NavList:

Chris,  you'll get plenty of solid recommendations on sextants.  My interest in Cnav was rekindled when a friend passed along a 25 year old but unused Astra IIIb.  Having learned on well used Navy MKII's the Astra is light years ahead.  There are plenty of positive recommendations - you would be happy with one.

But, the acquisition started an interest in finding others and recently a colleague Master Mariner sent me his Tamaya MS733.  Nice instrument! But I wouldn't recommend splurging for a new one.  Most recently I won an auction for a Tamaya Jupiter MS833 with both scopes for $250.  It was on a gun brokers website so out of place....off the beaten e-bay path.  If you are not in a rush and like the hunt for good used stuff there are some well cared for instruments out there at bargain prices.  Taking on a restoration may interest you as well.  Check out Bill Morris's book The Nautical Sextant for some nice info on repair and refirb.. If you are buying a used sextant try to buy locally so you can check it out and be sure it has all the little widgets and doohickeys including the mirror adjustment wrench.  And don't forget that the old Navy MKII did a good job making a lot of ocean passages.  If one lands on your doorstep you'll enjoy its klunky abilities.

Have fun.