Identify this rifle?

A

alpining

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Morning all - Any input on this rifle would be appreciated. Aside from the fact that it is 338LM, I don't have any information on it, and precision stuff is outside my wheelhouse.

It's obviously an MDT TAC21 chassis, but aside from that there are no markings visible on the action and barrel. Well, the serial number is visible, not sure if that helps. The mag is marked AI, and the brake is marked Matador Hammerhead 762 5/8x24.

I think it's a Rem 700 action, right? The finish is a deep plum brown, in contrast to the flat black of the chassis and the generic black finish visible on the bolt.

Trying to upload more photos...


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J...hROKMHTh2a8kas-IXmI9kFmD2OOIeYEQXhyPOwA=w2400

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/geT36BbaTB8Pb9GuWa12pkJJPQFY-gccEZ9kts7rK1G5wc55W1Vy8hKP2R3rmfk9q5tIOvJHX4AshZLnIF3gRWw_X4Z5bdP7GQ8G23Gg1H45KmtDOfac7z04pQhYGNZ5JRSHfO6Rlw=w2400PXL_20220513_155825221.jpg
 

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The attachment isn't working, but it's likely an older 700 action, given what you describe.

Older 700's were never made with a .600" bolt face to handle .338 Lapua, but if the bolt is matte black, it may be a 700 MLR bolt stuffed into an older action, or the bolt face may have been opened up at some point.

A few points to check- dopes it have a separate Sako-type extractor (claw visible on the outside right edge of the bolt), or an internal spring-steel Remington extractor (hidden inside the bolt nose)? Also, if the brake is marked 5/8X24 then there's likely not much meat on the threads for .338, as most .338 brakes use a 3/4" thread instead of 5/8", furthermore if it's marked 762 then be dang sure it's been properly bored up for a .338 bullet to clear, or you're gonna be in a heap of trouble.
 

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alpining said:
Thanks - I think those links are live now.

The brake is bored out, I was smart enough to check that one ;) A 357 case will easily slide in there up to the rim.

Bolt face:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/X3pEL-L_IiDEUXbHH-WrlPydrVE3RYJmFwN9scI7tiW-RDNbX2vAuKz22279jnlfGdRX009jTDS2ebi7KZO1wdAwWDaMZGF60C9A9XWXNahXJpv7aGGzqm84TIo0AQQBXOA4B7vKUg=w2400
Click to expand...

That's definitely a Sako extractor, but I looked at an MLR bolt here, and the ejector placement is different so I'm gonna say that's likely a modified original bolt as opposed to a factory 700 MLR bolt. Either way, it's definitely not a standard M700 bolt in it.
 
It'll be an older Remington Model 700 that's been re-barrelled, and the bolt has been modified from its original caliber to accept the wider .588" case head of .338 Lapua. Beyond that, it's really impossible to tell, and frankly it's kinda semantics anyway since the original configuration is quite inconsequential now.
 
From the style of the bolt handle shank, it is an older R700.
The bolt has been converted for .338L. Because there is too little rim thickness left for a R700 style extractor, the Sako type extractor had to be fitted.
R700s have been successfully converted to .338L.
When Remington manufactured 700s in .338L, they abandoned the internal extractor. I do not know if the 700/.338L rifle is going to reappear in the new lineup.

Some folks are apprehensive about the 700 in .338L - as opposed to an action designed specifically for the .338L. Concerns have been expressed about the bolt conversion, barrel wall thickness in the shank area, etc. It is a big cartridge, larger than the rounds for which the R700 was designed.

The Sako type extractor installation does compromise the highly effective 700 breeching system. If a case head were to fail, the results would be dramatic. I have not heard of failures in R700 .338L conversions. Perhaps the quality of the ammunition is a factor.

The stock is similar to the MDT TAC21.

Obviously the rifle is one made up from a R700 long action and an aftermarket stock. It has no doubt been used without incident. Anyone shooting it should be aware that the R700 safety breeching no longer exists.
 
OP,
Receiver serial number pre-fix letter will tell approximate vintage of receiver.

Bolt handle rectangular shank w/ TactiKool Baseball Bat knob modification.

Bolt nose modified to SAKO extractor issues per pic-
The bolt nose was NOT bushed(OEM rivet in mag breech face extractor groove & rivet hole apparent)
Pop out the SAKO extractor to visually inspect if a counter bore for the extractor pivot or a thru hole was improperly machined for the modification.

IF,a thru hole is/was machined for the modification...you have an improperly machined modification & a DANGEROUS situation.
 
The 700 in 338 lapua suffer from lug set back. It’s not really an appropriate round for the action.
 
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