I think the most realistic use of Turkish Mausers is for gunsmithing practice.
I know Big Stick loves Mausers and loves to look at them and comment on them. If Shaw ever delivers my barrel I will put it together and post pic's. It will ride behind the seat of my truck, in saddle scabbards, strapped to the raft frame etc.
It is going to be a camping, spare, foul weather rifle. My latest Turk is going to be an iron sight 338-06, I have a ER Shaw barrel ordered, it will go in a laminate Richards micro fit left over from years ago. A friend loved the gun after borrowing it from me and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. My last Turk I drilled& tapped, installed a Timney safety and trigger, as mentioned before I had the smith install a Ruger 30-06 stainless take off barrel that cost $50.00 + install. Now if you build an iron sight gun you wont need to change the safety and forging the bolt as opposes to cutting and welding a new bolt is practical. You will need to weld or forge the bolt handle, drill & tap if you want a scope. But if you can do most of the work yourself it is a worthwhile and fun project.
$160.00 is top dollar for a Turk, as 458 Lott says if you want to save money starting with a military Mauser is not the way to go.
