i know at one time long ago, i saw a dimension for the sleeve (or spacer) between bottom metal and action at the rear guard screw, but i have no idea where i saw it.

so,... for typical mauser 98 action, is there a standardized distance from the bottom metal( top of the guard) to the bottom of the action at the rear screw. or should it be measured with the magazine firmly in place on the action plus .030" or .040" for clearance.
also, is the angle between action and bottom metal 2-1/2 degrees?
thanks in advance

Well, I just took one off of my FN Mauser. It came with the gun. I meausred it. I don't know how accurate my Midway calipers are, but it measures 1.197

thank-you sir, that's what i'm looking for!. i can certainly work from there and check it against my action by attatching the bottom metal and measuring.
i just did and i get 1.180 with no spacer. so .019 clearance sounds like it will be good.
mine's an FN also...