Originally the conversion was done to accommodate the PPC case on a 700 action... Why only part of the Sako extractor system was used I don't know. Perhaps the idea that the Sako "bolt guide" was actually a safety device escaped those who pioneered the conversion, or the fact that catastrophic case failures are rather rare.
The problem I have today with those conversions is very few of the owners know what they are getting into... perhaps many of those doing the conversion don't realize it either. I simply wish if you are thinking about having the conversion done you have the facts before hand.
The design of the Model 700 action is superior to any other mass-produced 2 lug bolt action ever made, and that by installing only part of the extractor system from a Sako (2 locking lug action) completely compromises that design. The alteration does not make it happen. But the alteration is completely unsafe when it happens. We are talking about a catastrophic case failure. They do not occur on a regular basis. (In the US there have been serious injuries and at least one death associated with this conversion).
A Sako extractor is safe in a two lug Sako so why shouldn't it be safe in a two lug Remington? ... Because when people install the Sako extractor in a Remington they do not install the Sako bolt guide, which is the safety design incorporated in the Sako. That bolt guide is there to protect the shooter and anyone close to the shooter if a case fails drastically. I do not understand why anyone would knowingly install only part of the Sako system. If the Sako extractor and the Sako bolt guide were installed then the Remington would be as safe as a Sako. Not as strong and safe as the Remington was before alteration but safe.
Here is a picture of how well the Sako "bolt guide" deflected/prevented debris from exiting down the bolt raceway...
