Fascinating rifle. If the 6.5X54MS cartridge fits the magazine, then that is the rifle's original chambering. The magazine spool was made specific to each cartridge including the neck diameter & whould not feed any other round unless a guide spur was welded to the side of the mag. I have seen this action rebarreled to 243 & such modifications made to the mag. Also read about such mods for 7X57 etc. You could check out the Mannlicher Collectors Assn - http://discover-net.net/~kanotex/mannlicher/. Very knowledgable guys who will help.

I have 2 1903s - one is an original pre WW1 sporter with 24" barrel & in immaculate condition - re blued & stock refinished by someone in the past. Beautiful tiger striped walnut stock with perfect checkering. The 5 piece cleaning rod in the butt trap is unused & the wood inside is spotless. It has a peepsite fitted to the cocking piece & shoots well - I shot a deer with in in May (New Zealand is open season all year). The other is a 1930 Greek military carbine that was customised by an ammature - I am having it done by a pro now.

How do you put in the Photos? I am not able paste them in.