Guy at a local shop said he has a 700 cdl in 8x57 he can get through another shop. Supposed to be in very nice used condition. $400...buy or not?

What do you think....

I would if I had the money!

I have the Rem classic in 8x57 and I really like it. I've only killed a couple of WTs with it but it handled those 100# deer with authority! (LOL)
I'd be inclined to buy it "on inspection of course".

The only factory specs Remington 700 cataloged in 8x57 was the 2004 700 Classic. $400 is a very fair price, I would buy it. My own Remington 700 in 8x57 is a parts gun with a 700 Classic barrel and it shoots a variety of bullets quite well. If you're a reloader there are lots of good bullet options and Fed/Rem/Win brass might be a seasonal production item, but 200 cases will probably last you 2,000 shots down the tube.

JEff

I've got one, and I can't seem to break away from hunting with it to hunt with my other rifles.

I love the 8x57. I had the rem classic in 8x57 several years ago; it had an extremely rough bore about 3 inches back of the muzzle and some other minor issues. It was a real P.I.T.A. and was sold off. I would agree with stillbeeman "I'd be inclined to buy it "on inspection of course"."

GRF

No problem with mine. Not bench rest accuracy, but good enough. My best load so far averaged 1.4" for five consecutive five shot groups.

Well they been moving slow this time of year...if it's still out there in a couple of weeks when work picks back up, I think I might have to buy it.

I'd snag that in a heartbeat If I were you.

+1

And hopefully I will, first my checkbook has to catch up with my heartbeat...I'm gonna stop and see how much I gotta put down first chance I get.

For quite awhile there were alot of NIB M700 Classics in
8x57 and 300 Savage on GB and AA for sale.

Doesn't surprise me. Those are two of the most under appreciated cartridges in North America....

I had a friend give me a military 98 in 8x57. Until then I had never shot one. I have found it to be a sort of interesting rifle and cartridge. It is very pleasant to shoot the rather anemic factory stuff through it and I see no need to reload it any hotter as I am still using the original open sights.That doesn't sound too bad for a classic and the cartridge is sort of unique. I will say from a practical hunting perspective there isn't anything here that a 308 won't do and do cheaper but still a 308 can do a lot of things well. Go for it.