Thank you all for your help. I went back in this afternoon to get the serial number and call Howa , and it was sold. It had been on the shelf for almost 10 days.
A local store has a Howa 1500 American Flag APC with scope and bipod on sale for $800. It is being sold as used because the buyer bought it but did not pass background check. The store says it will not be covered under Howa warranty because it is now used.
So my question is... am I taking a...