I think it will do them good, especially if they adopt a "standing recall" like Ruger has on the 3-screw Blackhawks: send in your firearm, we'll install the new parts at no charge, THEN send you your fixed firearm AND the original parts back too.
Not in the article above but from one of the gun sources, this recall covers ALL the M700s since 1963. The previous recall was for a short run (comparatively) for recent models.
I heard about them plenty before that report piece...but not before the report hacking 60 minutes did in the early 1980s.
It was an issue, they knew it was an issue, and they are now doing the right thing. Good on them!
The variables are far and wide concerning barrel longevity. Myths and reputations from early stainless are still mumbled about like facts.
A quality stainless barrel will outlast an improperly treated and chrome lined barrel.
For AR type rifles, a better indicator seems to be length of the gas system, all other factors being equal.
Any quality barrel has potential to be more mechanically accurate than the person shooting rounds through it.