Gryph, you are right that the originators did not have any CNC machinery as such machines did not exist at the time. What they did have is their own machine tool design and development department and made the majority of machine tools in house. These machines were usually purpose built for one specific machining operation and they would have many machines of different types to finish something like an action. Hundreds if not thousands of machines including operators were employed in these factories to be able produce large quantities of finished guns. The outlay would have been staggering but they were also supported by governments around the world placing huge orders. And if it wasn't government contracts then it was large numbers of sportsman. It must be remembered though that a Mauser or Mannlicher rifle even in their heyday cost shitloads more than Winchester, Remington or Savage bolt action rifles. The prices charged then were probably similar to now allowing for inflation.

Not sure how your friends Synopsis is that much different to mine as I have seen how these actions are made and it is mainly milling. Their design doesn't allow for much turning at all. Even when they were produced a century ago they were mainly milled. All the bits like DSB, third locking lugs, large ring receiver and raised guide ribs mean that milling must be employed rather than turning. There are quite a few film clips on YouTube showing the machining methods used and there are plenty of old photos of the machine shops in the old factories. Whether old or new, they weren't cheap to make.

Waidmannsheil.