the guy at the shop stated that they used softer metal or steel back in the 70's when this gun was made
This is more pure baloney.....Further the barrel life can exceed 5,000 rounds (still shooting 1/2 MOA) from even a .220 Swift.....and that's a statement by Layne Simpson, not me.....The key is keeping the barrel clean and not shooting the barrel until it gets hot!!!
Even a .270-.30-06 class rifle will burn out a barrel in 500 rounds on full auto and no water jacket.