I think i'd go with the Mausers,I have 3 Mosins,6 Mausers, myself, nothing wrong with them,but I feel the Mauser would be easier to learn,Mauser bolts are much easier to field strip than a mosin bolt, which is somewhat complex,and for those who haven't done it too often can be frustrating to reassemble, engaging the saftey is another issue,Mauser safteys can be easily engaged,even with gloves on, Mosin safteys, on the other hand, are difficult to say the least,almost impossible with gloves on (I've often wondered how many russians were shot in the ass by their "comrades" behind them who could'nt get the saftey on) Both rifles are quite durable,reasonably accurate, and currently, reasonably priced,(often very cheap)All in all, when compairing the two side by side,the Mauser is the clear winner.