They are lovely rifles. Back in the 70s, a shop in Silver Spring, MD had a barrel full of pristine ones. Had test targets attached. $175 IIRC, about a week’s pay then.
Still, a commercial FN or Husky, sometimes the same thing, remains the easy button for Joe Average.
No truer words!
These days, with the lack of decent smiths that know anything about 98's, a commercial action is one's best bet. They are generally scope ready, have better heat treatment, and will cost a whole lot less to get up and running.
That said, nothing beats a Standard 98 converted to a fine sporting rifle.