Mike, it loooks like this rifle has too many obvious flaws - best let a more experienced shooter nab it and work out the bugs! ;)

Seriously, what is it chambered for? What does the current owner say regarding precision potential of the current barrel (& compared to when it was new)? What do ya get with it - like dies, etc.?

 If you consider that a new BAT, with a set of rings, but no recoil lug or trigger guard, sells for about $1350.00, this price is not completely out of line: action, $1350; stock $300.00 (+); trigger, $150; trigger guard, $25(+); recoil lug, $25(+) - so, just the parts are wort about $1850$ ( boy, was mine a STEAL!)

I can state this, you will not find a better action - assuming a good bedding job, and that the owner has taken care of the action (like kept the lugs greased), I like your attitud of purchasing a used rifle assuming you'll have to replace the barrel. No more than I've used the "new" BAT, I rate it right up there with my RFDs - it operated with silky smooth and flawless performance during initial tournament in my hands - very nice.

If you'd like to share more details, e-mail me - I promise not to nab it out from under ya! BUT I can't vouch for BIG MIKE! ;) R.G.