Remington 700 BDL in .308?

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Max-4

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Hello, I have an opportunity to buy a vintage late 1980's Remington 700 BDL in .308 Win. The rifle is in immaculate condition for its age and I can pick it up for a great deal $$$.

My question for the Remington gurus around here is the late 80's were considered Remington's hay-day for quality, fit/finish? This rifle being 42" long and 22" barrel is just about the perfect length for what I want it for. A quick handling, accurate and reliable rifle for moose, deer and bear in the Ontario woods. My shots are usually within 100 yards and if I'm honest most are around 50 yards.

I had always had a 30-06 in my mind for this task and have been looking for a vintage rifle with the same specs. I like that the older Remington 700 has a dedicated short action instead of the newer trend of long action for everything.

I was able to take a good look at the rifle and noticed the barrel is considerably fit to the left of the barrel channel. The barrel is not free floated at all, and I can't get a sheet of paper down the channel. My friend who is selling the rifle says it has never been taken out of the stock and the screws show that. Is this normal tolerances for this rifle? See pics

What do you guys think about this rifle for my hunting needs? Thanks!
 

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Think you could just file that side of the stock some if bothering you.

Also i had one a while ago my brother no longer wanted. Converted it to an m40 retro Vietnam “sniper “ rifle 1966. Really really cool
 
Max-4 said:
Hello, I have an opportunity to buy a vintage late 1980's Remington 700 BDL in .308 Win. The rifle is in immaculate condition for its age and I can pick it up for a great deal $$$.

My question for the Remington gurus around here is the late 80's were considered Remington's hay-day for quality, fit/finish? This rifle being 42" long and 22" barrel is just about the perfect length for what I want it for. A quick handling, accurate and reliable rifle for moose, deer and bear in the Ontario woods. My shots are usually within 100 yards and if I'm honest most are around 50 yards.

I had always had a 30-06 in my mind for this task and have been looking for a vintage rifle with the same specs. I like that the older Remington 700 has a dedicated short action instead of the newer trend of long action for everything.

I was able to take a good look at the rifle and noticed the barrel is considerably fit to the left of the barrel channel. The barrel is not free floated at all, and I can't get a sheet of paper down the channel. My friend who is selling the rifle says it has never been taken out of the stock and the screws show that. Is this normal tolerances for this rifle? See pics

What do you guys think about this rifle for my hunting needs? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Excellent rifle I have owned many many Remmys - For the accuracy you need at the distances your shooting it will prob be absolutely fine 👍
 
Max-4 said:
I was able to take a good look at the rifle and noticed the barrel is considerably fit to the left of the barrel channel. The barrel is not free floated at all, and I can't get a sheet of paper down the channel. My friend who is selling the rifle says it has never been taken out of the stock and the screws show that. Is this normal tolerances for this rifle? See pics

What do you guys think about this rifle for my hunting needs? Thanks!
Click to expand...

My first question would be what is the condition of the bore. If he truthfully has never taken the barreled action out of the stock has it ever been cleaned/wiped down properly in 40 years. What is it that the screws show ? Rust ?

The fit of the stock is a minor issue that can be fixed pretty quick. I own quite a few REM 700's
 
If the price is right, get it. Should be an excellent rifle.
This business about the barrel and its fit in the stock... Wood can warp, and that can be an issue if there is uneven pressure on the barrel. R700s were stocked up with a pressure point at the end of the forend. It is not necessary to immediately change things. Remington did make a few rifles and by and large knew how to set them up so that they worked well.
 
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The beauty of the 700 platform is any issue can be fixed with the plethora of aftermarket parts readily avail.

If I was you?

I’d grab it for the deal you mention, try some 150gr and 180gr factory loads, see how it shoots then go from there.

If it were me?

Grab the deal, ditch and replace the stock (pick your choice), remove the open sights, then add a Trigger Tech Primary. Next would be a Leupold 2-8, 3-9 or 4x in Talley LW Lows and call it a day.
 
It's pretty much spotless and I can pick it up for $800. When I say the screws look like the rifle has never been apart, I mean it looks like a screw driver has never touched the action bolts.
 
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Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you guys hanging for this long. I went ahead and bought the rifle a few weeks ago, she's a beauty and in mint condition!
 

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Max-4 said:
Sorry I didn't mean to keep you guys hanging but I went ahead and bought the rifle. She's a beauty and in mint condition.
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Great News...the follow up.
How does it shoot btw?
Try some Remington Core-Lokt in 165gr...they should do you a solid .
Thanks for posting the pics and look forward to a range report when the weather prevails.
Tight Groups,
Rob

​

 
remington jim said:
Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7 or a Leupold VX 11 2-7 would be good choices in Talley LW rings . 👍
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I’d add a Redfield Revolution 2-7x33 to the list above as another option.

*Edited* - There is.. a Leupold VX2 2-7x33 that is avail in the EE currently to boot
 
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ShrtRnd said:
The beauty of the 700 platform is any issue can be fixed with the plethora of aftermarket parts readily avail.

If I was you?

I’d grab it for the deal you mention, try some 150gr and 180gr factory loads, see how it shoots then go from there.

If it were me?

Grab the deal, ditch and replace the stock (pick your choice), remove the open sights, then add a Trigger Tech Primary. Next would be a Leupold 2-8, 3-9 or 4x in Talley LW Lows and call it a day.
Click to expand...
So YOU are the reason manufactures don't bother with irons anymore.

Get out! 👉
 
Max-4 said:
Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you guys hanging for this long. I went ahead and bought the rifle a few weeks ago, she's a beauty and in mint condition!
Click to expand...

Nice looking BDL, I have one in 30-06 but always want one in 308, never find one in good condition anyway.

I settled for Sako 85 Grizzly, it has irons sights and shot beautifully with first 5 rounds at 100 meters, almost in one hole.
 
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Yeah a B&L Balvar 1.5-6 is a great scope and would look awesome and right for that rifle! Gloss scope in gloss rings would make for a real classic kit!
 
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