Let me explain a little better. I purchased the rifle from Clay Smith in used condition. He told me the rifle belonged to his good friend of many years who had just died. And his friends wife asked Mr. Smith to sell the rifle for him. I am not saying Mr. Smith made the rifle. I do not know the origin of the builder that made the rifle. I never asked Mr. Smith. He told me it was a good deal. And with his reputation, that was good enough for me. Tom.