no, just chunks of it
Remington 700 -- Any years to avoid?
- Thread starter Cholla
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coopsdaddy
Well-Known Member
I have a 2004ish lss mountain rifle in 30/06 thats a great gun.I did put a gretan bolt and McMillan stock on it.I love it and dont love many guns.
I made a lot of sub mos shooters out those sorry no good for nothing Remington 700's. I've done the same thing with some $68.00 Mauser 98's (no I can't buy them for that now) too back in the day not that long ago.
I bought the actions to build custom rifles for myself and kids. If I bought a Remington's and it shot really good I did not take them apart, instead I kept them as they were, except I like pretty wood grain thumbhole stocks so I'd put one on them.
I've never had one trued, not that I'm opposed to that I just like doing the work myself. (No one to blame but the guy in the mirror)
With that said I was not building long distance shooters then as I am now, but my current 300WM is on an older Remington 700 and I'm liking what I'm seeing. I just rebarreled one of those $68.00 Mauser 98 that I built early on in 300 WSM and it shoots quite impressive.
Try to avoid one made that had the timing issue with the bolt and go shoot.
I bought the actions to build custom rifles for myself and kids. If I bought a Remington's and it shot really good I did not take them apart, instead I kept them as they were, except I like pretty wood grain thumbhole stocks so I'd put one on them.
I've never had one trued, not that I'm opposed to that I just like doing the work myself. (No one to blame but the guy in the mirror)
With that said I was not building long distance shooters then as I am now, but my current 300WM is on an older Remington 700 and I'm liking what I'm seeing. I just rebarreled one of those $68.00 Mauser 98 that I built early on in 300 WSM and it shoots quite impressive.
Try to avoid one made that had the timing issue with the bolt and go shoot.
WildRose
Well-Known Member
74- about 2010 are pretty good bets usually with the exception of the J Lock Bolt.
The best model 700's have one less zero and are made by Winchester though.
WildRose
Well-Known Member
And if your bolt is properly timed it's best to have it welded, drilled and pinned, or drilled and tapped and a screw inserted to avoid the dreaded bolt handle flying off which has happened to quite a few guys over the years.
coopsdaddy
Well-Known Member
That's exactly why I changed to a gretan bolt.
It's funny that in the last 45 years I have owned or presently own over 50 Remingtons and never had an issue with the bolt other than broken ejector spring and I am not exactly easy on stuff.
PA Plumber
Well-Known Member
1991 Rem 280 BDL (Best 5 shot group at 100 yards was one hole just barely larger than a bullet). Decent factory trigger.
1994 Rem 223 BDL (Best 5 shot group at 200 yds was 3/4") Very nice factory trigger.
Both are fantastic shooters.
2007 SS Rem 700 SPS 7mm-08
1st barrel had chatter when cleaning with a wire brush. 1 1/4" - 5 shot groups when I let the barrel cool for at least 15 minutes between shots.
Remington installed a new barrel under warranty. New barrel will shoot 1" groups at 100 yards.
That first shot is usually high and left. The rest are "right there."
I enjoy shooting it but not a "shooter" like the earlier guns I have.
1994 Rem 223 BDL (Best 5 shot group at 200 yds was 3/4") Very nice factory trigger.
Both are fantastic shooters.
2007 SS Rem 700 SPS 7mm-08
1st barrel had chatter when cleaning with a wire brush. 1 1/4" - 5 shot groups when I let the barrel cool for at least 15 minutes between shots.
Remington installed a new barrel under warranty. New barrel will shoot 1" groups at 100 yards.
That first shot is usually high and left. The rest are "right there."
I enjoy shooting it but not a "shooter" like the earlier guns I have.
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Lefty7mmstw
Well-Known Member
the iss is remedied with a replacement assembly. I had to get the winchester out of my 7stw (some dolt put a 3 position on a remmy) and used a ptg assembly for that. I'm starting to do the same with the iss by simply replacing them.
I have a four digit (1962 I think) 700 that is now .243. Shoots like a dream. I also have a late 80s that was trued up and fitted with a Lilja (.308) that also shoots very well. Both have Jewel triggers. .308 is in a McMillan and the .243 is in a Remington BDL varmint stock.
If you are looking for a intro shooter, I would look at older models. If you want to use it for a budget build I would look at a Mack Brother's. They have a SA in stock that is $700 shipped. You can screw on a RemAge barrel from Northland or one of the other guys.
Either way, I would be far less disappointed with a $800-$900 Remington that needs work than a $3,000 Christensen Arms that I need to crank the bolt open like I am kick starting my knuckle head.
If you are looking for a intro shooter, I would look at older models. If you want to use it for a budget build I would look at a Mack Brother's. They have a SA in stock that is $700 shipped. You can screw on a RemAge barrel from Northland or one of the other guys.
Either way, I would be far less disappointed with a $800-$900 Remington that needs work than a $3,000 Christensen Arms that I need to crank the bolt open like I am kick starting my knuckle head.
PA Plumber
Well-Known Member
Maybe this is taking this thread on a hard left turn...
Is it a big deal to throw a better barrel on a 700? I do like my Rem SPS Stainless 7-08. Trigger is adjustable and is very light.
Would be great if it could be turned into a shooter. I would put a 24" barrel back on it. Has that now and handles well.
Is it a big deal to throw a better barrel on a 700? I do like my Rem SPS Stainless 7-08. Trigger is adjustable and is very light.
Would be great if it could be turned into a shooter. I would put a 24" barrel back on it. Has that now and handles well.
Not a big deal at all. Either have a smith cut and spin on...or, as Weaver 93 said, Get a Rem/Age barrel from one of the prefit companies and headspace it with a go guage and lock the nut down.
The latter being slightly cheaper and you can change barrels/calibers later if you wish as long as it uses the same bolt face.
PA Plumber
Well-Known Member
Thank you for the suggestion. Had a pm a few moments ago with the exact same advice.
I appreciate it very much!
I have a couple Rem/Age barrels on long actions.
I have used 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-284 and 280AI on the same action.
All shoot very well too!
