Was I ripped off by this seller, or wasn't I ripped off?

[Nathan]

Well, he probably thought his wording was right, but I would have described it as Ruger barrel, shortened to 19", rechambered, ...shoots ##in groups at 100 yards.

While painful, you always have the option to put someone else's take off Ruger barrel or a custom barrel on it in the future to get where you are going.

 

[T. O'Heir]

Yep. A match chamber doesn't make it a match barrel.
Anything done to a commercial firearm makes it 'custom'.

 

[458winshooter]

seller

I would be curious who he is I deal on Gunbroker from time to time and may look long and hard at any of his sales in the future.

 

[Fotheringill]

I have purchased a few rifles sight unseen and have not been happy with the results.
My last purchase was from someone at my range Mauser chambered in .223 with a benchrest stock. I shot 25 rounds through it and was ok with the results and made the purchase.

It is a loaded question when someone says it shoots great. That depends on the person pulling the trigger. There is no answer until until you see how it shoots for YOU.

When buying on line, examine whatever pictures are posted and note what is NOT shown, i.e. bore, condition of bolt, etc.. THAT tells you what the seller is reluctant to divulge. Something that was bedded and/or pillared without you actually taking it out of the stock and seeing the job and the fit might wind you up with someone else's botched job.

Best thing to do is purchase NIB and be satisfied to send back to manufacturer if any issues arise. If a custom situation, buy the base rifle and customize yourself or with your gun smith.

This is just a recommendation based upon my own experience.