I got a No. 3 in .223 about seven or eight years ago off the "used" rack at an upscale shotgun store in NW Ohio. It was exactly what I was looking for when I walked in and I walked right up to the rack, picked it off and did not set it down until I got to the counter. My wife commented that I was rather sure of myself - knowing how I torture myself with such decisions under normal circumstances. Fate and $350 converged and I didn't think twice. I would take half a dozen more at that today.
No box or papers but "like new" and no time wasted fouling the bore. I knew it would not shoot well because I had always read that they wouldn't but it was a sweet little (heavy) rifle and my own Ruger single shot, so I didn't care - I had other rifles that will group under half an inch. The No. 3 was a "just because" rifle, whether it shot "well" or not.
Boy, was I wrong! By the time I ran a few loads, using various 60 grain HPs and SPs, I got a real education. Using bulk surplus powder similar to H335, mixed, once-fired military brass and CCI small rifle primers, I was printing sub 1/2" groups (3-shots) over the hood of a 1958 F350. Took it to a "real" range with a real bench and got the same results.
If I ever see another No.3 on the "used" rack, anywhere, for anything near $400 it will be mine. I passed on two others the same year for about the same money, thinking it was a tad pricey for a "No. 1 understudy." In hindsight - I should have bought all three, not just the one. One of them would be wearing a 6.5x55 barrel by now but this one shoots so well I could not bear to have it re-bored/re-chambered.
It may have been pure stupid luck that this one shoots like it does but it was the single best firearms purchase I have made.
Of course I probably should be telling you guys they stink - they literally give off bad odors when sitting in the rack, "pattern" poorly at 25 yards and made darn poor tomato stakes to boot. On the other hand, kicking oneself in the rear with both feet is good aerobic exercise.
If it's not too late, go back and get that little gem.
