Cain, I have had an M96 for a couple of years now, I'm in BC and use the rifle a lot on my many hikes, drop me a line if like but the rifle is definitely worth the $2400.00, I'm well over 5ooo rds with no malfunctions, even with a broken return spring and corroded piston which has been corrected with the new stainless units. As far as accurcy is concerned, my best group has been a benched group of 35mm from centre
I have never handled a M96, but I have one of their VEPR II rifles (they import it from Russia) and based on its quality don't believe they would sell anything that was not top-notch.