Thanks for the clarification. I’ve known about Mannlicher’s being buttery smooth ever since I bought a pristine example when I was a junior in high school (still own it).Mauser 98 actions are fine, but in my opinion, a bit stiff and clunky in operation. Compare the 98 to a Mannlicher. The Mannlicher was sometimes referred to as “buttery smooth” compared to the 98. The M98 is not a stiff action and this affects the inherent accuracy of the rifle. IMO the Model 70 is the best of both worlds smooth where it matters and strong and stiff for accuracy. The 70 can’t take the big African cartridges like the “Magnum” 98 but those big thumpers aren’t truly needed even for Africa.
Don’t get me wrong, I have 98s. But if I had to choose an action to build a high grade custom rifle, it very hard to NOT choose a pre-war 70.