Rem 700 safety

[BBBBill]

A friend has asked me about the safety on his fairly new 700. According to him, it doesn't lock the bolt when on safe. He doesn't like that. Says his bolt falls open while walking around with it slung over his shoulder. My Remington has the old style safety that locks the bolt when on safe. I haven't had a chance to examine it or another newer 700 yet, so was wondering if anyone knew whether you could retrofit a newer gun with the old style safety or if there were any other changes that would prevent doing that easily. Reason I ask is that I just happen to have an extra old style safety in my parts box.

 

[Dans40X]

Rem Bolt Lock Safety's

"D" prefix & later/current serial number Rem 700's bolts do not have the bolt lock mill cut under the handle in the bolt body.
I believe current production rifles are up to "H" prefix serial numbers.

 

[BBBBill]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[chris allen]

700 safety

The latter models are designed so you can operate the bolt with the safety on.ie removing a live round without "flipping" the safety off.

chris

 

[Jim K]

That is a perennial argument and for factories, a trade-off. There is no danger of an accidental discharge from the bolt coming open while the rifle is being carried. There is a such a danger while unloading the rifle with the safety off. The lawyers win again.

Jim

 

[wrevis]

I think there is a 3 position safety (a la model 70 Win.) available for the Model 700 Rem. I can't remember who makes it but I'll bet it's listed in the Brownell catalog.

Rev

 

[ants]

Rifle Basix makes a kit to retrofit your new safety to the pre-2006 function. It costs $28.99 at Midway. I've used Rifle Basix trigger parts and they always seem to be a good deal for the money.

Gentry makes the kit to convert to a 3-position safety. But it's not just a safety kit, it's a replacement barrel shroud. The shroud is $130 to $150 depending upon finish and right/left hand bolt. I'm not sure if other parts are required. There may also be labor if you hire a gunsmith to install it.

anthony