488 is low enough to be a "subscription" #..........yet I have no knowledge that it belonged to any one. I do know of subscription #'s that are higher than 488, That being said................it was not unusual for "subscription" # guns to be assembled and/or shipped many days/weeks/years later than other guns in the same serial # range. Serial #32 was manufactured 1982, shipped 1987. 5 years. Recall???? your guesss is a good as anyones. Rumor has it that WBR fired someone pretty high up the food chain for offering a "buyback" to dealers.
Forcing cone degree was changed eliminating some of the problem. Light bullets, pushed too fast help destroy the Max..........as well as some know it all gun writers. Heavy bullets, at a modest speed, what the catridge was originally designed for, big rams @ 300, it does excellant!.
It is an excellant gun/cartridge if your going downtown, just stay heavy and slow, Coogs.