Remington 700: Lemon, Design Flaw, or user error?

[Virg1L]

(This is my first real post, so please be gentle. If this has been covered, jut show me the link and I'll clean up.)

So, I have this nagging problem with the rear trigger plate group screw and the front guard screw on my short-action, ADL synthetic .308. When I tighten them, the screws protrude and "lock" the bolt in. At first I figured the screws weren't meant to be that tight, but after putting about 80 rounds through it I discovered the front guard screw had walked out and is somewhere in a field right now. After ordering a new one, I had the same problem. I can understand how a screw can be too tight, but these have to be loose in order not to interrupt the action.

This just doesn't seem right for something that requires a small explosion to function. Am I missing something?

 

[Chawbaccer]

I am not sure, but I think all three screws are a different length. Try a different one in different holes. If nothing else you can grind them back a bit.

 

[Virg1L]

Tried the different lengths and the ones I have were the best fit hands down. Grinding i looking like the best if not only option but I'm a little worried about compromising the integrity of the hold.

Thanks for the help. It's always appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

It seems to me your synthetic stock might be out of spec, or already compressed.

Standard length screws should fit and work if the action & guard bedding were right to begin with.

Does your stock have steel bushings in the holes to prevent compressing the plastic, or does Remington even do that?

rc

 

[Virg1L]

Yes, RC, they do have the bushings. As for bedding, there's nothing there but plastic grooves. More like a bedspring. :/

Went ahead and shaved off a little < 1/8 in. and it seemed to do the trick. Screws are tight and the action is as smooth as it's going to get.

I'm probably going to need to paint the tip of them now to prevent rust etc. Any suggestions?

 

[rcmodel]

I'd just get a Birchwood-Casey Presto cold bluing pin at Wallyworld and touch them up with that. Put some grease or oil or car wax on them after you get done and they won't rust.

http://www.cabelas.com/solvents-lubes-bluing-birchwood-casey-presto-gun-blue-pen.shtml

rc

 

[Virg1L]

Thank you much sir. I'll pick some up when I go there tonight.

 

[Mr. T]

I have a Remington Model 700 in .270 Win and the action is as smooth as silk. It's an older gun and the quality is there. Two years ago I went shopping for a new deer rifle for my oldest son and I went to look at the newer Model 700's and couldn't believe it was the same gun...because it wasn't. The quality control was terrible the action was considerably rougher. I think Remington has taken the route of some other companies by relying on previous reputation rather than producing a quality weapon. When you consider the money you layout for these guns, there is no way in heck you should have to deal with the problem you are referring to Virg1l. Remington to me has been a major dissapointment with regards to their Model 700's and 7400's/750. I know this is a rifle thread, but another thing to look at is how they've seemingly cheapened the 870's with their express line. Just saying Remington has really gone down hill in my opinion. I hope your fix solves the problem long term. Please keep us posted if you have any future problems.

 

[jmr40]

Use a flat washer on the screw that is too long. If that fixes the problem, you could just leave as is. If you want you could shorten that screw a little by grinding.

 

[TonyAngel]

You may have, at some point, over tightened the screws and compressed the stock. How much torque are you putting on the screws.