Looking at the Model 66 rifle begs the question here as its offered only as "exemplary" of the lack of attention to a variety of "Mauser" in name actions. The basic answer I believe lies in the fact of the very focus of the many virtues of the Model 98, its achievements and the balancing factor of limited quantities of typically pricey post '98 Actions as a main cause for what amounts as "sticking with basics." A whole spectrum of rifles out there "du jour"... of the day, "as you wish! It's hard to argue with the aura of "Century of success"! The "Mauser 98 is a Genre and Institution!" The fact of a principal name carrying on the tradition, as factually NOT. The "also ran" variations don't automatically "tag along of the "the genuine tradition." Sucp "pretenders" regardless of quality or their genuine merits; come and go! Where military small arms move ahead in the semi & auto crowd, the sporting, collector, nostalgia crowd.
Best!
John
