The older M700 rifles had the safety lock the bolt I personally like better than the latest versions which don't. I think they changed to that in 82 but I could be wrong. I have owned about 6 M700 rifles. One that doesn't have any letters in the serial number that locks down the bolt I had 3 from the early 80's 2 of which have gone down the road but not because they didn't shoot well.One from the 90's I replaced the trigger cause it had more creep that an insect and the latest had to go back to the factory during the XMARK recall. They have all shot well. Even the rifle with all the creep after the trigger repair
There are those who found some better than others I think those built prior to 82 may be a bit better and perhaps more worthwhile to some but not everyone. But they have just as much potential to be shot out and damaged if you can pick up an old school .308 win for less than 500 I would buy it I've been told I can get 900 for a 222 CDL from the same time frame.
Good luck and shoot straight y'all
