Bolt Action Rifles
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Book!
  • Very Useful
  • A classic work on rifle actions
  • An excellent reference
  • Bolt Action Heaven
Bolt Action Rifles
Frank De Haas , and Wayne Van Zwoll
Manufacturer: Krause Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0873496604

Book Description

Before purchasing a modern sporting rifle there are many things to consider. This updated and expanded edition of Bolt Action Rifles contains the information readers need to speak intelligently to gunsmiths, and understand their suggestions and objections. Contains years of thoroughly researched information, such as technical descriptions, instructions for takedown/disassembly, hints for reworking, and dimensional specifications of every major design manufactured since the Mauser of 1871.

This massive reference also contains a remarkable amount of historical and general information clearly written, not without an occasional touch of humor, and detailed assembly drawings of featured rifles with individual reviews of the action, safety, and firing mechanism. Suitable not only for the professional and amateur gunsmith, but also for any hunter or collector who wishes to gain a more thorough understanding of his gun, and anyone who contemplates acquiring a new one.

* Coverage includes most of the major military and civilian rifle actions * Features updated and expanded information

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Book!.......2006-01-28

I have taken my guns apart and looked at the design, but now I am learning more about my guns with this book.

De Haas can take guns apart, see more, and write more than I can for myself.

If you have a zillion bolt action rifles, get this book and read about what you have got.

De Haas lists advantages and disadvantages of each rifle design. This is not light reading from some stupid gun writer, this is like engineering, and may be too much for some readers.

700 pages, and he shows drawings of the threads and shanks of the barrels, for those into re barreling.

5 out of 5 stars Very Useful.......2000-12-03

I have the older 2nd edition of this book, and it is one of the most dog-eared volumes in my library.

Sometimes the author is not quite as technical as I might like. For example, he frequently asserts that this or that old military action "must have been" made out of high-grade steel without having done any actual analysis or even hardness testing of the material in question. But, his descriptions do convey at least as much information about the many designs covered as I would have gotten if I had the chance to disassemble and study them all myself. I don't have a hardness tester either.

The book is generally well written and fun to read.

If you're thinking about buying a modern sporting rifle, you might want to read this and compare the various designs before you lay down your money. If you enjoy sporterizing old military junkers, collecting old military classics, or just lurking around gun shows, you need this book.

4 out of 5 stars A classic work on rifle actions.......2000-07-05

This is one of the frequently-quoted "classics" in the field of firearms literature (first edition was in 1971). But even a classic deserves a critical review, such as to determine its (remaining) usefulness, and its strengthes and weaknesses.

This book is not a true encyclopedia of rifles; for such a purpose, a work like John Walter's "Rifles of the World" (or, formerly, W.H.B. Smith's now outdated "Book of Rifles") would be more comprehensive. It is mainly a thorough (528 pp.) technical treatise on most of the major military (17) and civilian (56) rifle actions. Its strength lies in the very good and very thorough technical descriptions, instructions for disassembly, hints for reworking and sporterizing. Nevertheless, the book also contains a remarkable amount of historical and general information; it is therefore suitable not only for the professional and amateur gunsmith, but also for any hunter or collector who wishes to gain a more thorough understanding of his gun, and who contemplates acquiring a new one.

De Haas' language is clear and simple, not without an occasional touch of humour. The author's modesty and willingness to acknowledge some limits of knowledge in such a vast field are remarkable and greatly underline his general credibility and experience.

Small drawbacks of the book are the generally mediocre quality of illustrations (while often okay, they are sometimes dark, sometimes downright blotchy). The bibliography is limited to articles in the "American Rifleman" and "Gun Digest", and an expanded edition would be appreciated. And some commercial German rifle actions might be added.

