Gentlemen,

As the topic heading states, I am looking for advice how to identify a genuine P O Ackley Japanese Mauser action. The sidewall does not have Mr Ackley's name and Salt Lake city address but "Soyo south-paw". Soyo, Japan appear on the underside of the action flats.

The bolt diameter is circa 0.700 inches against the De Haas book dimension of 0.705 inches. Unfortunately, since the action is barrelled, it is not possible to see whether it is a C or H breech. BTW, the bottom metal has definitely been changed, along with the safety and gas shroud. The bolt looks like it is after market too.

Those who have an Ackley action, could they please offser some advice? Thanks in advance.

Remove the bolt and look from the rear. You can still tell C from H.

Adam

Thank you for your reply.

I had wondered whether it would be possible to identify this this with a barrelled action when the bolt is removed. I looked through my Kimber and Dakota rifles with the bolt removed and pointing towards the light but could not see much. I then assumed this feature is only clear when dealing with the 'bare' action alone.

I am not trying to be a wise guy but that's what flashlights are for. You shine it in the chamber end from the side and see easily.

Understood. I have tried shining a mini Maglite torch from the side (through the bolt extraction port) while viewing from the end of the action, 'end on' as it were. I have also tried viewing at an angle through the bolt extraction port while shining the torch from the end of the action breech / bolt end, end on.

However, with my Dakota M76 and Kimber 82, I find it difficult to make out even one slot cut, the one needed for the extractor. It all looks plain / flush to me.

I think I am suffering from a perception / focus problem, reinforced by not being absolutely clear - the geometry I am trying to see. In De Haaees book, the pictures are clear, but then again, the book shows just action pictures, not barrelled action pictures.

I will have another go. Thanks to all who have taken the time to offer advice.

It turned out to be a H cut inner collar, so definitely not an original Ackley Mauser despite having SOYO Japan on the action flats / underside.

Back to quietly searching again.