Brithunter,
Nice one!
You know the general prejudice against small ring Mausers. Every other armchair expert has condemned them and the rest follow along. Their "lack of gas handlng" is exactly what the Model 70 Winchester has. Lack of third lug? Where's it at on the venerated M70? Old Wive's tales are far too engrained in the American mythology to let reality take hold. It leaves the nice trim little sporters to those of us who don't have magnumitis. 7 x 57 isn't big enough to kill a 125 lb deer, don't cha know?
Oh yeah, I forgot Spanish steel is not good. Except that Toledo and Oviedo sword blades were more highly sought after than Wilkinson because of the superior steel and heat treatment. Interesting, no?
Someone will come along and explain to us why the rifle that has been shooting 7x57 without a hitch for the last 100 years isn't safe to continue shooting said same 7 x 57 today. Bet if it was a small ring Rigby in 275 the same "experts" would oooh and aaah. Ha ha ha.