Well, I've complained over the years at the Mitchell's ads for their deception and outrageous prices. I've steered everyone that I could towards other M48 sources that were more economical, but I will argue that Mitchell's Mausers do serve a purpose to both the informed and uninformed.
I do not begin to hold myself out as an "expert", but I'm not exactly uninformed either. To those who are taken in by the deception of the ads, I say shame on both parties. Sure, the seller should be more forthcoming, but the buyer has to take steps to be at least a little informed as to what they're getting into, right? I don't look at what Mitchell's has to offer as a historically correct or even significant piece. I know it's a refinished restamped humped-up K98k, and that it's been taken well beyond the point of no return for that description ever to NOT be accurate, however they are the only source other than Militech for a restored / rebuilt to near new K98k rifle that I know (and Militech charges $1200 +).
I wanted a pristine example for an LSR clone project that I'm doing. Once finished, I intend to shoot the snot out of it so I really wanted a pristine to new bore and sound wood. I was under the impression that MM used replacement stocks when I made my decision, so I went ahead and ordered from them figuring that for what I wanted to do they were the best source; and since the rifle wasn't what I'd call a "collector" anymore, I had reduced anxiety over drilling an otherwise nice RC gun for this project. Historically speaking, what's done is done on a MM, so where's the harm?
What I got when my rifle arrived was a pretty nice example that was obviously re-numbered on several pieces. It had a mis-matched front band, beautiful (sanded down) wood, and slight evidence of surface pitting under it's new blueing. The biggest disappointment, however, was that the bore was slightly pitted. Shiny, but slightly pitted just the same.
Since this was not what had been described, I called it in and they paid for shipping back. I received no hassel, their communication has been excellent, and my replacement rifle should be enroute shortly. I'll post what I get when it gets here, but my overall experience has been good so far. The rifle I received was beautiful, but it wasn't exactly what I ordered so I sent it back. Some people have complained about MM customer service, but that hasn't been my experience so far. Just know what you're getting into when you order from them.
Saleen