5 out of 5 stars An excellent reference.......2000-06-06

If you already own one rifle and will never buy another, don't bother. Reading this would be like reading Road&Track after buying your only new car for the next ten years. If you're only going to buy one rifle and know it well, or if you collect, or especially if you are considering a conversion of an old ex-military bolt action into a sporter, you need this book. It provides an in-depth analysis of not just how rifle actions are designed, but their suitability for customization, what cartridges they can and cannot be converted to, etc. The author restocked, scoped, honed, rebarreled, or otherwise upgraded all of the common actions in the book (and many of the less common ones too). Since these upgrades are what most hunters are interested in, the book in invaluable before dropping money on changes. It is not a gunsmithing how-to, but gives the detail you will need to speak intelligently to your gunsmith and understand his/her suggestions and objections. If you are looking for a good read, you can read the history of each action, skip the assembly/disassembly and design analysis, and then read the conclusions on conversion or upgrades. Later when a greasy old war trophy follows you home from a gun show, you can eagerly lap up every detail from receiver ring to tang.

5 out of 5 stars Bolt Action Heaven.......2000-04-07

De Haas has compiled an extensive array of bolt action rifles ranging from the early military Enfields and Mausers actions to the modern commercial bolt actions of Sako, Ruger and Remington to name a few. Not only are there detailed assembly drawings of the rifles but there are individual reviews of the action, safety, and firing mechanism. Frank also passes on his comments as to pros and cons of the overall shooting system and his views on customisation and calibre combination. The book has become an invaluble reference piece in my library if only to build a wish list of bolt actions I might one day be able to afford.
Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good history
  • Great Book
  • Excellent book on collecting bolt actions!
  • Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles
  • Broad but shallow
Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles
Paul S. Scarlata
Manufacturer: Andrew Mowbray Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0917218965

Book Description

The untimate guide to collecting bolt action military rifles of the world, with lots of shooting information, too. Over 400 photographs printed on coated paper show you the details you need to see to identify rare and valuable types. Clearly describes all of the various bolt action systems used by the different nations and how they differ from one another.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Good history.......2006-03-19

This book is a pretty good history for bolt action military rifles, however a serious collector will find little value in this book.

4 out of 5 stars Great Book.......2005-07-01

This is an excellent text and hits the target dead on (right in the old 'X'). It captures the fun and spirit of "milsurp" collecting and covers all of the major areas in sufficient detail for a typical collector.

It's true that if you're a specialist collector in a particular area you will want additional reference materials--but this book does not set out to be the encyclopedia of firearms minutia. Instead, it's an enjoyable look into the collecting world. Having said that, it still provides a goodly supply of solid details that match my other (more encylopedia-like) reference works.

It focuses on the types and classes of rifles that collectors are likely to come across in today's environment, and stays right on topic throughout. It also has a few pages on rifles that you won't likely come across... but would sure like to!

Filled throughout with excellent photographs, and each major rifle's "stats" are called out in a highlighted box.

The physical production of the book is beyond reproach--you really are getting fine quality in a book that will last. The writing is easily accessible, though at times a bit too chatty for my tastes. Aside from a few minor typographical errors (reference to an antique Winchester Model 1985, for example) the read is enjoyable and just plain fun. With a good editor the 2nd edition will be a true classic.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent book on collecting bolt actions!.......2003-10-27

I bought this book after collecting rifles for a few years, it is in fact the ONLY contemporary book to cover the history and development of all the major manufacturers and models in such detail and with great pictures too. The chapters of the book are well planned and as I find myself exploring a new area of collecting, I read the relevant chapter again. After collecting German bolt actions for some time I got interested in Lee-Enfields and the discussion and pictures of these rifles was very helpful in getting a good coverage of the rifles and models. It can also be helpful to the more experienced collectors, some time ago I came across a rifle in a store marked as a Greek Mauser. I know what a Greek Mauser looks like and this was not one, it is marked 'Breda 1927' on the side of the receiver. After perusing Mr. Scarlata's book I came across a whole section including pictures of the rifle, it is a Mannlicher Schoenauer 1903/14 rifle. Scarlata explains how in 1926 the Greeks signed an agreement with Societa Anonima Ernesto Breda of Brescia Italy for 100,000 of these rifles which were delivered in 1929. He also mentions that there is some speculation that the rifles were in fact produced by Steyr and assembled and finished in Italy so as to bypass restrictions imposed on the Austrians by the Allies after WWI. If you are at all interested in the history and development of bolt action rifles you need this book.

