Pre-WWII Mauser 30-06 - need help identifying!

Good afternoon - in a local estate auction, I came across and purchased a Mauser 30-06 for only $170! What I'm having trouble with is identifying anything. There aren't the German, etc. make stamps on it. Heavily modified, there isn't much that hasn't been customized... unfortunately. I've attached the pictures of all stamps I could see on the gun and mechanics. I welcome any questions. No making fun of the cheap scope ;)

Serial number 52636, 30'06, Diamond Proof, symbol and '53' on the bolt release, same symbol is on the top of the bolt itself. No stamps under the scope mounts, unfortunately. 3288 on the safety. The tag from the auction identified it as an MW98.

Thanks a million!

Mosh, I don't know who made it but it looks like you got a heck of a deal! Salt Flat

Looks like an ex military action heavily scrubbed. Added barrel, stock, bolt bent/changed, etc. Are you sure it is pre WWII?

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Originally Posted by Daan Kemp

Looks like an ex military action heavily scrubbed. Added barrel, stock, bolt bent/changed, etc. Are you sure it is pre WWII?

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I concur. My guess is the rifle is a sporter made from one of the thousands of surplus Mauser actions that were available from the 1950s through the 1990s and on. There were many, many, Mauser 98 based sporter and hunting rifles cranked out across North America in particular during that era, and for good reason. It is a strong and versatile action.

Welcome to the forum, yes an altered rifle. These were used for project guns by gunsmiths for years. The bolt face was useable for many things so they came out in various calibers, jewelled and polished. Drill and tap and scope it up...

Very much doubt any of those stamps were done in any factory. Especially the "PROOF".
That's a commercial barrel too. Not a bad thing though.
Likely an FN Belgian made receiver. I've seen the Diamond somewhere too.
The jewelling on the bolt wasn't done in as factory either.
It's a dandy hunting rifle for $170.