RE: 8MM Mauser project
There's been literally thousands of Mauser 98s that have been turned into sporters in quality levels from absolute works of unbelievable art to ...wellllll...unbelievable...
either trade it off for a decent sporter or write to E R Shaw for a quote to install a new bolt handle, new barrel of you choise, drill and tap for mounts, safety alteration and a Timney trigger installed and adjusted to 2.5 pounds. Shaw will do a good job...but it might take a while. Get a new synthetic stock and bed them together.
In the end, I'm betting you'll wish you had bought a new Model 70 rifle.....