This is pretty common procedure for a gun store. I had a chance to buy a brand new Stevens 311 last year for $75.00 from a private individual. A buddy of his told me about it. Not a great gun, but well worth the money. But, before I had the chance to get out to his house and buy it, or even call him, he had sold it to a gun shop near here. Then the price was $550.00. Guess I won't be owning a 311 in the near future. I'm not into them all that much.