Are Remington 700s really that bad?

[C.308]

I've had 4x 700s. Love them and don't see much reason to run anything else (for me), although a nice custom rifle would be fun. Overkill for my skill level and how often I get to shoot. If I did ever go that route it would have to be a 700 footprint to take advantage of the aftermarket.

SPS, AAC-SD and a gen1 & gen 2 5R. The 5R bolts were both much smoother than the sps/ aac. This is despite the fact the 5r gen1 is jewelled and the gen 2 is cerekoted. Both were equally smooth but the others were equally grittier.

 

[Unholysavage]

where are people sourcing these $350-500 actions? everywhere I look shops are asking $625-700+tax for a new 700 action that hasn't been touched.

 

[njohnson]

where are people sourcing these $350-500 actions? everywhere I look shops are asking $625-700+tax for a new 700 action that hasn't been touched.

I’m usually looking on EE or local gun shops for an older model 700 ADL in 243/308/7-08 or whatever. The plainest old 700 ex hunting rifle I can find. I’m not shopping for a new action and I’m pitching out most components anyway. I like the older models for QC, and if it’s an ex hunting rig it’s not likely going to have been messed around with other than dodgy trigger adjustments.

I just make sure the bolt lugs aren’t galled up and the bolt face hasn’t taken a beating. Again most ex hunting rifles don’t see a lot of rounds and fewer see handloads. For me that’s usually an indicator if the rifle has been poorly taken care of. And if the factory bolt has excessive raceway clearance I get a new PTG bolt and handle fitted any way.

That’s worked for me, but it takes a little patience to wait out the cheaper priced but decent condition donor rifles.

 

[guntech]

where are people sourcing these $350-500 actions? everywhere I look shops are asking $625-700+tax for a new 700 action that hasn't been touched.

I look for used rifle, usually find one for $400 - $500. They are out there from time to time.

Bumping the bolt is cheaper than replacing the bolt and has the advantage of keeping the 700 extractor system.

 

[Drasselll]

They're good platform to start, and have good potential once you start accurizing them. They've also got an expansive aftermarket support. They're built a bit like Haflinger horses in that they are good at everything but don't shine at anything.

Their QC issues are still recent and they haven't done anything substantial yet to remedy that problem. For now I'd steer clear from the new stuff and buy either a used R700 or literally anything else.

 

[Nathaniel.troy1]

I've been getting around 1 MOA up to 200 meters and 2 MOA up to 600 meters with the R700 .223 varmint with the bull barrel and 1/12 twist. Rifle has yet to not impress me even though the 1/12 twist sucks.