I was wondering are the barrels from these two models are they interchangable with one another? I have a model 7 in .223 , it has a skinny pencil barrel, and I was wondering would a model700 heavy barrel in .223 fit it ? What is involved with fitting the barrel to the action? Thanks Ruger Red

Yes, one of my Model 7s is sporting a 22" .308Win barrel from a M700.

I hated those 18 1/2" barrels on the Model Sevens. The M700 barrel made the rifle ever so slightly muzzel heavy which isn't a bad thing IMHO.

I put it into a HS Precision M7 stock. I had to open up the barrel channel a bit to accomodate the M700 bbl. But, it shoots great and handles well.

The barrerl swap will work, however you must have it fitted, i.e. headspaced. You may not necessarily be able to screw it on without having to have the headspace checked for correctness.

I have a 700 barrel in 17 Rem. on a model 7 action. It's cut down to 21.5". Handles beautifully!