Friend,
This is less than what one will pay for the action itself, so even if you have to restock it or even re barrel, it's still a good buy. The FN actions have gone a long way up in value since some time. After being forgotten for year, finally, they are re-recognized for their natural qualities - thanks to low workmanship and plastic-age look of the newest rifle production. All their post WWII actions (except, maybe the very early ones, with the thumb cut-out) are made of modern alloyed steel.
As a side note, personally, I am always a bit "suspicious" to say the least, with these internet "references" such as Chuck Hawks' site, because usually, they do not give any references of their "finds". More than one time I had discussions with Chuck about wrongly reported information and he just couldn't reference his "work". In the article offered above, the writer refers to "experts" but don't name or reference them, which, to me, brings a lot of suspicion on the research work.[/QUOTE
Chuck's articles are taken with a grain of salt by me, just like anything else on the internet including this site. It was referenced because I felt they gave a decent overview of the rifle.
After hunting with a model 50 for over 20 years I can say it was a decent rifle, but by no means a tack driver. The balance was fair and it carried a good weight (which is something that I feel is important), although the barrel is quite thin and heats up after one shot. Because of this I found it hard to make good 3 shot groups with it. Shooting one shot then let it cool completely... shoot again and doing this for consistent grouping the rifle still wasn't terribly accurate. After bedding it, the groups tightened up by half, but still not accurate enough to make humane shots further than 200 yards.
The walnut was nice, and the action was ok (but seriously I can't buy into the hype about those old Mauser actions), but jammed when feeding occasionally. Ejection was always flawless, trigger wasn't great...
It was only after purchasing a few modern rifles that I could see the shortcomings with the old model 50. For a rifle made in the 50's I think it was good, but compared to modern offerings it palls. That being said, I think they're a great classic rifle that's worth $500 (in pristine condition), or less.
Steve.30-06: I know where you're seeing the one for 300 bucks and was going to have a look at it when I passed through there last hunting season (for curiosity's sake). Take the drive up today and have a look if you like, but if you bring it home don't have too high of expectations. It's a modest 1950's rifle. Now, if you wanted to spend twice that much, I know where there's a Sako for sale which in my opinion would be a better set up....
