This one says it was a R&D rifle, so it could be a prototype for the new internals to handle 243/308/358. I would guess they prototyped on something other than 900,000 guns. But did they use normal 700,000 series guns, or did they have guns they stamped RDxx or some such?

Owner of this would have to try to load a magazine full of 308's to find out.

The 700,000 serial numbers ended in the 780,000's, and we know a lot were produced in 300/250-3000 while the 243/308/358's were being made. So it's possible this was a prototype 243/308/358 receiver, but unknowable from what we see.

Whoever owns it has a sweet rifle.


PS: Nobody has asked why a gun with initials on it was in the R&D collection. I'm not quite sure how I understand that happening either. New owner dies before taking possession?

Last edited by Calhoun; 09/16/19.

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