I think that is a pretty good deal. Howa manufactures the Weatherby Vanguard which is probably similar to the Howa 1500 and the price of new Vanguards, at least in California, is well over $500, and this is without a scope. By the way I have a Vanguard and it is an excellent rifle and I imagine a Howa 1500 would be as well.

Caldoc