just bought a 1500 with blued steel and synthetic stock, in .270. has a heavier barrel, but 22" long, and when i took it apart to clean it, i found no indication that it had ever been fired.
there was still cosmoline or whatever they used, on it. and the bolt face had zero impressions or marks. no bluing was gone from where the bolt slides along the receiver. the barrel was pristine. looks like someone bought it and returned it.
i got it, with the weaver bases on it, for $269.
I think i did prety good. it seems to be a shooter but i have not put any time into reloading for it yet.
BTW John, nice seeing you again here.
-Matt