The bottom metal unit, too, is virtually interchangeable with that of any 98 Mauser and unique in that, except for the hinged floorplate, the entire frame, triggerguard bow and magazine box are one integral unit. It is probably the strongest, most reliable system of storing cartridges, but it's an expensive solution to a problem that can be solved in other ways; that's why all other bolt-action rifles utilize two or three separate components to achieve the same end.

In place of the non-rotating Mauser-type extractor on the 798, the 799 uses an M16 type that rotates with the bolt.

There were, however, some liberties taken with the scaled-down Model 799, or what under previous importers was called the "Mini Mauser." For one, the magazine box is not integral with the floorplate frame/triggerguard bow; it's a separate component made of stamped sheetmetal--as is just about every bolt-action magazine employing a staggered column for the storage of cartridges.

Other departures from the 98 that are seen on the 799 are the lack of a true Mauser non-rotating extractor and the presence of a recessed boltface, both of which preclude the controlled-round feeding that is so characteristic of Paul Mauser's masterpiece. Instead, this pygmy action employs an M16-type hook extractor and a guide rib that aligns with the right locking lug. The guide rib stays in the right-lug raceway as the action is cycled and provides lateral support for the bolt.

As they came from their boxes, the 799 weighed in at 63?4 pounds and the 798 at seven pounds even, both with 22-inch barrels (magnum calibers sport 24- or 26-inch spouts). Both guns are finished in a fairly lustrous blue, while the stocks wear a semi-gloss finish. Cut checkering and sling swivel studs are the only embellishments.

To ready the guns for a range session I mounted a Nikon 2-7x36 Monarch UCC scope on the little 799 using Weaver-style bases and rings by Warne. For the .30-06 I stuck on one of the new Swarovski 1.5-6x42 PVI-2 scopes using a Talley QD lever mount.

Aside from its superb optics and ruggedness, this 30mm scope has an illuminated reticle (choice of four), the battery power for which is entirely contained within a slightly enlarged elevation turret cap. What's more, it can be removed and replaced with the standard protective cap and a spare battery stored in the windage cap. Very clever, and it works like a charm. I figured the illuminated reticle would come in handy on my upcoming bear hunt shooting at a jet-black target in what would likely be dim light.

Would it come as a surprise if I were to tell you the guns performed as expected, with no functional glitches of any kind? After all, the 798 in particular has been in continuous production one place or another in the world for 108 years now with no change in its basic design.

That's because it was right in 1898, and it's still right today. Both actions could have cycled more smoothly, however, but that's to be expected. Unless a Model 98 is machined and polished to the standards set by Mauser-Oberndorf and the DWM plant in Berlin more than a century ago, they're all going to be a little rough.