The cutouts obviously did differ on the older/earlier rifles. I just can't remember when the narrow dish took over from the pantograph type of cutout. It was before 8L, maybe 6L? Or earlier? The accuracy of earlier rifles wasn't in question. I had a 2L series that was stolen by a good friend that ran the rifle team. He would come into stores and go through all rifles testing for tight and straight and...well, this rifle would group 5 rounds under a quarter at 100 yds. Yes, that's right. And he had the nerve to take it... Contrary to the belief down south, the FN shot every bit as well as it's contemorary NATO brothers. All series numbers included, not just the late ones. Of course as they got worn, not so accurate...