I have in my possesion a Model 70 chambered in 243 that I have the chance to purchase from a friend for $400. I looked up the serial # and this rifle was made in 1969. It belonged to his grandfather in law and has sat in a soft sided case for many years. It doesn't appear to have been shot very much if any as he also gave me two boxes of old ammo that were with it and only one round of it had been fired, the bore is shiney, no wear marks on the action, etc. About the only thing wrong with the rifle is the fact it was stored in that soft case and now has a bit of surface rust on the barrel and bolt and a few scratches on the stock.
My question/dillema is this. How much do you think this rifle is worth? My buddy told me that if it it's worth $500 he would rather I buy it for $400 since he knows I'll take care of it, enjoy it and hunt with it on the same property his grandfather in law did. If its worth more than $500-600 I think I would sell it and give him the money. What do you guys think? I know the pre '64 rifles are valued but don't know much about "newer" ones.
Just a FYI my friend is a member here and will see this thread too.