IMO, and I'm not alone, a good comnercial 98 is better in some ways than not only current M70s, but also the pre64s, and I say that as a big fan of both versions having hunted a 1950 .270 for over 30 years. It may, however, take some time, effort, and money to reach the same level of refinement with some 98s, and Zastavas have been "uneven" in quality in some areas at times, but never to my knowledge in strength or function. As one of the "Mauser" guys here has said, "It's not what you start with, but what you end up with". My late brothr threw some serious money at a Zatava back in the 80s and came up with a real gem. The action was used pretty much as-is, including the factory adjustable trigger.
You did well, enjoy.
