If it really is a full-fleged Griffin & Howe sporter, it is an ecellent buy in 99% condition at $3500. I regularly follow the inventory at Griffin & Howe. Officially numbered rifles typically sell for $5500 and up in "excellent condition. They often don't take that long to sell.
Rifles customized by Griffin & Howe, but not assigned a number, sell for much less. They typically have recived only part of the total package, stock, metal work, not barrel, for example. Check the current inventory on the G & H web site and you will see the difference.
The true Griffin & Howe sporter will have have " No. XXXX Griffin & Howe Inc. New York, NY " or something very similar on top of the barrel. Serial numbers in the mid two thousand range were made in the mid 60's. Griffin & Howe should be able to tell you by phone when the rifle in question was made.
A classic Griffin & Howe sporter may or may not be as absolutely accurate as a current state of the art high tech rifle, but it has all the esthetic and emotional appeal of a high end shotgun. It should mount just as quickly and naturely as one as well.
Obviously classic Griffin & Howe sporter do not appeal to everyone. If it appeals to you, I suggest you consider it seriously. Just like high-end shotguns, fit is important. Griffin & Howe stock dimensions reflect the body type and shooting style of the original purchaser. the They are not easily changed as they are on a shotgun.