4 out of 5 stars Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles.......2002-10-24

I couldn't disagree more with the earlier review. This book is quality work. Mr. Scarlata does a good job describing the primary weapons of the major and minor powers of the late 19th to the middle 20th century. He then goes on to describe the major variants of each type. As Scarlata desribes the firearms, he points out with word and photo the unique features that he and, hence, you will find interesting. I almost didn't buy the book because of the earlier review. I'm glad I did. If you want to know everything about every variation of the US Krag get Brophy's book. If you want good meaty info on most of the world's bolt rifles here is the place to start. By the time you need more information on your rifle of interest, just flip to the comprehensive bibliography in the back of the book.

2 out of 5 stars Broad but shallow.......2002-04-26

This book is a broad and moderately detailed history of the development of the military bolt action. For someone just getting interested in the subject, it would provide a useful general guide, but it lacks sufficient detail and depth to be useful as a reference for anyone other than the most casual collector. In fact, I was quite dissapointed by the paucity of information related to actually collecting these rifles, given that that is what the book purports to be. If the book were titled as a history it would certainly have fulfilled my expectations, but even with that it is too expensive for what it delivers. I returned mine.
Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles
  • Dated, more suited for hunting rifle gunsmiths
  • A good read but don't expect to build a rifle after reading it.
  • A Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles
Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles
Bill Holmes
Manufacturer: Paladin Press, Boulder, CO
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. .50-Caliber Rifle Construction Manual: With Easy-to-Follow Full-Scale Drawings .50-Caliber Rifle Construction Manual: With Easy-to-Follow Full-Scale Drawings
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ASIN: 1581604203

Book Description

If you are looking to build a bolt-action rifle, buy this book first! It will teach you step-by-step how to make a rifle from scratch in a small, inexpensive shop. The simple instructions and drawings guide you through selecting materials; manufacturing the bolt, trigger, safety and sights; chambering the barrel; finishing the stock; and everything else you need to know.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles.......2006-10-13

Bill Holmes is a true gunmaker. He may not make all the screws and pins or rifle his barrels, but everything else is of his design and fabrication. Other than the work of Frank DeHass and one or two others, there has been little published work on how to produce a firearm from raw material that is competitive in function, appearance and performance to ones commercially produced. His experience in gun work spans over fifty years. In that time he has designed, modified, and produced most every type of firearm from 22 rim-fire to 50 BMG. Mr. Holmes readily admits that there may other methods and designs that can produce the same results. His goal was to develop methods that work as simply as possible within the means of his shop and with his tools. Bill Holmes has accomplished a goal that many hobbyist and professionals can only dream of. Adequate machine drawings of each part are included with photographs of tools and machine setups. The drawings are hand sketched and some of the photographs are out of focus. Mr. Holmes' book will not tell how to do everything. If you do not know how to drill and tap a hole, properly use a spoke shave, mix bluing salts, or what head space means, you will have to learn those and many other things from other sources. This is no fault to Mr. Holmes. There is no use in repeating what is listed in many other fine gunsmithing books. This review is structured with the table of contents by describing the scope of each chapter and the addition of my comments.

Introduction - Mr. Holmes defines what gunmaking is and how one may become a gunmaker.

Tools and Equipment - A good lathe and mill are mandatory. If you cannot acquire good machine tools and learn how to use them, then you should just forget about trying to fabricate a quality firearm.

Materials - Description of high-alloy steel, chamber reamers and stock wood with sources for purchasing.

