Spotting a clone

[JimFromHorsham]

With the clone wars stronger than ever I thought it might be an idea to have a thread based on how to spot what’s real and what’s not , to be clear this is not a clone bashing thread , but simply a way to hopefully help you get what is advertised , be it parts , optics , lasers/torches or maybe even RIF’s themselves . just because it says Aimpoint/Eotech/Magpul/Surefire doesn’t mean it is , even the packaging is being cloned to a high standard so don’t get get duped . 
 

I’ll start with a simple Magpul CTR stock in FDE  , there will be better clones than others and I’ve picked a “Tak Tak” variant which retails at around £15-£20 in the UK VS a Gebuine CTR which retails around £75-£80  , the clone Says Magpul on it so in passing looks legit , the biggest tell is usually going to be the colour but as we know everyone’s photos and lighting looks a bit different and if you have nothing genuine to compare to when it arrives you are just taking the sellers word .

 

heres a few comparisons , and highlighted differences between the two which should be easy to spot , 

 

Genuine is CTR is either Top or to the Left .

 

main points to note -

 

Genuine will have black tabs where the stock pad locates NOT TAN

Genuine will have a molding mark on the underside , oval shaped .

Genuine stock pad will have an “F” in the lower right hand side “pocket”

Text spacing , the Genuine will be bolder and spaced correctly 

Length , generally the Clones will be a touch longer .

Extra Text , the genuine will have extra text in the lower frame , plus batch / manufacturing numbers just above the locking lever .

 

 

Hope this helps , as time permits I will add more comparisons .