Does the stock/bbl inletting show any signs of the bbl having been set back? Shims on either side of the tapered bbl, epoxy filler, etc.
The only reason I ask is that the bbl itself where it seats against the action has the same Dot Punch border as done on the action top around the scope block and I can see it along the left rail.
The only difference is that when done on the action, the Dot Border is accompanied by the small repetitive scroll to the 'inside' of it.
That small scroll is missing on the bbl border which makes me think the bbl may have been set back a small amt at some point and that detail was lost.
If it's the orig bbl (It is #'d), the inletting would show a gap or a gap and a filler.
A set back bbl would have then meant a slight rechambering to reset the headspace. Maybe it was done to the gauge of a cartridge that was handy instead of a HS gauge.
..Or maybe they never got around to doing the Re-chambering to reset the HS after setting back the Bbl. That's why a 30-06 won't chamber.
No Witness MArk on the bbl,,that may have gone missing when the shoulder was turned back in the bbl set back opperation as well
..and then all this may just be a bunch of WAGs and have nothing what so ever to do with the whole situation!
Nice looking rifle though. Hope you get it sorted out.
The LA, Cal bbl address would make me think it was made up in 30-06 for a US client or at least for a US off the rack sale.
