Too bad the OP and his friend can't go to a few gunshops or pawn shops and pick out a good older rifle. I'd much rather have a sporterized 98 mauser, m1917, Ruger Tang safety, Ruger m77 mkII, used Hawkeye, Older Remington mountain rifle, Remigton 788, etc. etc. vs. a new RAR or the likes: (vanguard or Howa), el-cheapo Remington 783, 710, or even POS Savage Axis. However, YMMV....
