Aww heck may as well pile on. Another esteemed seller this one in Oklahoma - same deal. Same explanation of how the rifle is right, specifically answering my direct questions - no wood issues no cracks or other trouble. Received the 1908 dated 9x57 Mauser and not only did it have easily observable wood splitting/cracking behind the rear top receiver, the inlet wood for the receiver also had extensive fracturing. I wanted a vintage rifle w no issues to use for incidental hunting, I called him up to complain and he actually said "Well, all Mausers have these issues!" (My reply "Now C'mon!! Not again!!)

A slightly odd caliber which likely didn't get much attention and sat for a time, what did he have to lose to simply mislead me and ship it hoping I'd miss the issue or just keep it? Beware of guns that sit for a time, they just might be the ones these sellers oversell just to move em out hoping for the best. New guys: inspect immediately!