G'day, the Gabe Gatti rifle was completed about 5 years ago. It did take about 3 years to be completed. The skeletonised butt plate and pistol grip cap is actually a deep blue. I know it appears grey in the photo; that is just the light and my camera. The WR 318 forend is attached to the barrel (not sure how)so that when the barrel/forend is removed it all stays together. The removal is quite simple; only about a half turn and is extremely secure. The lever on the side of rifle has something to do with that. I haven't seen it removed for many years and can't remember exactly what happens. When I visit him again I will take close up photos of the rifle in take down mode.
Cheers