Thanks for the reply all!

If I buy, I want new, as it is so hard to judge surplus.

The reason I want a cock-on-close bolt action is the Mill Specs. that were done by the British on contracting for their battle rifles say it works better for smoother repeat loading. This would be an advantage for follow-up shots on a bolt action.

I have found that reloading a bolt action rifle while prone gives me less power in the lifting up of the bolt handle and pulling back than I have when standing. Pushing forward and down does not seem to lose as much power while prone.

I know there are many good hunting cartridges out there, and the 30-06 is a front runner except that I would prefer a short throw bolt. The .308 is in great supply in the US and should be avalilable for some time to come in many different loads.

Bountyhunter