Probably a bulk buy special deal. For the longest time the local Wal-mart had a Marlin 336 in .30-30 w/ scope and sling for $250. I think the most recent "best find" is a savage in 30-06 w/scope for something like $260. I think they make deals to buy bulk quantitys of guns and they get a big price break. But I could be wrong.
Brian M.