I like everyone else have an opinion on this subject and have gone the route several times. Go to a gunshow, take out an ad in the local paper or the EE on this website and find a cheap Rem 700 rifle in the configuration you want, bore condition doesn't matter, unless it's already in the calibre you want, in which case, take it out and shoot it first, a lot of Rem 700s are incredble shooters right out of the box. Also advertise for a rifle with the type of stock, magazine configuration, as well as cartridge desired and a non magnum or short action. This may take a couple of weeks, but you will be surprised at what will turn up. I put an ad in the local paper for a Model 70 Win last year at this time and had 30+ replies on the first week, with prices rangeing from $250 - $1000. Two of them were in the cartridge that I was looking for, one of which was a pre 64. That was the one offered at $250, I didn't buy it because the old guy was hard up for cash and put him on to a collector that gave him fair value. Sorry for going on and on and not trying to steal your thread, just trying to give you an idea of what's available out there if you try these avenues. bearhunter
...but if you have to have a 280......get a new stainless barrel installed....and a good stock...a new 25-06 tube will sell easily...
