Amazed at how few people picked the Model 70 simply amazing considering the pile of money it costs to sporterize a Mauser.
You are so right.....and IMO the Mauser just isn't a better action....
I picked up a Winchester M70 CRF action only (formerly .338 win mag)
for $350.......and it costs a lot more than that to get a Mauser in that condition....easily $700-800 by the time a 3-position safety and hinged bottom metal is added.
However one can use the original bottom metal.....a Buehler safety, bend the bolt handle, and if he wants work on the military trigger, install a prefit short chambered A & B barrel and a tupperware stock for a fairly reasonable sum.....if he wants he can retain the original 8 X 57 barrel and wind up with a powerful and inexpensive truck gun.....this isn't a bad gun so decked out!!!