I love my 12BVSS so would love to have that rifle as well. Given the long life of .223 barrels I'd buy it. I would try to get it under $500 since a new 12FV can be had for just a bit less than that. The Savage web site shows the 12VLP in .223 to be a 7 twist.

But, if the shop agrees to bore scope and it has little use, then their asking price might be appropriate.