Rigbymauser,
I agree with you completely on the handling aspects of the M03- one of the best factory guns I have possessed in many years. The only detracting issue I have found with my M03 Standard (walnut stocked) Model is the use of composites in the magazine release (forward of the magazine) and the magazine follower (disappointing but not all that surprising). You have a rather envious problem with the pre-WWI Mauser Sporting Rifles, however I will tell you my pre-WWII Mauser Sporters seem to have gotten along quite well with the M03!