Here is an interesting puzzle.
A reader sent me these photographs of an big-bore action he found at an auction:
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There are no markings on it to provide any clues. The 90 degree bolt throw and the straight bolt handle suggests a military action, not intended for use with a scope. The last photo gives an idea of the scale, and it appears to be larger than common military cartridges.
It does not resemble the Mauser actions I have seen. Mannlicher bolts usually feature a butter-knife bolt handle, quite different to the handle on the mystery action. And if it was a Mosin-Nagant you would expect some Russian military markings on the hardware.
I had a look through my copy of “Firearms Past and Present” but no luck. The closest match I could find was a Mauser 1871, but the rear of the bolt is a poor match.
So, readers, any ideas?
