifle sold at auction for $5,750 so I assume someone believed it was genuine.