Opinion of Remington 700s

[leadcounsel]

For the money, what are your opinions of this line of rifles? These seem to be around the same price point as Rugers, Winchesters, slightly more than Savage and less than Tikka. Sure there are some others in this price point too, around $500-600 for a new rifle.

I seem to see these most commonly on the used/for sale boards. Is that because they are more common or just not as good?

Also, do these use the push feed or mauser action?

 

[General Geoff]

Remington 700s are the "Volkswagen" of centerfire bolt guns. They're available in almost any caliber (whether from Remington or a gunsmith), there are probably dozens of types of stocks that are widely available, all the mechanical parts are widely available in both OEM and aftermarket versions, and they're a simple, reliable design from barebones platform.

If you're looking for a cheap, upgradeable, reliable bolt gun, you can't go wrong. There are more expensive guns, and there are cheaper guns, but the Remington 700 is the rifle against which all others are measured.

 

[trueblue1776]

The Remington 700 is one of the finest mass production bolt guns, and has been for a LOOOOOOOONG time (thus market saturation).

They are very good guns, many consider to be the gold standard of production bolt guns.

I wrote more, had to delete it, sounded like I was selling Remingtons.

 

[RNB65]

Remington 700s are the "Volkswagen" of centerfire bolt guns.

Nah, they're the F-150 of bolt guns.

 

[General Geoff]

I stand corrected.

 

[30-06 lover]

I owned a 700 for a short time and really liked it for several reasons. It was very accurate, worked every time, had an excellent factory trigger and had everything I could ask for in aftermarket. I sold it because I never cared for it as a hunting rifle. One of the major issues I had was the fact that I could not lock the bolt. I had my 700 on my shoulder walking through some brush when I heard a metallic noise. I looked at my rifle and the bolt must have caught on some brush and opened up ejecting my live round. The finish was not very good for a hunting rifle either (ADL model with bead blast finish). For hunting it is okay. For bench shooting it is awesome. There are a lot on the boards because they are so popular. The action is push feed. Be safe.
-Mike

 

[Vern Humphrey]

One of the major issues I had was the fact that I could not lock the bolt. I had my 700 on my shoulder walking through some brush when I heard a metallic noise. I looked at my rifle and the bolt must have caught on some brush and opened up ejecting my live round.

Amen!

And it could have been worse -- you could have only slightly lifted the bolt, and had the buck or bull of a lifetime jump up, got him in your sights as he disappeared, and heard a sickening click!

Everybody and his dog offers rifles with 3-position safeties now. And Remington won't offer them out of pure perversity. They even import Mausers, for cats sake! with 2-position safeties!

 

[The Deer Hunter]

Nah, they're the F-150 of bolt guns.

except, they dont break down all the time

 

[kcmarine]

Let's make them the Chevy Silverado of bolt guns. Just doesn't get any better than a '90's Chevy Silverado 1500 in Maroon Red with the LTZ trim. Oh yes.

Sorry to stray. Anyways, the 700 is pretty much the standard. You won't be disappointed buying one.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

Plus, the M40 and the M24 are made off the model 700 action.

they are military sniper rifles btw.

 

[Whitman31]

I've owned my 700 BDL in 22-250 for about 6 years now, I am a very active varmit/predator hunter and I couldn't be happier with the 700's performance. I was not able to get sub moa groups until I modified the trigger, which is so easy I was upset I didn't have the guts to do it sooner. I've heard lots of people complain about the non-lockable bolt, but have never had mine come open, once your aware it can happen it becomes second nature to know where your bolt handle is, much like having an expensive scope. It's a great gun with a world of possibilities. Good luck...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've heard lots of people complain about the non-lockable bolt, but have never had mine come open

But do you hunt with this rifle in the Dark Timber, clambering up steep slopes at 11,000 feet, crawling over, under and through acres and acres of deadfalls?

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

But do you hunt with this rifle in the Dark Timber, clambering up steep slopes at 11,000 feet, crawling over, under and through acres and acres of deadfalls?

Psssh, just bring a spare bolt just kidding
I haven't had mine come open and we hunt in some fairly rugged territory, but it's not thick with trees (just lots of rocks, draws, and cliffs). I imagine an errant branch could leave you with limp bolt.

 

[kcmarine]

Location: Deep in the Ozarks

But do you hunt with this rifle in the Dark Timber, clambering up steep slopes at 11,000 feet, crawling over, under and through acres and acres of deadfalls?

Where you finding those Ozark Mountains, man?

 

[eldon519]

They're good guns. Handsome too. From a strictly utilitarian standpoint though, I think current production Savages are probably the better rifle for the money, but they aren't very attractive.

Can't go wrong with either.

 

[KINGMAX]

Comparing

Think about the REMINGTON 870 Pump Shotgun. It has become the standard of a great shotgun. So too has the REMINGTON 700 ADL being the standard for bolt action rifles. I own one of each, (an 870 12 GA. and a 700 adl in .270). Both have performed very well for me. I have no complaints for either. The 700 ADL is one great bolt action rifle. =JOMHO

 

[Eagle1899]

The Remington 700 is the small block chevy of the gun world. They are cheap to buy, cheap to build, parts abound, you can buy a aftermarket "700" action. Theres is nothing not made for a 700.

 

[Smith357]

I liked my 700 BDL in .30-06. it was a good rifle that was very accurate out of the box, with handloads it was a sub MOA rifle. I just like my Winchester pre64 M70, Custom Mauser, and BAR MKII 06s better so I sold it. If I was in need of yet another good bolt gun I would not hesitate to buy another 700.

 

[eliphalet]

Been hunting with a 700 over 25 years, and plan on many more. The bolt could /should be cured but it's not that big a deal. I did need to check another round for a antelope once because the bolt had been bumped.

Usually at 11,000 feet there is no longer timber, but I guess that would maybe depend on what latitude your at, but that's above timber line here.

I like the comparison to the Chevy small block, both American and both will forever hold their place in history, and you can buy off the shelf about anything for either. Great products over time always seem to be at the top of the list.

Mine are pretty much stock with the exception of a trigger job, that was all that has ever been needed. Oh and Leupold scopes.

 

[taliv]

i've had 3 of them now. one was by far the best factory rifle i've ever owned. one hole 5-shot groups were no problem. the 2nd one is making me crazy. i can't for the life of me get a group under 1.5" at 100 yrds. the third one is a solid 1 moa gun.

i have it on pretty good authority that quality has gone down in recent years and you may or may not get what you pay for. in any event, it's a decent action to take to a gunsmith to turn into a decent gun.

 

[Whitman31]

I'm not saying the bolt won't open by accident. I don't find myself to deep in the timber as I do most of my hunting in souther MN, but I do spend more than my share of time trying to navigate abandoned homesteads and deep cattail swamps. Once your aware the bolt can come open, it's easy to prevent.

The savage is a great gun as well, probably more accurate than a stock 700, but it lacks the "American Rifle" look. Get what fits you...

 

[rdaines]

I own several 700s in various calibers, they have proven to be reliable and accurate (especially with handloads). I would not hesitate to buy another (like a .338 Federal).

 

[trueblue1776]

They offer the 700CDL in .35 Whelen right now, if you want a sexy beast.

 

[Legionnaire]

I like mine. But avoid the models with the J-Lock. Replacement parts are available if you end up with a J-Lock and want to get rid of it.

 

[Belgiboy]

You see a lot of them around here in Minnesota and I have never heard anybody saying anything bad about them. It is the quintessential American deer-rifle, much like the Winchester 94. It is true that a lot of them will produce sub-MOA groups right out of the box and most of them have a better than average piece of wood on them too. Go for it.