I've owned both Mausers and Winchesters. They both have their issues. I'd consider both classic actions. Winchester receivers accept magnum length cartridges easier than standard length Mausers. The Winchester bottom metal can definitely be problematic, but fixable. Certainly modifying a Mauser action for any cartridge other than the one for which it was originally designed will also require some work. Winchester's trigger is sublime in it's design as is the three position safety. I've never cared for their magazine latch. In fact, Mauser's military magazine latch is pretty hard to beat unless it has become worn. I will say, that for me, I can fire a Winchester incredibly rapidly from the shoulder. Faster than a 98 Mauser, but that's me. I might actually give the edge to the earlier cock on close Mauser designs for rapidity of fire. I think one thing that often gets over looked about Mauser's designs are the fact that the cartridges and actions were designed as a whole unit. Together the whole rifle is an efficient design, which is where some of the "fealty'" issue comes up but often isn't articulated. An original Mauser, in it's original livery, is a thing of beauty to hold, fire, and reload with open sights. That's why the brothers advertised it as the "System Mauser." I will not denigrate the Winchester. That'd be just plain Un-American for one thing.

Best, Norman4