There seems to be a controversy about opening up a Mauser 98 for full length magnums. Holland&Holland and other major builders have used the standard Mauser 98 to build .375H&H rifles.W.J.Jeffrey has modified them for his .404 and John Rigby has opened post-war FNs to fit his even larger .416. Yet, many respected gun makers oppose opening up a standard Mauser. Harry Selby's famous .416 Rigby was built on a standard Mauser action and Selby wore out the barrel and never complained of headspace issues or a cracked upper bolt lug. One builder brings the third, safety, lug into play stating that by itself it has 85% of the strength of the other two combined. I wonder how feasible it would be to lap the front lugs until the rear one bears when fitting a new barrel?

Mauser receiver modified for .375H&H

.416 Rigby built on FN action

Original post war J.Ribgy .416

W.J.Jeffrey .404NE

Holland & Holland .375 ($38500)