It is one thing to use a M7 as it came from the factory or for cartridges whose bullet selection doesn't challenge the COAL constraints.
But the OP wants to build a a 1000 yard, A5 stocked, 260 Rem. rig.
Putting all that money onto smith work, custom tube,stock, and likely trigger into a M7 with the issues out lined here not good sense.
He would be money ahead dumping the rifle for $400- and putting it towards a $700- SS donor 700.
Of course there are better ways than that even.
But starting with as M7 with the goal out lined is akin to hitting yourself in the head with a hammer. His smith should know that.
