If your friend's Dad was so unsophisticated that he didn't even bother read the model number of the rifle off the side of the barrel, then you can bet for sure that he hasn't a clue as to what year the rifle was really made. Why does he "think" it was made in the 1960s?
If his best description of the piece is that "it loads like a .30-30," then plainly he doesn't know much about rifles at all.
This is likely a Marlin, or maybe a Browning copy
Did he buy it? If it was in VG+ condition, he couldn't possibly go wrong paying $250 for it, regardless of the make, model or caliber.
Call him and find out. If not, run over with your $250 and get it.
Best Regards, Mannyrock