Thanks for the pictures. You're 100% right. As long as the buyer knows exactly what he's getting, and is willing to pay the price, the deal is generally fair.

I think the Mitchell story is an interesting one to track since they are an outlet for various Mauser's. I'm not sure I agree with a $800 presentation case or a $5,000 rifle, particularly if the latter is a rebuild made with odd parts. But for the price you commented on, if the rifle is solid, safe, and looks decent, it should be a good deal.

I always look at the safety shoulders inside the bolt body on a more expensive buy. That tells me how closely the rifle was really inspected by the seller.