With commercial Mauser sporters, the term "pre-war" really needs clarification! There were 2 world wars during their production run.

Not wishing to side-track this interesting thread, I nevertheless feel compelled to point out that rubber recoil pads were not uncommon on sporting rifles from well before WWI. By way of example, the .275 sporter in my custody left Rigby's in January 1911 with "A-R Pad" listed as one of the 'remarks' in the ledger.

Otherwise agree that rubber pads are not necessary on light to mid-weight sporters of course, but hell, red ones sure look great! Leather-covered pads even better!

...and agree fully with K98 on vintage commercial Mauser actions drilled for American scope mounts. Argggh!!