Remington 700 CDL

[dak0ta]

Hi,

How are the current R700 CDLs with the XMP triggers? Are they as good as the vintage BDL, Classics? I think the blueing is more of a matte as opposed to polished blue, and the stocks are more satin as to DuPont finish of the 60s. How are the barrels, fit & finish, walnut quality? Technically Remington should be able to produce a better 700 as opposed to older technology, but that isn't necessarily the case with the 'new' Remington.

Compared to SAKO 75/85, Kimber, Weatherby Vanguard 2, Browning A-Bolt II, or CZ 550 American, would a current day R700 be worth the $750-$850, or should I look at the other options?

I'm not a big fan of detachable magazines, plastic parts. CRF or Push-feed is okay with me.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

The CDLs are toward the high end of Rem's factory rifle line. They bear virtually no resemblance to the BDL of the '60s and '70s. They are good rifles although the first thing I do with Rem 700s is to replace the XMP trigger with a Timney 510 (cost ~$135 now +$30-$50 if you need a gunsmith to do it...there are some tools required that you may not have). All of my Remmies are <0.75 MOA shooters once restocked, bedded and with the new trigger.

Now, you can't compare them to Sako 85s for workmanship and fit & finish. I recently picked up a Sako 85 Bavarian NIB for $1,500. It comes free-floated in a beautiful oiled walnut stock with Redwood embellishments, beautifully matte finished barrel, detachable magazine (and if I'm out hunting with it I'd want a second with a different weight bullet...like 150 gr for deer, 165-189 gr for elk if I have both tags) excellent iron sights, factory forged scope bases (I mounted my scope to the integral base with Leupold rings built for the Sako) AND a 5-shot< 1 MOA GUARANTEE.

In general, I would put Weatherby Mk Vs and current Winchester Super Grades in the same tier of deluxe rifles as the Sako 85 Bavarians and Customs. I have both a SG Winnie M70 and the Sako and can tell you that their overall quality seems higher than anything Rem produces currently. I do have a Rem 700 XCR II barreled action free-floated and bedded in a B&C stock with Timney trigger in .375 H&H. It shoots as well or better than my Winnies; I haven't shot the Sako yet but will next week. The .375 H&H is a 0.75 MOA shooter with 5-shots at 100 yards off the bench.

I think that there are trade-offs among the various rifles in terms of price, features and quality and that there is no one right answer for everything.

A Rem CDL should be a good rifle but there are better to be had for not much more.

Harry

 

[elkhunterCO]

or should I look at the other options?


yes

 

[dak0ta]

There's a brand new one that is being offered at $800. Is that a good price? I was hoping to get it down to $750-775.

At what price would a new CDL in .270 Win be a good deal/steal?

Also, how bad is the XMP trigger? Like unbearable junk or workable? Are the barrels free floated in the stocks? Can one expect 1 MOA out of these rifles?

 

[Water-Man]

If you want a rifle in that price category, buy a Tikka T3. It's a better rifle.

 

[jmr40]

Most CDL's that I see locally are priced just under $900. I've never gotten a dealer to haggle over new gun prices. Used guns yes, not on new. Maybe you will have better luck. Around here $800 would be a good deal, not a steal.

I do think the concerns over current Remington quality is overstated. Concern about the older trigger design is real, but If I liked and wanted a Remington, the CDL is the one I'd buy. If you like the trigger pull there isn't anything mechanically wrong with the new trigger design. If it doesn't suit you replacements are available.

But priced at about $800 or a bit less I simply like the Winchester Featherweight much better. They weigh almost exactly the same so don't let the Featherweight name be a concern. Has nothing to do with perceived quality, I just like everything about the Winchester design better. I think the stock looks and fits better, the factory trigger is better. No need to replace it. The gun balances better, and is better finished. I like the safety design and CRF action better. Selling for about the same or less is just gravy.

But for those who like the 700 better, the CDL is a nice looking gun. I think a huge improvement over the UGLY BDL stocks. Odds are it will be a good shooter.

 

[cammogunner]

my opinion is buy a tika i think you will be getting a better rifle

 

[dak0ta]

How about a Browning A-Bolt II. I know they are discontinued, but I don't like the X-bolt stock styling and detachable magazine.

 

[Doc7]

I recently looked at the CDL in person. 5 rifles in different calibers. I really wanted to like it.

The white "spacer" on the foreend tip was a mess on all 5. Painted improperly or something. Made it look like a 300 dollar rifle once I noticed it. I wouldn't buy one.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

Ive got a cdl stainless 257wby. Fit and finish is very well done. hands down a better looking rifle in my opinion then any tika or browning x bolt. Shots moa with a few different loads so it shoots to boot. I have to admit though that its one of the only newer Remingtons id put in the same league as a new model 70. cant abide ugly guns so no tikas x bolts cz or even savages for me even if they do shoot