I take only minor exception to the 'serial number visible on bolt' comment. In my personal experience, for a variety of reasons, more often than not, serial numbers no longer visible on 'pre64' bolts. Normally lightly inscribed, these were intended for keeping matching assemblies together at the factory. Such rather than additional assurance to purchasers of new rifles. Most bolt SNs have simply disappeared (wear on aesthetic removal) over time. If other factors above look right, short of a 'new in box' scenario, I'd not be deterred by lack of visible SN .
It would be interesting to have pre64win weigh in with his experience concerning this matter. If I'd followed the "No visible bolt SN = Tilt" rule, I'd have missed some very nice rifles!!!
My take
