While researching and looking at pics of WZ-48s I noticed that most of the new-looking 48s from the vendors today have in-the-white bolts.

My 48 is a refurb (no counter-bore) and the bolt has been blued. Looking at the blue wear on the bolt it was certainly used after the refurb so it was not refurbed specifically for export or storage.

While not as pretty as the new looking ones I sort of like the look. It seems to fit in with my other Mosins better.

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"Senator, don't pee down my back and tell me it's raining"

I had heard that the earlier Wz48 models had the blue bolt
Least from what I have gathered in researching these rifles...

Mine has a blued bolt as well, and the tiniest, tiniest importer I have even see or barely can see
it was imported by Gibs, Martinsburg, WVa but don't know the year span that they came in

_________________
"Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory,
nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds,
yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored."

Semper Fi