I have finally got my 603 home - and what a beauty she is.

As I took it from its cardboard sleeve and out of the foam packaging, I found it hard to believe that it had even shot the claimed 100 pellets - it really is "as new" and I am delighted with it - a worthy replacment for my 601 ( a rifle I sold in a weak moment and regretted it ever since).

However, this rifle has a feature I did not have on my 601, and although it is not shown or mentioned in the owners handbook, it does look like it is an original part and not an aftermarket accessory.

On the left hand side of the loading flap there is a long tube that points backwards. As the flap opens this tube moves backwards, and when pushed forwards again it closes the flap - but not completely as it still needs pushing downwards from above to latch it closed as pushing this tube cannot do this.

I cannot see the point of having this partial closing option - so does anyone know why it is fitted and what it's advantage could be?