Re: Mauser (kar98k) q's
I don't know how much you want to spend or if you want a "keeper"...
Re: Sporter
I had a new Mauser M03 in .243. Beautifilly made rifle but I didn't go for the adjustable trigger option and the stock trigger was a real pain in the backside...very inconsistent. I managed to get sub MOA using Federal GMM .243 a couple of times but I never got to the stage where I felt I could rely on the rifle to perform. I sold it after a couple of years as it was just too frustrating.
Details on new Mausers are here:
http://www.mauserwaffen.de/index.php?id=home&L=1
They are pretty expensive (especially if you go for the new build 98's) and there have been issues in the UK with the distribution.
Re: Military rifle
I have a restored all matching numbers KAR98k (byf41 code) from Miltech in California last year...great guys to deal with, excellent standard of work and customer support.
They helped me source the rifle (gave me three alternatives to choose from that matched my spec and sent comprehensive reports/pics for each) and advised on all stages of the restoration. Originality, safety and "as issued" end product is their watch-word. Ed is always happy to talk about the project at all times of the day. They also do Enfield's, Moisin's, Garands....
www.miltecharms.com
If you are looking for a military rifle....I'd not hesitate to recommend them. They may not be the cheapest but they are far and away the best that I found on either side of the Pond.
My gunsmith in the UK is an ex-UK Forces armourer and part of his work is specialising in restoring classic military rifles - he has seen a LOT of Russian Capture and Yugo 98k's and he is knocked out by the work Miltech did for me. We did a side by side comparison with one of the RC ones recently...Night and Day!!
Here's pics of what Ed at Miltech did for me:
The only thing I have changed since I got the rifle is swapping out the original trigger for a Huber Concept 2 Stage adjustable to improve feel and consistency. Miltech had done a lot of work on the orginal trigger to get it as light as possible whilst remaining safe but it was still a "Mauser trigger" ;-))
At the moment I am trying varous factory ammo to see what it likes best...currently S&B 196Gr FMJ
Whatever you do...good luck and hope you find something you really like!