Design - Bolt-action design featuring a one-piece receiver with three forward locking lugs, one-piece bolt with three locking lugs, model 70-type three position safety, model 70-type trigger, and a Sako-type extractor. The advantage of three locking lugs is that they are easier to cut with a shop-made broach. The proper scope base will have to be determined by the maker.

Receiver Manufacture - Describes the design and machining process of producing the receiver. Also included are instructions on making the broach used to form the receiver locking lugs.

Bolt Manufacture - Describes the design and machining process, fitting the extractor, and welding the bolt handle.

Trigger Assemblies - Describes the design and machining process of a model 70-type trigger. Also included, are instructions for fitting such a trigger to the 98 Mauser, P14/17 Enfield, and US Springfield. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book.

Safeties - Describes the design and machining process of a three-position model 70-type safety, bolt sleeve, firing pin, and cocking piece.

Bolt Stop and Ejector - Describes the design and machining process of the bolt stop and ejector.

Magazines, Trigger Guards, and Floorplates - Describes the design and fabrication process of a one-piece steel trigger guard with hinged floorplate. A custom Savage 110 or Remington Model Seven would not be complete without an elegantly shaped steel trigger guard. Since none are available for purchase, you will have to make them.

Modification of Existing Actions - Brief descriptions of what can be done to sporterize the Mauser 98, P-14/17 Enfield, and US Springfield.

Barrel Fitting, Chambering, and Shaping - Very little is described about threading, chambering, and fitting a rifle barrel. Most of the chapter is devoted to the process of forming fluted and octagon barrels. A drawing of a barrel support tool used in machining is included.

Iron Sights and Quarter Ribs - A very good description on tooling and process for producing band sight bases, and quarter ribs.

Muzzle Brakes - Describes the design and machining process of making muzzle brakes. I have no doubt that Mr. Holmes muzzle brakes work well, but they add nothing to the appearance of the completed rifle.

Stocks - Describes producing a one-piece wood stock from the blank by hand. Semi-inleted and shaped stocks are not readily available for such a unique rifle action. This is something that more hobby gunsmiths should consider learning. With practice, it is not really that hard to do. Brief description of quality stock wood and stock finishing.

Checkering - A very good chapter with patterns on hand checkering. This is another skill that more hobby gunsmiths should consider learning. It's too bad Mr. Holmes did not include plans for making a checkering cradle.

Buttplates - Describes producing and forming a curved steel butt plate and grip cap. Make or buy? You can decide, but it is still a good process to know.

Heat Treatment - Describes the heat treatment of high-alloy steel. Mr. Holmes recommends that the receiver and bolt be sent to experts. The other parts can be heat treated in shop.

Finishing and Coloring - Instructions are given only for metal preparation. The preparation requires most of the work and skill in producing a fine metal finish. No bluing process is explained.

Adjusting and Test-Firing - Describes proper checking and testing of the trigger-safety system, feeding, extraction, and ejection before live firing. The rest is safety precautions.

Conclusion - I recommend that A Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles be added to any gun worker's book collection who wishes to become more than a parts-changer. Is making your own rifle worth the time, trouble, and expense when there are many surplus actions that will give the same results with less trouble? The reader will have to decide for himself. Competing against products of the major gun manufactures is not the goal of most gunsmiths. The goal of most high-level gunsmiths is to produce a small number of products with features of refinement and elegance that their customers want and major gun manufactures are unable or unwilling to produce. Another goal is the sense of pride and accomplishment of showing off a fine rifle that I made myself. A Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles can be a useful guide and inspiration for one wishing to reach that level of skill, expertise, and pride.

