Guys

Thanks for replies. I'm pretty sure, although not 100% certain, that some of these short barrel, half stocked rifles came from the factory in that condition. Last year Holts had one for sale with the short bbl.

I have posted a question on the Mannlicher forum mentioned above but they seem to be studiously ignoring my post - don't know why.

This rifle I'm looking at has all matching numbers and is in lovely original condition as far as I can tell. Except the takedown pin in the forend which has been lost at some point.

I love these old ladies and have been interested in them from boyhood - don't know why I left it so long to get my first one - a nice 1903 takedown which arrived about a month ago from Melbourne. It was owned by an old army Colonel who used it a lot in Malaysia. Apparently the last time he remembers using it was when a Tiger was standing in the middle of a track they were driving along. He brought the 6.5 up for the shot but the Tiger was too quick for him and jumped into the bush!

The spring-up grip mounted peep site was a factory option - not sure if only on the takedowns tho.

Will post some photos soon.

Cheers.

GG