What drew you to this particular rifle? Are you looking for a particular maker, year?
The mauser itch,” as you call it, is hard to scratch. I have three and I’m still scratching! Two were purchased from one of our local members.
Being a retired widower - five years next month - I have plenty of time to “surf” auctions and dealer sites. I am constantly amazed by the junk I see selling for big bucks, but once in a while, I see what looks pretty good, at least on the surface. This rifle is listed in the 200 to 500 dollar range. It has a couple of bids so far. I have asked the auction house for details on the bolt. The bolt may be a faked re-work, but even if that is true, the rifle is far better than an RC and frankly, looks very nice.
If it is a mixmaster, as you suggest, I won’t bid on it. My own 98k has matching numbers but the stock is not original to the weapon. It is beautiful.
What I am really looking for is a Karab. 98b. This was the rifle my father carried as a young soldier and NCO in the Reichswehr.
But that won’t stop me from looking. The auction houses often have excellent prices for Yugo mausers and capture weapons. Some need a lot of work, but I have never seen one go for more than 500 bucks, 350 for the Yugos, and that is a fair price. Junk on GB sells for a lot more.
Many thanks for your helpful replies, my forum-friends. I really like it here!