Originally Posted By: Winny FanI apologize in advance, but a top end custom Mauser rifle like I was describing is far far from a $1K rifle.
Granted, the Whitworths are and were at the top of the Mark X food chain in terms of Mauser action factory rifles built on the Mark X action. But, in today's world they lack a lot in comparison to a full custom Brevex or a fully modified FN for example that will have custom bottom metal in the white and before engraving, etc. that costs considerably more than a Whitworth rifle in full bloom with its factory "they all look alike" bottom metal, for example.
In reality, the Mauser of any sort is falling behind in custom rifle builds very quickly these days to more modern action designs. It's been going on for probably the past 15 years or so, and as the supply of good Mausers dries up, so too will the number of new customs built on a Mauser action.
Agan, a Mark X, even in a Whitworth rifle, of which I own several excellent examples, are still a Nova in a world where true Cadillacs do exist. Again......The price differences between them are considerably and perhaps mind blowing for some people. But that is reality.
You are comparing apples to oranges here. Comparing an out of the box Whitworth to a custom Mauser or "fully modified FN". Now show me a factory out of the box rifle made today in the $1,000 price range that is anywhere the quality of a Whitworth, it doesn't exist. And yes I have a few custom Mausers including a pair of 404 Jeffery's that you couln't touch for $5,000 a piece. But that's not what the OP asked. Mark x actions are a great solid action, especially considering the price you can find them for. Are they the best for a light weight sheep gun, no, but the OP didn't specify what kind of build he's thinking of.