Sporterize a 6.5 Swedish??????

The stocks seem designed for a 5'5 skinny Swede with skinny fingers. If I recall, I had to remove my right hand from the stock in order to cycle the bolt as it would catch on my right thumb.

I don't care terribly about economy in guns as guns and hunting is generally a poor use of money. It strikes me as odd when we talk about economy in hunting like we're The Donald then spend days or weeks of gas snacks and man-bling in order to maybe bag a few pounds of meat. Why not just shoot a cow? A few years ago the BC gov't figured on each hunter spending about $750 per season and at a 75% fail rate on blacktail at least. That works out to about $3000 per deer shot. Considering a blacktail gives about 30lb meat...
 
I bought a model 96 in the 80's for $39.99 from International Firearms that was all original. Over the years I've had a timney trigger installed, #### on open convention kit, had the bolt replaced with a classy sporterized version, installed a bolt shroud safety, milled down the top of the receiver and tapped for a scope, trued the action, replaced the barrel with a Shilen, had it professionally blued and installed and glass bedded a Bell and Carlson stock.

What did I end up with? A great rifle in an amazing calibre that I've invested likely 3 times more then it's worth into. I've considered selling it as it rarely gets shot anymore, but the thoughts of how much I'd lose keeps me from doing so. I'd never do it again with a 96 but if you have the means to do much of the work yourself then have at it.
 
Not sure what to cost of bagging a Deer has to do with sporterizing an old Mauser. When the OP already said he was not a hunter.
Back to the original question.
What you do with the rifle is a personal choice. It won't be the first Mauser that's be done, nor the last.

If you're going to be plinking on crown land or joining a club to shoot at targets. You might want to consider open sights vs mounting a scope.
A Mauser will have no problem being actuate out to 300m or more. Shooting open sights is fun, but maybe you won't mind a scope.
Mounting a set of rails on a Mauser for a scope can be done at home...but really should be done by a Gunsmith. (a good one.)
Then picking out a good scope, high enough mounts so not to interfere with bolt action, a custom stock for proper LOP (length of pull)
As the list gets longer the prices goes up. But at the end (if there is one) you'll have a very nice personal rifle.
Here's a good vid by Midway.
Gunsmithing

I don't recall if you said you are buying or having it given to you. If it's in pristine condition, maybe consider keeping it all original and looking for another that's done already.
Make a few more post and get yourself onto the EE (Equipment Exchange). You'll find very good deals there.
One last thing...don't go thinking this will be your one and only rifle...
The rabbit hole is deep my friend.....
 
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As Ive barely seen the entrance to the rabbit hole and I am already in wonderment. I like the AR platform rifles, some of the stainless barrel bolt action rifles and of course handguns
 
Honestly I'm not to sure what you'd gain by sporterizing a Swede, particularly an M38. Already an accurate rifle. Length and out of the crate shootability is good. It's not like it has top and bottom wood right up to the muzzle...Yeah, it's a head-scratcher for me as to why someone would do it.
 
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