Hello Traveller1,
Excellent rifle you have there.
In my grouchy old man opinion, the model 1898 Mauser ….. when considering ALL species, at all “reasonable” hunting distances IMO, (from sword fighting distance, out to around 4 or 500 paces), is by far the world’s finest hunting rifle.
There are many copies, (mostly ones that cheapen the manufacturing process).
With that, among all the endless copies of Paul Mauser’s Model ‘98, around the world, since the end of WW-II … the Winchester Model 70 (not the 1964, through perhaps the 1980’s, cheezy, “push feed” ones), the Controlled Round Feed Model 70, is one of the World’s most excellent hunting rifles.
Agreeing with others here, I suggest that you should consider having a Professional Gunsmith bed the action and cross pin the stock, to avoid recoil cracks.
Regarding iron sights, I rather like the original rear sights on your rifle (once I did own one pretty much identical to yours).
Well, except that, I had a larger, white front sight bead installed, because my eyes (like yours), are aging.
And so, I suggest that you have installed a large (LARGE), white front bead sight.
Warthog ivory is classic and does not turn yellow with age.
However, porcelain likewise never yellows and is much more “impact resistant” than real ivory.
New England Custom Gun (often printed as: “NECG” these days), sells porcelain beads, in all sizes, including large ones for old guys like us.
Not cheap but worth every penny for sure.
Then, 1.
Consider having it professionally claw mounted for a simple but sturdy 4x scope from about the same window in history as the rifle itself.
The Zeiss 4x with front bell rubber armored comes to mind.
Now and then they do pop up for sale on various internet sites (gunsinternational.com is the best one, IMO).
2.
Since claw mounts now cost well beyond $1,000.US these days (but still worth it), perhaps you prefer to save some money ? ….. Then, do consider having the OLDER model Talley blocks (aka: “bases”) installed (requires drill & tap) and again, the older model Talley lever rings to match installed.
As usual, I recommend a sturdy, 4x scope, from about the same vintage as your excellent rifle.
3.
Forgive an old rifle grump for answering a question that you did not ask.
But, I encourage you to use 300 grain Swift brand, A-Frame bullets, for all species (Africa or anywhere) that you may hunt, especially all buffaloes, including every sub-species.
Well, except elephant.
Those require all solids.
The Swift A-Frame is arguably the best of the best, among ALL of the world’s expanding big game bullets, world wide that, has ever been dreamed up.
Indeed it is everything the Nosler Partition always wanted to be but never achieved.
Admittedly, there are some other good ones out there now.
However, again in my opinion, nothing is as sure as the Swift A-Frame.
Zowie, whata bullet !
No, I do not get any sort of benefit (however, IMO, I do deserve a “kick back” from Swift for all the good I’m constantly crowing about their bullet. LoL).
In the air now.
Upon landing, my young trophy wife (she’s only 62) and I will be doing a wee bit of fly fishing.
So, gotta run.
Again I say, great rifle.
And, I hope you carry it on many grand adventures.
Cheers,
Velo Dog.
