Oh well, I had $270 & he had the rifle so the rest is history. I got 50 rounds of Remington 150 grain and a hard case with the rifle. Wood stock & the rifle looks really clean, but it does have about 2" of slight bluing towards the end of the barrel on one side. The Savage web site tells me that the serial number is for a model that was produced since 1995. I can call tomorrow to get the exact date it was manufactured. I did not have a bolt action rifle, so overall I feel I got a good, but perhaps not a great, deal.
I won't bore you with the details, but I'm 55, and I grew up hunting, but after junior high did very little shooting/hunting. My wife didn't want a gun in the house, but has conceded a little after 27 years of marriage. So I really appreciate your input! I was looking to get a .243-.308 bolt action rifle, & this should work just fine.
I have a large gun safe in the garage. Wifey thinks I have 2 pistols, 2 shotguns, and a rifle in it. It's a good thing she doesn't remember the combination.