Sounds like maybe $900 would be a good cost estimateof this gun. I got my 700 BDL 30-06 for $550 + $275 for the VX II 3-9x40 and $40 for the Leupold Dual Dovetail scope mounts & rings. $1500 may be a bit too high, but I didn't do exact prices of what he's looking for. Either way, he's going to enjoy it!!!