Guys,

This has been tremendously informational. I cant thank you all enough.

The only unfortunate part is that I came to you guys a little late. I had already given my word to the current owner before putting this post up on nitroexpress and now cant back track.

Although I must mention, that I first put up this post on Mausercentral.com looking for help and information but the moderators there seem to be a bit finicky about my IP address (mentioned something about it being blocked for spam). Anyway, they were in a tearing hurry to block my account. I sent them multiple emails explaining that I was no spammer and there must have been some mistake, but no reply.

Net Result: Some enthusiastic chaps on Mausercentral.com went on about how this could be a Banner Mauser and got me all excited as well. In their defence, I dint have the chance to put up any details pictures thanks to the moderators..

Anyway, since this rifle is not going to set me back by much and the fact that it shoots straight, I might be able to get rid of it with little difficulty. Here in India, we are starved of guns as there is a restriction on imports (more on that later if you guys want).

One last thing, is there any way to figure out is the action itself is a fake or just the markings? because if its the later then possibly I would consider holding on to this rifle as a working 7x57 bolt action...

Thanks a million
Saif