I picked up a 6'6" 4wt 2/1 Madison about a year and a half ago, and yes, the Madisons were 1-tippers unless the buyer requested and paid for a second tip. Mine throws a DT3 and a WF4 about equally well, and let me tell ya it's a h3ll of a sweet stick in the SNP. $300 is a steal if the 8wt is a rod you want in your quiver, then go for it. Chances are it is likely overrated, i.e. it's probably more suited to a DT6 or WF7.

Mine is 57233 and was manufactured in LATE December of 1969.

Marty