2 out of 5 stars Dated, more suited for hunting rifle gunsmiths.......2006-04-17

I am getting into Benchrest Shooting and gunsmithing match quality rifles. I was hoping that this book would give me some good info and teach me some new techniques. Unfortunately the book is pretty dated and is more suited to hunting rifles and actions. The illustrations are sometimes blurry and all are in black & white. There is some good information but there are a lot better books out there in my opinion. For benchrest precision, I just got a book from John Hinnant titled "Complete illustrated guide to precision rifle barrel fitting", it is a lot better. YMMV

3 out of 5 stars A good read but don't expect to build a rifle after reading it........2006-02-14

This book is a very interesting read and there is no doubt that Bill Holmes knows what he is doing when it comes to building a rifle. However, the drawings are not accurate and there is simply to much information left out of the plans for an individual that has never built a rifle before to read this book and build a bolt action rifle. The information that I found most useful in this book is the information about materials selection, heat treating, and the machining processes used to build a one off rifle.

4 out of 5 stars A Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles.......2005-05-19

The reason I gave this book a 4 star rating is because the way Bill Holmes wrote this is like he expects you to know what all the words mean. What I mean is that all the "hard" words dealing with gunsmithing (i.e. chuck, broach, etc.) are not told what they mean and he doesn't have a glossary. This is a good book for advanced riflesmiths but not beginners.
.50-Caliber Rifle Construction Manual: With Easy-to-Follow Full-Scale Drawings
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • 50 cal. rifle plans
  • Lacking in valuable information
  • Poor Drawings. Not for a Novice
  • More than just a simple set of plans
  • If you know how to use a lathe and Vert. Mill You can build a 50.
.50-Caliber Rifle Construction Manual: With Easy-to-Follow Full-Scale Drawings
Bill Holmes
Manufacturer: Paladin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1581603460

Book Description

This is the book that do-it-yourselfers anxious to try building their own .50-caliber rifles have been demanding since the best-selling Home Workshop .50-Caliber Sniper Rifle videotape first came out. In this companion book, Bill Holmes uses easy-to-follow foldout drawings and precise dimensions to take you step-by-step through the process of designing and constructing your very own .50-caliber rifle easily and inexpensively. Find out this master gun maker's professional secrets to fashioning the receiver, barrel and accessories, bolt, trigger assembly, buttstock, scope mount, bipod and muzzle brake using commonly acquired materials. Once you have made all the component parts, Bill then instructs you in the right way to assemble and test-fire your new home workshop firearm. With Bill Holmes as your guide, construction is a snap. Warning: It is your responsibility to make sure that you have complied with all local, state and federal laws with regard to the manufacture of any firearm.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars 50 cal. rifle plans.......2007-07-20

I found there is to much missing data, very important data.It is interesting reading material.

2 out of 5 stars Lacking in valuable information.......2007-01-07

This book is incredibly rudimentary. Important information, e.g. the design requirements for the trigger/sear, are sadly lacking. The most disappointing section for me was the section regarding the barrel. The section begins "The barrel can be turned from a commercial blank or made from a surplus military barrel." Perhaps I was expecting too much when I thought that the book would cover the making of the barrel too. Even so, there is no discussion on crowning angle, or even advice on reaming the chamber and achieving the correct headspace. There is better information available on the 'net - take a look at Lilja Precision Rifle Barrels for instance and what Daniel Lilja has written on the subject. How a rifle works can be considered to be pretty simple - and if this book offers anything then it at least offers moral support that building your own rifle is very possible. If you own a lathe and a milling machine, and have a good idea of what is involved in safe mechanical design, then you can probably design and build a decent rifle from information already available for free. Looking at the "Search Inside" pages of Bill Holmes' "Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles " I think that this would be a much better buy.

2 out of 5 stars Poor Drawings. Not for a Novice.......2006-12-14

Speaking as someone trained in drafting, I agree with other reviwers that the drawings are pretty poor. Above all, they don't follow normal drafting practice and are confusing even to me. Given enough time, of course, someone familiar with drafting and machine work can figure it out. This is definitely not a book for a novice. In any case, for a general idea on how to build a 50 BMG, the book will at least get one headed in the right direction.

I won't hammer the author's effort too much, since he makes it clear in the intro that he is up in years, almost blind, and has Parkinson's Disease.

