Just had a Model 7 built on a 21" #3 Hart. Balances about 1" forward of the front action screw and weighs 6lbs 6oz with a 3x9 Leupold Compact in Burris rings on 2 piece Weaver aluminum bases. High Tech Specialties stock. If you're going 23" I'd definitely go with a #2. My barrel has light flutes done by Hart. No barrel maker that I know of will do full flutes on a #3 stainless barrel. I like the slight barrel heavy feel as it holds very well off hand.
I went back and forth about the barrel weight thing as well. I guide/hunt in the Adirondacks of NY where a 100 yard shot is long so I didn't need the longer barrel. I decided to go one size up in hopes of better accuracy. The gunsmith did barrel break in and said his best group was 5/8's without any load development. Should have potential.
Pictures to follow as soon as I get the stock painted - Zolatone jungle camo.
Frank
