I've had a 1970 production .243 since 1999. I also have a box of Remington ammo for it, which has a Wal-Mart price tag on it of 5.88. Sometime in the '70s my Dad borrowed the rifle from my maternal Grandfather to deer hunt with. The ammo then ended up with other assorted ammo at my Grandparents' place, and someone marked the box with my Dads name to keep track of it. So, I've got some history there.
I've never shot the rifle for groups, but way back when, I did manage to shoot a full mag of four rounds into a one hole group at 30 yards, offhand. They may not be benchrest accurate, but it is a very shootable piece. Feels much like a slightly larger 10/22.
So yeah, I like 'em, and wouldn't mind having another.