Explain Remington 700's to me?

I think the 700 has such a strong following, because your dad had one, or your uncle had one, and it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. In the real world, Joe hunter doesn't care about actions, ballistics or bullet expansion. He wants a gun to kill a deer. If he was told the 700 was the best gun out there, he'll probably belive it. Than when he gets to the gunstore, he is overwhelmed with whats available. As a defensive move, he demands a Remington 700, because "I hear this is the best gun out there"

When it comes down to it, it was a good one. As was the 70, 77, and 110. They all did their job, and were all capable of so much more. But most guys just don't care. In years past, classic lines, wood stocks and blued metal sold guns. Now, open any catalauge. Rifles are so space aged looking, it's sad. But they appeal to the new age gun buyer who was raised on video games and movies. They don't want 'old' guns, they want cool. And remington is the strongest company through the gate in that respect. In a way, they sold out. And if it keeps them alive, (Read Winchester) so be it. There are no Remington rifles in my safe. Nor are there any tactical, plastic wannabe's. Instead, my safe is comfortable with classic versions of the real best gun out there...Hunting rifles.
My dad my Uncle and my Grandfather had Pre/64 Mod 70's and Husqvarna 146's and now I have them. They wouldn't shovel dirt with Remingtons. And by the way "Joe Hunter" does care about actions, ballistics, and bullet expansion. Maybe not as much as today. They assumed that a 30/30,303 or 30/06 was enough gun to kill a deer. Now you can't kill a Deer unless you have a WSM. Is that progress?
 
Last edited:
One big thing that gave the Remmy a jumpstart was the intro of their 7mm Mag in the early sixties. And when hunters wanted new bolt rifles, they weren't impressed with the redesigned Win 70, and flocked to the snazzy new 700. There was little else in the mid-priced bolt field. Savage 110's were generally cheap-looking, Brownings and Weatherbys were expensive, and Ruger hadn't started building the 77, so riflemen kind of split into two main camps...Remmy and Winchester
But then were there not any Sako or Brno and all the other Euro stuff around in thses days?
I imagine they would have been cheaper than Brownings?
 
One of the reasons that remingtons are so popular is the PR department.
They were very big supporters of the Silhouettee crowd, and made hunter class riflees that easily made weight, plus the development of the 7/08 for silhhouette shooitn, etc.
I still remember the pics on the back of the magazine of a certain
hunter ( who was later convicted of a mes of poaching offences!)
The wall of his Tomber framed house was FULL of B&C trophy heads, and he was of course crediting the his 700 in 7mag for the.

There are lots of accesories available for them, etc.
in short, if you cater to the buyer, he will do just that, buy!

I do not think they are any better than any other bolt action rifle.
I just bought one mind you, but because it was owned by a friend who has passed on, I wouldn't give it another look otherwise....

Cat
 
I've owned many, many Remingtons over the years. When I first got into rifles I tried a couple of brands then stumbled onto Remington. I found they all shot great with very little work, I used them exclusively for several years. From a practicle standpoint you can't beat them. They have long mag boxes so you can load to the rifleing if you want or rechamber a standard mag to H&H length with no trouble. They have good triggers, they are easy to bed and the actions are light for custon guns. The only reason not to like them is personal preference and possibly the extractor. I've only had one break. Do I own any 700s now, no my tastes have changed and I like CRF Mod. 70s now.
 
Back
Top Bottom