Greetings to the forum. Been a lurker here, but have joined and would like to present a rifle and solicit some answers/opinions. Paid too much for this at a gun show in Sioux Falls. Those of you who are also on Accurate Reloading have already seen this. It is a takedown, built on a commercial Mauser action, in 318 WR. It is marked “Made for Fereday’s and Sons, Salisbury.” I liked the chambering, Rhodesian connection, and barrel configuration. It is an octagon-round with a full length integral rib. It has all the usual German proof marks, dated 12/26. I’m not sure about the Bayard marking on the action of what appears to be a German made rifle built on a commercial Mauser action.
There was some question about whether it is a 318WR or 8x60, so I slugged the barrel and did a chamber casting. It is a 318WR. I had a lot of trouble getting the cerrosafe casting out, and suspecting a mechanical lock brought it to a local smith for a borescope inspection. The chamber and bore are badly pitted.
If it doesn’t shoot, I would probably need a rebore. The only classic person African medium bore cartridge with a larger bore and chamber is 9.3x62. The muzzle diameter is only 0.583, which is cutting it pretty thin for a .366 bullet.
Any thoughts, opinions, or suggestions appreciated.