bear wallow: there were a number of firms that made or imported Mauser rifles in sporting calibers. One was Sante Fe Arms/Golden State Arms and then there was another firm, too. Also, one of the 'big name' firearms makers used those actions. I think they used the M48/48A Yugo Mauser action as a basis for their sporting rifles. The 48/48A is a slightly shorter 98 Mauser action than you find on the K98/VZ24, etc, but quite able to be turned into fine sporting rifles. Try and see if either Sante Fe or Golden State are up on the web - they may have more accurate information for you. HTH. Mikey.