PetahW, Thanks for the info. This is what I found also which makes it all the more confusing because there are no numbers or letters after the X (on the gun or box). I did take it to the local Cabela's Gun Library to see if they could help and he was perplexed also. He did figure it was most likely a 1974, but couldn't confirm for sure. He did say that the stock was not one of the salt wood units. Thanks again.