Yes xausa It does appear the bolt handle sweeps back and appears it may also sweep out away from the stock as well in a radius. This modification would allow the handle to clear the low mounted scope. Not straight down like a proper Mauser. Nice rifle in a great caliber if the bolt hadn't been messed with. Very little collector value as previously stated. There is definitely a reason this individual did not post pictures of the top of the bolt handle. I would love to find an African type and seeing what was done to this one truly is disappointing.