how could i miss a mauser post?!?! i will back up the mauser...i have a 98k...only mines custom and all redone...but i love it...its the slayer here in PA...my dad is going to buy an original 98 now...i think its german...he said everything is there..cleaning rod sling and all..all original..and its not beat up at all....i iwll see it in a few hours...reguardless mine will still be the deer slayin mauser of the house....i hate the weight of it and the size...but man does it shoot and its a great gun other than the weight and size....and its been said time and time again that its one of the best bolt actions ever made....surprising being its that old..the 03 springfield is supposed to be another great rifle from the past...but i think they are alot more then 3-400 for a really clean original german mauser....i think i was selling one at a gunshow for a guy for 1200 or 1000 or 800 or something around there...i think thats what it was anyway.....good luck.....