I've been collecting Pre-64 model 70's since the seventies and Mauser since then or before. I love model 70 pre-64's from and aesthetic stand point. But they do not handle gas as well as a Mauser. They just do not protect the shooter as well as the Mauser. The Dakota bolt action has improved gas handling, better than the Model 70 it copies.
I have gotten to the point that if it is for hunting, I only want Mauser, or M-70's pre-64's. If I had it to do over again, I would have only gotten into Commercial Mausers and left the rest of the stuff alone.
