Barrel and Stock Recommendations for MDL 700 in 223 Rem

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one-shot

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Hey everyone. I finally got to the range and shot my Savage varmint rifle LINK: ( http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6433306#post6433306) in 223, and have considered adding a new stock and barrel to my Remington Model 700 in 223. It's a Remington Model 700 Classic. It was the limited edition model the year they ran 223s.

So my question is, what stock and barrel maker would you recommend. I have looked into McMillan stocks and Shilen, Heart, or Krieger for the barrels. I'm not sure on the length yet. I think 20-24 inches would be okay and a heavier contour, but not sure what number.

EDIT: 1:7" or 1:8" twist is most likely what I'll decide on. My savage has a 1:9" twist in the barrel.

I'm basically undecided and would like some input from those who have some insight into this.

Thanks in advance.
 
McMillan is good, Bell& Carlson, HS, but if you really want something nice get Accuracy International stock ;-)
 
I have a 223 Rem. AI doesn't make it for that short of an action. I already checked on that long ago.
 
I'll email them and confirm that. On their website they only showed 243 and 308 Win for the short action. I'll get back to you with the info.
 
one-shot, I currently have two AICS stocks (SA and LA 1.5) with another on order (SA 2.0). After thoroughly checking out the folding AICS in January, I decided to order a folder for my latest build. I chose 1.5 models for my two Remingtons because I didn't think that a folder would be rigid enough ... I was wrong. AI .223 magagazines fit the SA AICS and are available from places like Midway. AICS stocks are not cheap but if you find them comfortable and ergonomic as I do, there isn't a better stock on the market. I've tried just about every mainstream Rem 700 aftermarket stock out there and nothing comes close to the AICS but that's a personal preference and not an absolute. When you consider the strength, the utility, the rigidity, the options, the ergonomics etc., they're very good value for money.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=162445

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=614345

I would highly recommend a stainless steel Krieger barrel with a 1:7 twist but the barrel contour can be a tough decision since it's a problem in optimization. The first question to answer is what will the rilfe be used for (mostly). This is the single most important question. If you plan to use the rifle for hunting where the rifle will be slung over your shoulder for 99.999% of the time you'll want the barrel to be A LOT LESS than 6lb. If you plan on using the rifle for F-Class type shooting then a 6lb barrel may be a good thing. If you try to build a rifle for too wide a range of applications, you'll end up with a jack-of-all-trades but master-of-none system ... but you might want that.

I have two Krieger barrels with the MTU #10 contour (straight taper) with 10 (3/16" diam.) flutes and have ZERO regrets/complaints. One is chambered in .308 Win and the other in .300 Win Mag, both were originally 26", both have 1:10 twists and are the standard four grooves/lands barrels. However, for my latest .260 Rem build I went with a 26" MTU #9 contour with 6 (1/4" diam.) flutes and 1:8 twist. All three barrels are (or will be) on rifles used for long-range target/practical shooting so I want a barrel that's as rigid as possible with as much surface area/heat sink as possible and yet as light as practically possible. Also, I want to be able to have the throat recut at least three or four (or more) times as needed so a straight taper barrel helps in this regard.

You can't go wrong with a Krieger barrel.

:)
 
The AICS are definitely not cheap, but they are pretty damned good looking. I really like the look of AI stocks. The option to drop in my Mdl 700 action with a new barrel is very appealing. What is the largest contour barrel that will drop into an AICS? I don't need a folding stock. I'm really not sure of an advantage of that over a non folding stock. If there is any, share it and I may reconsider. I think my biggest concern is finding a competent gunsmith who can do the best job.

I'm not too concerned about weight. It will mostly be used for varmints, targets and sitting on a hillside calling for coyotes. I have read that a shorter barrel is better for accuracy because of less vibration of the barrel. A FN rep was telling me the same thing a few weeks ago. My Savage varmint rifle I have now is relatively heavy compared to my Remington Mdl 700 in 223, but the weight isn't too much of a bad thing.

If anyone is aware of a great gunsmith in the Salt Lake City area, let me know.
 
one-shot said:
What is the largest contour barrel that will drop into an AICS? I don't need a folding stock. I'm really not sure of an advantage of that over a non folding stock. If there is any, share it and I may reconsider. I think my biggest concern is finding a competent gunsmith who can do the best job.
Click to expand...

The AICS will except any barrel contour assuming that the maxium diameter is no bigger than the O.D. of the action. If you want to swap out the factory recoil lug for a thicker/stronger one such as the Badger Ordnance, the AICS will need to be machined ... not a big deal. As for the folding stock AICS, it's simply for improved packaging during transport or moving from stage to stage. You can send Krieger your action (and barrel) and have them chamber/fit the barrel. They can true the action as well. However, if you can find a very good gunsmith locallly then I would recommend that route. My gunsmith does excellent work and Krieger makes excellent barrels ... a perfect combination. Krieger did a decent job with my two Remingtons, but just not in the same league as my gunsmith. No offense to Krieger intended.

:)
 
For a stock I'd try Bell & Carlson, l'm looking at one now for my 700. Barrels, I looked all over and settled on a Krieger for mine. No regrets on the Krieger at all, my .25-06 now shoots groups of under 1/2". I chose Krieger because of their rifling.

A tip on the barrel. I almost fell over dead when I heard what Krieger wanted to do the work. I found a gunsmith that specialized in benchrest guns locally. He ordered the Krieger match barrel and did the work for about 1/2 the price Krieger wanted.
 
That doesn't sound too bed. That's definitely something to consider. How does Krieger rate on barrel quality?
 
How does Krieger rate on barrel quality?
Click to expand...

I too was thinking of rebarreling one of my 700s in .223 and when I asked my riflesmith he highly recommended Krieger. As he is also a benchrest shooter that was high praise coming from him.

I visited Sinclair Int. , which specializes in presicion rifle products up in Ft.Wayne , IN - and they spoke highly on Krieger barrels.
 
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