I love the idea of having a sporterized 98 Mauser in 8x57 to deer hunt with. I've ended up with 3 in fact or at least all the parts to make 3. But it sure isn't the cheapest way to get a budget rifle. The tools to bend the bolt handle will cost around $200 at best. Also you have to get it drilled and tapped for a scope unless you are going to use the original military sights. If you aren't happy with the military 2 stage trigger that's another item that will cost to replace. It will cost at least twice as much in the end as one of many low cost new bolt action rifles. Also if you shoot factory ammo, it's not easy to find and there aren't many options available.
Now if you just enjoy tinkering with rifles, reload and especially if you cast your own bullets, this is a great project in my opinion. My goal is to work up a load using the custom Lee 215 grain flat nose bullet (actually they weigh more like 240 grains when cast from Wheel Weights) to deer hunt with. So far the one rifle I've tested has horrible accuracy with cast bullets but is good with jacketed. I haven't varied bullet alloy nor velocity much however so remain optimistic.
This rifle has a peep sight so can be fired without bothering to bend the bolt. I havent fired the other complete rifle that i have yet. My 3rd Model 98 is just a complete action with a take-off military barrel laying on the work bench at the moment.
I do have yet another model 98 that has a cheapo barrel in 270 Winchester on it with a Timney trigger and bottom of the line synthetic stock. I bought it from some surplus wholesaler using my FFL years ago and glass and pillar bedded it when I put it in the stock. It's ugly as dirt but shoots very well if you don't get the barrel hot,
