I am trying to figure out the pre-WWII Mauser sporting rifle patterns.
The Modell A (actually Modell 40A, 60A, 80A, etc) seems to have been what many simply call the "English Pattern". Walter RIFLES OF THE WORLD gives the date of introduction as 1922, yet others give 1904 or 1905. What's correct? What does the "A" stand for? (I am asking since some sources give explanations for the similar Modell B, K, S, etc, ie, Büchse, Kurz, Stutzen, etc). Afrika, perhaps?
How many of these Modell A rifles were made, roughly?
Similar, when were the Modell B and K introduced, and how many were made?
Does someone have all the model numbers of the interwar (WWI-WWII) era, such as Modell 40A, Modell 40B, Modell 80B, Modell 120B, Modell 162K, etc?

Many thanks!

Cheers

HANS