Thanks for your help. The gun was tight as new Merkel, but the wood was too nice for this model, so it was probably professionally re-stocked. There was some varnish overruns on top strap, but little varnish on the stock, and the buttplate was cracked and too worn when compared to rest of the gun.
I did buy pack of 'Cape-Shok' ammo for .375, nice Guide Series Saturday Lounger' (can't go wrong for $36 sale price), and three books, so it's all good.
PS. Didn't take the fe off to verify #s, because nobody at Gander Mtn. could figure out how to do it, and there was no release or finger slot.
