Are Remington 700s really that bad?
- Thread starter czfan499
- Start date
very nice rifle!
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I have one Varmint 700 from the mid 1990s. Has the older HS Precision stock. I have zero complaints. It's too bad the SPS model is provided now the synthetic stock with three holes each side. Now if that stock material was of a stiffer material or walnut I think it would be better for fore end stiffness.
I'm still not sure what you mean. Bolt timing I understand to deal with primary extraction. I'm not sure what kind of real world issue it is to be able to just lift the handle up and down to #### the action, except maybe on a misfire, but I generally don't deal with misfires like that personally.
I have seen a couple of 700s where the cam surface in the root of the bolt handle engaged the corresponding surface about half way back. Functional, but less than optimal primary extraction. Would only be a problem if cases were sticking badly.
Having replaced handles, and having made up bolts using PT&G bodies with custom handles, it is possible to install a Remington style handle so that there is close to 100% engagement of the camming surfaces. I did one using a Brownells universal handle; cut the cam from scratch. Had to lap that one to the receiver.
Having replaced handles, and having made up bolts using PT&G bodies with custom handles, it is possible to install a Remington style handle so that there is close to 100% engagement of the camming surfaces. I did one using a Brownells universal handle; cut the cam from scratch. Had to lap that one to the receiver.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Further to Jerry's post, I have a brand new 783 torn down in the shop to be rebarreled. Caliber change, going to be 6x45. I am impressed with the action. It is very well made, and I wouldn't be at all embarrassed to use one as the basis for a serious accuracy rifle. The trigger mechanism leaves a bit to be desired, but there are aftermarket options. I understand that TriggerTech is planning to bring one out.
I must confess, I like the M700 Walker trigger, have never had a problem with one.
As far as tooling goes to debarrel a 783, my shop made Savage barrel nut tool worked just fine.
I must confess, I like the M700 Walker trigger, have never had a problem with one.
As far as tooling goes to debarrel a 783, my shop made Savage barrel nut tool worked just fine.
We've had 4 brand new remingtons that came into the store that needed chambers polished. The worst was a Remington 700 Long Range in 7mm Rem Mag that I bought. Had same extremely nasty marks in the chamber that stopped you from opening the bolt once you fired a round. Took three trips to the gunsmith to get it ironed out.
783's are accurate guns for sure, had a couple, one in 7mm one in 30'06, the synthetic stock hunting versions, both really sucked up the recoil and shot quite well, I forget what I traded the 7mm for (had too many) but I kept the '06, bedded it in a Boyds stock and it was night and day, made it an exceptional shooter. I'd still go the Savage route vs 783 personally, Savage has a ridiculous bolted together bolt design, but the bolt guide acts like a gas seal, and I'd put it right up there with a 700 for gas handling.
This is a $400 Caballas 12VF in 6.5CM, threw it in a $500 MDT stock, it's now a worthy competition rifle, there are a lot of ways you can go for under $1000 to get something respectable.
This was some load development for he 6.5, left group is 120gr PRVI bullets, it hates them. Middle is FL sized 140gr Nosler Custom Comp, right is Redding NS with same load as the FL sized, clearly this one like 140's and Neck Sizing. The bull is about .75".
This is a $400 Caballas 12VF in 6.5CM, threw it in a $500 MDT stock, it's now a worthy competition rifle, there are a lot of ways you can go for under $1000 to get something respectable.
This was some load development for he 6.5, left group is 120gr PRVI bullets, it hates them. Middle is FL sized 140gr Nosler Custom Comp, right is Redding NS with same load as the FL sized, clearly this one like 140's and Neck Sizing. The bull is about .75".
Every company puts out the odd lemon, SAKO/TIKKA had the exploding barrel issues, Savage had a whole run of 10T Target rifles with the bores so off center you couldn't even get them on paper, Bergara had exploding bolt shrouds from simple pierced primers, it's a long list...
I have nothing but good experiences with 700's, even my 7mm long range I got from out east (Coastal Outdoors) for $700 new. I miss that shop, had amazing deals.
Yup Im not saying the 700 aren't good accurate rifles, Im still running one right now. And I'm not saying there aren't lemons with any brand. I was just saying to be aware with the brand new 700s seem to have some QC issues.
I've probably owned at least 50 Rem 700's. Only had one that was problematic. And that was simply inaccuracy issues. - dan
Cameron SS
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ground Zero
SS is the only one Id consider. Varmint not the tactical
I wish they would dispense with the misleading marketing terms and call things by their proper names. Ie the 20" barrel and the 26" barrel. Most 'tactically minded' folks I know bought the tac and immediately had buyers remorse when they realized how much of a handicap the short barrel was at long distance.
I wonder if many varmint hunters would be equally well suited to have the shorter barrell and lighter firearm for field use.
My only disappointment with the SPS varmint in .223 is the 1:9 twist.
It all depends what you want in a rifle or what your plan is for it. Yes there may be better out of the box rifles but when it comes to customization the 700 in my mind is the small block Chevy of rifles. Savage would be next.
If memory serves me correct many of the aftermarket custom actions out there were based off of the Rem 700. There must have been or is something that they may have pioneered. I currently have 3 and at max only ever owned 4. When barrel change came, that was the time to have it fully gone thru and any changes or modifications done. I am a Rem 700 fan.
If memory serves me correct many of the aftermarket custom actions out there were based off of the Rem 700. There must have been or is something that they may have pioneered. I currently have 3 and at max only ever owned 4. When barrel change came, that was the time to have it fully gone thru and any changes or modifications done. I am a Rem 700 fan.
