Well, being the impatient one, I stopped by Gander Mountain and walked out with an Ultra Varmit in .243 w/ 24"HB. Paid $249.00.
Initial inspection looks good. Trigger is clean, no more than 5lbs.,(don't have a scale,yet!!) Might be a slight burr on the crown?? Will get the JB Bore Bright and do the routine. Locks up solid. My initial thoughts on the over-sized pistol grip have changed, I kinda like it. This one has the checkering, so that helps.
After the purchase, I went to Wally World and cancelled my Order for the .223. No problems with refund. Got home and called NEF, as stated the 44 Mag barrells won't be in for 2-3 months, but she said they have a good supply of .357 barrels. So I will be sendinng in the gun for that and a heavy .308 barrel this week. Figure it will give me time to work on the .243 barrel.
Can"t wait to start shooting!!!!