Lancaster,

The guns that I have seen and shot (belonging to friends) in Malaysia were all new ones as I told you. However, in India, Mannlichers were always considered aristocrats' guns among bolt actions while Mausers, Lee Speeds etc were working guns.

I do like the restoration project by Harold Ledbetter that you have posted. There are many such projects being done these days (Corbin has a new one of his own on these very forums) and that can only be a good thing.

Do post pictures of your rifles as well over here.

Good hunting!