5 out of 5 stars More than just a simple set of plans.......2006-11-21

First, at the obvious level, here is a set of plans and a bit of discussion about those plans that will enable you to build a high powered rifle. It shoots the .50 Browning MG round, and is really designed for long range target shooting, say something a mile or so away.

Second, and perhaps even more interesting this gun is really a simple device. Virtually any machine shop can build it if they have even the most rudimentary equipment such as a screw cutting lathe and a milling machine. What this illustrates is just how simple it is to build weapons. Here you have detailed instructions on how to build a weapon that is powerful and accurate enough to seriously hurt an armored car.

Third, this is the kind of gun that the politicians will rant about, even though there has never been any evidence that one has ever been used in a crime. I believe this gun would be illegal in California, and perhaps in other states, just because they are convenient targets for politicians who really don't want guns in anybody's hands.

Thanks to Paladin Press for putting this one out.

4 out of 5 stars If you know how to use a lathe and Vert. Mill You can build a 50........2006-11-18

This is not the easiest read there is but if you can read a how to from a pencil drawing like most customer's ask you to make something from nothing You should be able to build this. Do not let this be your only guide but one of several I did not see the video that goes with this. the drawing and writing leave a lot to be desired For the price it is OK but who knows maybe I will have to write a book towards this area. If you need to have your hand held the whole way you need to do much more than this before taking on this problem.

dray
Winchester Bolt Action Military and Sporting Rifles, 1877 to 1937
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Winchester Bolt Action Military and Sporting Rifles, 1877 to 1937
    Herbert G. Houze
    Manufacturer: Andrew Mowbray Incorporated, Publishers
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    ASIN: 0917218841

    Book Description

    The world's most popular and respected Winchester expert presents the ultimate guide to Winchester bolt action rifles. From the famous Hotchkiss through to the popular Models 54 and 70, renowned Winchester authority Herbert G. Houze covers both civilian and military bolt actions, starting off with five full chapters on the Hotchkiss. He then continues with eleven additional chapters about other exciting Winchester rifles, like the Murata Year 17 Rifle, the Model 1895 Winchester-Lee, the William Mason Straight Pulls, the T.C. Johnson Model A and B Magazine Rifles, the Pattern 1914 Enfields, the Winchester Model C and D Rifles, the Model 1917 U.S. Rifle, the Model 1918 .50 Anti-Tank Rifle, the Model 51 Inperial Sporting Rifle, the Winchester Model 54 and the development of the Model 70. Houze's easy-to-read text is packed with useful technical specifications, intriguing historical notes and previously unpublished production details - all illustrated with 295 large, clear photographs.
    Bolt Action a Design Analysis Vol 1 & 2
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Bolt Action a Design Analysis Vol 1 & 2
      Stuart Otteson
      Manufacturer: Wolfe Pub Co
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: CD-ROM

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      ASIN: 0935632239
      Bolt Action Rifles, Expanded 4th Edition
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Bolt Action Rifles, Expanded 4th Edition

        Manufacturer: Krause Publishing
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback
        ASIN: B000H7LO5Q
        The Bolt Action, Vol. 1: A Design Analysis
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          The Bolt Action, Vol. 1: A Design Analysis
          Stuart Otteson
          Manufacturer: Wolfe Publishing Company
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover

          GeneralGeneral | Reference | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 0935632212
          German Rifle: A Comprehensive Illustrated History of the Standard Bolt-Action Designs, 1871-1945
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            German Rifle: A Comprehensive Illustrated History of the Standard Bolt-Action Designs, 1871-1945
            John Walter
            Manufacturer: Fortress Publications
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover
            ASIN: 0969048688
            ORIGINAL PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 137,617 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO BOLT-ACTION RIFLES.
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              ORIGINAL PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 137,617 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO BOLT-ACTION RIFLES.

              Manufacturer: HMSO
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Hardcover
              ASIN: B000HGLAQ0

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