Saw a very nice takedown today... Seller was only interested in a trade and said the gun was worth around $500.00 I offered him $2000.00 but he was not interested in the least. He said his wife would just spend the money and he was only interested in a trade. I had nothing he was interested in so I could only watch as he walked away. The rifle was not marked anywhere that I could see but from the moment I picked it up I could tell it was special. It had a G&H style scope mount and was drilled and inletted for a peep. Rather than a takedown lever that I usually see this one had a button that slid back to release the barrel. It had a very distinct bolt handle that is hard to describe but I would recognize in an instant if I saw another like it. I still feel sick and have a feeling I missed out on a once and a lifetime deal. So how about it, anyone want to post pics of their custom 03 bolt handles so I might get an idea as to who made the gun???
I wont be able to sleep tonight...

Many of the early gunmakers made take-downs on the 03's but only a few. The man who made the most and specialized in the take-down was Barney Worthen of San Francisco. He marked his name on the barrels but in very small letters than could be easily over looked. He made a safety bolt but it looks like others. Can you tell us a bit more?

Mr. Petrov

Below is a picture of what the bolt looked like, even had the same jeweling? The bottom metal and barrel takedown was the same as the one you have pictured. The checkering had the same break in the pattern on the pistol grip as your gun. It also had a small break running down the center of the forend checkering. Pistol grip cap had a trap door that contained what looked to be a very old round. The rear peep was missing. Scope mount was not a QD as it had screws where the levers would have been. The front sight would pivot inside the ramp and had no hood. I know its not much of a description but I was very excited at the time...
Best, JB
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...l%3Den%26um%3D1

That jeweling is typical of what's found on Niedner Rifle Corp rifles. The Niedner side mount used screws and not levers, I'll try to find a picture. I hope you got contact information so you could follow up on this ;-).

Mr. Petrov,
Thank you for posting your pics those are the same type screws. I have his number but like I said he only wants to trade. He was looking for a sporterized Krag. The one I have is in pieces and in need of a few parts. If I can get ahold of a nice one he will probably trade me. He said he would put the gun back in his fridge until he found what he was looking for... I guess he uses an old fridge for a safe?
Best-JB

Michael...Please!
Good luck in finding something to trade. A please post pictures if you get it.