The Remington 700 barreled action is a cornerstone of the firearms world, renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and extensive customization options. Whether you're a seasoned marksman building a precision rifle or a novice assembling your first custom firearm, understanding the nuances of the Remington 700 barreled action is crucial. This guide delves into the key features, benefits, and considerations surrounding this popular platform.
What is a Remington 700 Barreled Action?
A Remington 700 barreled action is essentially the heart of the rifle, comprising the receiver, bolt, and barrel – all pre-assembled as a single unit. This differs from purchasing a receiver and barrel separately and having them fitted by a gunsmith. The pre-assembled nature simplifies the custom rifle building process, allowing for quicker assembly and potentially lower costs, depending on the chosen components and gunsmith services. It's a popular choice for those building custom hunting rifles, long-range precision rifles, or tactical firearms.
Key Features and Benefits of the Remington 700 Barreled Action
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Accuracy: The Remington 700's reputation for accuracy is well-deserved. The inherent design of the action and the ability to easily incorporate high-quality barrels contribute to its consistent performance.
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Customization: The vast aftermarket support is a significant advantage. Numerous manufacturers produce barrels, stocks, triggers, and other accessories specifically designed for the Remington 700 action, offering nearly limitless customization potential to tailor the rifle to specific needs and shooting styles.
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Availability: Remington 700 barreled actions are widely available from various manufacturers and retailers, ensuring accessibility for builders. This readily available supply also contributes to a competitive marketplace, often leading to favorable pricing.
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Reliability: Decades of use have proven the Remington 700's robustness and reliability. With proper maintenance, it's a platform that can withstand rigorous use and deliver consistent performance.
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Simplified Building Process: The pre-assembled nature streamlines the custom rifle building process, saving time and potentially reducing the overall cost compared to assembling a rifle from individual parts.
Choosing the Right Remington 700 Barreled Action
Selecting the right barreled action depends heavily on intended use. Key factors to consider include:
Caliber:
The caliber significantly impacts the rifle's intended use. Popular choices for the Remington 700 platform include .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor, and many more. The choice should align with your specific needs, whether hunting, target shooting, or long-range precision.
Barrel Length:
Barrel length directly influences accuracy and velocity. Longer barrels generally offer greater velocity, but they also add weight and length to the rifle. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable but may sacrifice some velocity.
Barrel Profile:
Different barrel profiles (e.g., heavy varmint, sporter, bull) affect weight, heat dissipation, and stiffness. Heavy barrels are more rigid, enhancing accuracy, but they increase the rifle's overall weight. A sporter profile offers a good balance between weight and accuracy.
Manufacturer:
Numerous reputable manufacturers produce Remington 700 barreled actions. Researching different brands and their reputations for quality and customer service is essential before making a purchase.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Remington 700 Barreled Action
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Budget: Costs can vary significantly depending on the chosen caliber, barrel length, manufacturer, and additional features.
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Intended Use: Define the rifle's purpose (hunting, target shooting, long-range precision) to inform your choices regarding caliber, barrel length, and other features.
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Gunsmithing: Even with a barreled action, some gunsmithing may be necessary, particularly if you are fitting a different stock or trigger.
Conclusion
The Remington 700 barreled action remains a popular choice for building custom rifles, owing to its accuracy, customization options, and widespread availability. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this guide, prospective builders can confidently choose a platform suitable for their needs and build a high-performing, reliable rifle. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult with experienced gunsmiths if needed during the assembly process.
