OP, all of the above, if you're a "newbie"
Also, if you don't have the proper tools, such as sharp, snug fitting slot blade screwdrivers, don't start taking anything apart.
Yes, it's an "RC," but it's also from a desirable manufacturer.
Depending on its condition, it may have significant value.
If your tools are not sized properly, they will "gall" the screws, or worse, slip off while loosening or tightening and gouge the stock.
All of these blemishes detract from the rifle's visual condition, and proportionately lower value.
Cracks can be an issue, and should be addressed. Shooting them in such conditions worsens the bedding issues.
If the bedding is already damaged, there are fixes, but they require some skill sets to fix properly, in a manner that doesn't devalue your investment.
North American made 8x57js Mauser ammunition is loaded to much lower pressures than European made ammunition, which is usually marked 7.92x57j, or 7.92x57js or with just an "s" suffix.
7.92x57JS ammunition has .323 diameter bullets.
To my knowledge, most North American manufacturers build all of their ammunition using .323 diameter bullets and load them down, so they are safe to shoot from both bores.
Your rifle was made for the high pressure, large diameter rounds.
In Europe, the shooter is expected to know the difference between the two designations. In North America, the manufacturer gets sued.
You need to be careful with the gunsmith you take the rifle to. Many of them are very good at what they do, but don't have experience with milsurps.
One thing you can do is to take apart the bolt and make sure it isn't packed with grease. If it is, get it out, clean up the residue, and add a bit of light oil.
It's usually a good idea to fully strip down milsurps if you intend to shoot them. Grease and oil will harden over the years and eventually cause grief.
Stocks will dry out and should be "seasoned" with linseed oil, which should be allowed to dry for a week or so, before reassembly. At least two coats, sometimes four or even five, depending on dryness.
These rifles are 80+ years old, and you don't know how they were stored after refurbishment by the Soviets.
Do yourself a big favor, detail strip the rifle to its components, clean them, inspect them under good light.
One thing to look at closely are the locking lugs on the bolt and inspect the bases for small cracks. Also check the locking lug recesses in the receiver. They seldom have issues, but the biggest worry, IMHO, is "set back."
You can check for "recess lug setback" by using a stiff piece of wire, such as a paper clip, bent to a 90 degree angle, to "feel" inside for irregularities on the surface engaged by the rear of the bolt recoil lugs.
Most people just take them out and shoot them, after looking down the bores to make sure nothing is stuck. They get away with it because these rifles were so well designed and built from the best materials available at the time.
You're prudent and careful enough to inquire about what issues there may be.
I've given you the most important issues, and the other folks filled you in on others.
Now it's up to you.
