Would not think a 98 Mauser would need one as the trigger screws are widely spaced. The stock is not so thin under the magazine like a Krag. Also it would negate the advantages of your free floating barrel.
That said another nice looking sporter.
From other posts it is allowable here to mention scripture, a very comforting one to me is when it says the last enemy death will be brought to nothing. Would also think the same applies to aging. Something to look forward to.
Looked at you post again, you sneaked it off. So many today do that for bad reasons. Doing that to improve it and go on a once in a lifetime adventure, that is different. Hats off to you.