I believe this is the same rifle that was sold as the S&W 1500 in the 1980s. The 223 is a great shooter. The barrel is about the same diameter as a 308 barrel, but it is quite a bit more rigid due to the smaller bore, so it's almost like having a heavy sporter barrel. Unless they changed the twist (mine was 1:14), they like 50 and 55 gr bullets (if they have changed the twist, ignore that last part). Bores are typically a little rough, but smooth out pretty well if you break them in properly (shoot a few, clean, shoot a few, clean, etc until smooth).
The trigger on mine was OK, but I felt many that were terrible. You might want to have a gunsmith work on it.
My 223 accounted for quite a few jackrabbits and coyotes during its life. It is a good carrying varmint gun.
