Steve-
That's a very nice sporter!
In my youth I bought my Gew '88 out of a barrel of old surplus rifles at a Woolco in the mid-'70s. I fired hundreds of rounds through it without a problem (it was modified for the S cartridge). The bolt is mismatched and wears the Turkish crest and my rifle was expertly armory modified to use the stripper clip rather than the en bloc clip.
These rifles were exceptionally well made and the workmanship nearly to commercial standards. The action is as smooth as glass and even in full original battle dress the rifle is surprisingly handy.
I have always suspected that the Gew '88 saw far more use in the trenches of WW 1 than many give it credit. Even though "designed by commission" and overshadowed by the '98 Mauser, this essentially Manlicher action combined with a very potent cartridge was the equal, if not the better of other weapons in use at the time.
For what round is your sporter chambered?
