Is it possible that HW made the early 95/98 MK 1 barrels on BSF machinery they purchased in that time period? I don't know if a barrel machine was included but I can say that I have one of the Marksman 56 FTS models of that time period and one thing that really stands out is the very clean machining on the entire rifle. Probably the nicest work of any of my HW rifles. I've had other people make the same observation. I assumed it was just one of those rifles that was made on a "good day" possibly using new cutters. It really is outstanding and shoots extremely well.