The barrel is coded 1973 & I think it was the model that was replaced by the mountain rifle & before the 1 cal per year series. I think this model was made in 223,243,270,7mag,308 30'06. I shot 1 group with it using 55 gr bullets that went about 2". have some 100 Hornady's loaded up so I guess can shoot few of them & see how it does.
The
unlimited production M700 Classics ran from 1978-1985, available in 7 different chamberings. The 243 was one of those chamberings.
The
limited production, one caliber per year, M700 Classics ran from 1981 thru, I think, 2005.
Either somebody put an older barrel on and AI'ed it, or screwed a stock from a Classic on the rifle (most likely).
The first M700 regular production Mountain Rifles didn't appear until the late 80's.
Casey
