I have an early 71 and have examined several later ones. I don't see any "build quality" difference, although they weren't new in box and were already broke in. I do prefer the pre-war long tang model because it fits my hand better and I really like the bolt peep.

Charter Member
Ancient order of the 1895 Winchester

"It's an insecure and petite man who demands all others like what he likes and dislike what he dislikes."
szihn