My first post and of course it "Is my gun authentic?"

[DFR]

I researched as much as I can on this, but would appreciate expert opinion. I bought this in the late 80's early 90's... I forget where. I should keep better records. I can't find obvious importer marks.

My biggest concern is that there is no matching scope number on the shank.

The bolt looks rewelded to me, but I don't have a pic of that right now, but I could get it if needed.

I am thinking the mount and scope are legit, but the gun was never a "real sniper"

Thank you for your help, even if you dash my dreams

[Darryl]

No way of knowing without more photos. The parts you show look real, but there is not enough photos of the rifle to tell.
The images you supplied are of things you think are real.

Need to see
Import marks
Left side of barrel shank
under the bend on the bolt handle

My guess is, if you got this in the late 80's to early 90's it is probably a early Century Import.
A lot of these were made up from real sniper parts put on a standard M91/30 rifle.

Darryl

[DFR]

OK I dug it out for more pics I can't get the rear barrel band off right now to totally remove the handguard. I could CAREFULLY lift it and see no importer marks on the barrel..If needed I can try to remove it later. I can't see way back by the receiver.

[Miller Tyme]

The parts are all legit. The barrel shank appears to have been scrubbed where the scope s/n usually goes. The scope mount ep'ing looks good and the bolt looks ok.

Now that said some may question if this is a ex-sniper that was resnipered due to the lack of the scope number being reapplied. But it is also not to uncommon to have the number not reapplied during refurb.
It is my humble opinion it is legit sir.

[DFR]

I will fully remove the handguard to see if there is an import marking..rear band retention spring will need some encouragement..good old ding potential warning
EDIT::
**** ok.. I got the handguard off and I can not see any importer marks. I GENTLY pulled down on the stock and can't see any around the barrel there either. I really dont want to take the stock off

Ive included a few more pictures for judgement on authentic or not..Thanks.. MIller Tyme for your analysis.

[DFR]

One last pic..this shows to me an obvious metal removal on the left side of barrel shank...but is it deep enough to remove stamped numbers??

[Darryl]

Yes, it is deep enough to have removed the scope numbers.

Would love to see the import mark.

To me, without an import mark, ....... well ... Can't (or won't) say.

Darryl

[DFR]

Where else can I look????

[Darryl]

Well, on the earlier imports it was on the end (muzzle) usually on the right side or just slightly "under" a bit.
It is more obvious if it is a later import. Those were required to be on the receiver (behind the barrel shank).

But if this is really early (before they required import marking), it may not have a marking.
This would be a shame, because import marks can help "prove" authenticity. Without it, it's a crap shoot.

Darryl