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For fifty pounds you could get Westley Richards to send you copies of the records of that rifle.

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Well worth it.

Like the Smith and Wesson letters, very interesting and worthy in their own right. Ya never know what might turn up.

I'm with Peter on this one.

For those who don't know, I am NOT an expert on Brit bolts but know a little about Mausers.

So I have some questions;

Are legit W/R's actions engraved with the maker's name in such a crude fashion? Look at the "8" in the 318. Did the engraver cough or something or did somebody slap him on the back for such a good job right in the middle of whittling the 8?

Obviously the mounts are add-on's and I question the solder finish if W/R.

I am REALLY and truly interested in this, because if it is a legit W/R then I am learning some interesting stuff. I've seen a few {not many} W/R guns and I cannot recall any with such markings.

It is a very interesting gun.

The engraving itself is a dead ringer for the decoration on an old brass tea service a retired India missionary gave my Mom many years ago. That's literally what grabbed my eye when Peter suggested Pak/Afghan. Is it possible it is a legit W/R but engraved after the fact...?

The sweep of the bolt handle {not the knob} looks like a postwar FN Mauser. The knob is not standard of course but is easy to grind to shape. I've altered a few knobs myself. In fact, it looks alot like a Browning "A-Bolt" knob and in answer to the question that configuration is if anything an improvement on the ball or teardrop IMO. Very comfortable to use.

Regardless, if it is a post-War FN action {looks like a 1950's vintage FN} no harm there as long as W/R used such. It is definitely NOT a military action as Marrakai rightly states. That I know. There should be FN markings on it if it is not W/R. Not sure what markings were on W/R actions if they purchased them as actions direct from FN. {???}

As stated, it IS a very interesting gun. If true W/R it is informative. If "tarted up" up in Madras or Islamabad in some ways even more interesting!

At any rate, thanks very much for posting. Guns of unknown providence are always of interest.

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What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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