Remington 700 Bolt question

[phinton81]

I have always been a fan of Remington 700's, they are simple accurate rifles that work extremely well, however I have never owned one as I have a single reservation regarding their design. I have Sako's and older Browning FN Medallion's with the Mauser bolt. I am used to the bolt locking down when the safety is on. I guess my concern is the bolt catching on clothing, branches, etc when hunting. I just don't like the idea that the bolt can open any time. Is this a problem that many 700 owners have, or am I worrying about nothing? Please advise,

Cheers,

Patrick

 

[Scott_N]

I have never had that problem with my 700, but I am not hunting in thick bush or anything.

 

[bushwhacker]

The lack of a good safety that isn't easily brushed off is the only thing I dislike about the Remington. The P14/17 action and the Ruger 77 have the best safety design in my opinion. The Lee Enfield is also good.

 

[kman300]

I have stomped through some pretty thick stuff and I've never had the bolt open.

 

[coyotekiller82]

I have stomped through some pretty thick stuff and I've never had the bolt open.

Same here, been pretty much on hands and knees through scrub brush, never had my bolt open on it's own from being caught on clothes or branches or anything like that.

 

[Boomer]

Being aware that the problem can occur is half the battle. When moving through particularly thick stuff that could catch the bolt handle, the rifle should probably be in your hands rather than slung anyway. It the rifle is in your hands your strong hand can cover the bolt handle and trigger to prevent problems.

 

[Kilo Charlie]

Aren't the new Remington safeties a bolt-locking design?

 

[604shooter]

I've never had any issues, but if you must you can buy a 3 position safety for the Remington from Brownells:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=6668&st=remington%20three%20position&s=

 

[7mm-08]

I have had mine open a couple of times ejecting the shell,hasn't costed me an animal yet.

 

[X-man]

Have used 700s for years hunting Newfoundland bogs and Tuckamores. Never had a single problem with either the bolt or the safety. I own several Mauser/Winchester rifles. I find the Remington simpler and more ergonomic.

 

[XXXXX]

My bolt didn't open up on me once... nor did my safety disengage somehow..

 

[Dogleg]

Model 700s built before 1982 had a bolt lock. Many argue that Remington built better guns back in the day, so a cherry used rifle may give you what you want.

 

[Rembo]

I have converted lots of 700's that I've owned from the locking bolt to the non-locking bolt. If any rifle shouldn't have a locking bolt it's the 700....

 

[manbearpig]

that three-position safety shroud for the 700s is pretty sweet, my g/f's father has one on his 700.
some aftermarket triggers lack a safety so it works great with them. would be pretty neat to pair it with a kepplinger set trigger, but thats nearly a $500 undertaking total.

might wanna just buy a Ruger