I have always had a soft spot for the various rifles with the split rear receiver such as the Mannlicher-Schoenauer. This includes a fascination with the various 6.5's especially the 6.5x55. Most modern versions cost quite a bit of $$. I have a Portuguese Vergueiro that I have considered having re-barreled to 6.5x55 and having a butter knife bolt handle installed. A couple of questions in the vein.

I have seen a few folks out their work with the Vergueiro. Is this a good choice or too much of a pain?
Stocks, can a standard Mauser 98 stock be used with some fitting or is this a fully custom proposition?

Any insights pro or con would be appreciated.

Eric