Sold guns for a Rem 700...a few questions?

[Yo Mama]

Hello All,

I sold a keltec p3at, and a 1942 Turkish Mauser (8mm), in order to fund a hunting rifle that was of quality. (I have the 9mm keltec not much bigger than the .380, and the Mauser just wouldn't let me drill and tap for a scope as I was worried about Karma)

Questions on the 700 ADL w/ black synthetic stock 30-06:

1. What kind of scope is included with this rifle? It just has the "R" for Remington on it, but I need to know if it's a descent scope, or if I NEED to replace it quickly?

2. The coating on the barrel comes off on a rag when I use a CLP. Do I need to use Rem Oil only? I don't know what the coating is, but think it's the same as on my 870 Express.

3. Do these last the test of time? The adl version I mean.

All input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[hometheaterman]

I don't think it would hurt to use it as long as it holds zero, until you can afford a better scope. However, it's not exactly what I'd call quality. I'd replace it with a Burris, Vortex, or similar scope. You will be much much happier with i. Also if you ever have issues with it shooting off or bad groups the scope is the first thing I'd check on that rifle as they come with cheap scopes.

As for the coating I'm not familiar with it. I've handled one in the store but never in person. You could try Remington Oil and see what happens. It may just be a crappy finish. Remington isn't known for putting the best finishes on their guns anymore.

As for lasting. I can't say. I think the older 700's are very very nice rifles and will last most hunters at least their lifetime. With the newer ones I've seen quite a few reports of people having issues. It seems like their quality just isn't near what it used to be. I've experienced this first hand with Remington 870's but I've not had a 700. It's a shame too because Remington used to put out quality products that anyone would be proud to own or put their name on. Now it seems like they want to make products as cheap as possible and don't care if they are quality or not. As long as yours doesn't have any issues from the get go you will probably be fine. I've read of them having the bolt handles break off, but that's not a huge deal and a easy fix. I'm not sure the finish will hold up as it felt cheap to me, and you said it's already coming off, but you could always re blue it or just keep it wiped down with oil. I've read other reports of issues with newer Remington guns but most are issues that will be noticed right away. So if yours shoots good I'd say it's probably fine.

If you haven't already bought this rifle you'd probably be much better off to buy a Savage Model 10, a Winchester Model 70, an older Remington 700 from the 70's or 80's, or a Marlin XL or XS-7(Yes I know the same company that owns Remington owns Marlin, but so far the reports seem to be good and seem to indicate good quality. I hope it stays that way.) The Savage is my favorite rifle of those, but the rest are pretty good rifles too.

 

[Maverick223]

1. Yes, I would replace the scope as soon as feasible with a suitable replacement. What is your optics budget? Without knowing this, Sightron and Vortex seem to be the best buys at the moment.

2. I don't care for CLP, it doesn't Clean very good, doesn't Lube all that well, and doesn't Protect hardly at all, so I would find something else. You shouldn't need to clean the exterior of the rifle, just oil would be fine. For cleaning, I would probably try something like Breakfree foaming bore cleaner for quick cleaning, Butch's Bore Shine/Hoppes No. 9: Benchrest for thorough cleaning.

3. Don't see why it wouldn't, while the quality has dropped a bit, many have stood the test of time. Expect minor parts to break from time to time, but in general if you maintain it properly it won't let you down.

 

[Yo Mama]

Thanks for the quick replies. Budget for new scope maxed at 150, I'm thinking Redfield?

 

[Ratdog68]

For what you'd pay for a new 700ADL... I'd buy an older 700BDL. The ability to drop that floor plate to unload is a BIG plus. I converted one of my older 700ADL to have a dropping clip.

I dunno.... all this talk of bad ju-ju of the new Remingtons? A buddy of mine bought a new 700 last fall, and, it's a fine rifle, I'd say it's as nice as the one I bought in the 80's. M'be not quite as nice as the one I have from the 70's.

Love both of my .30-06s and my 700ADL in .22-250 (just wish it was a BDL).

 

[Dr T]

Make sure the barrel is fully floated. There is a reinforcement pad under the front sling swivel stud that may bear on the barrel. If it bears on the barrel, it can really mess up your accuracy as the barrel heats up.

 

[slowr1der]

For $150 you'd be much better off to step up to about $175 and buy a Burris Fullfield II over a Redfield. Or a Vortex Diamondback for around $200. A Nikon Team Primos is another choice. There is a great write up comparing many $200 scopes and under over at OpticsTalk.com They compare the Burris, Vortex, and Redfield, as well as a couple others.

 

[Maverick223]

For less than $150.00 you would be hard pressed to find something better than a Sightron S-I 3-9x40mm. I second the Vortex Diamondback if funds permit, otherwise the Sightron is bar none the best IMO.

 

[Oceans]

If it is a real ADL, you will have a good rifle. Remington has not made the ADL in a few years. I have one, synthetic black stock, in 30-06 and have had it since 1997, I took off the iron sights, low mounted a Leupold VXII 3-9 in a one piece Leupold mount, Butler creek flip open sight covers, adjusted the trigger to 50 oz break on my RCBS trigger pull scale, neoprene stock sleeve. That rifle will hold my 165 grain Sierras backed by 46 grains of IMR4895, Win large rifle primers, Rem brass for 3 shots under an inch at 100 yards. I reload, and like to get 4 loadings(have to trim of-course) a case before I smash the case. I don't hot rod the '06: I like that the Remington fully encloses the case head. Its a great rifle, will do what you want it to. If you want a budget scope, go for the cheaper Nikon 3-9 model, very clear optics for the money.

 

[Yo Mama]

It is an ADL, which Remington sort of stopped production mostly, unless a big store such as Sportmans or Cabelas wants a shipment. I'll add pics soon, but it's a bottom line 700 action, no frills, just a 30-06 that is much better looking and stronger than the 770

 

[Ratdog68]

Congrats on the 700 !! I've had one of my ADL's since 1978 and the other one I got back from my father after his passing. I bought that gun for him in the early 90s. I always envied the drop plate feature of the BDLs... so, last year I bought a "Kwik Klip" conversion ($80) to try out and installed it on one of my ADLs. I scrounged around and found a synthetic Remington BDL stock (looks new) for $20. It was a breeze to convert over... and, while I had the gun apart, got after all the blued metal with some Flitz metal polish. I'm very pleased with the results and I not only have the ability to drop the clip to unload... I bought a spare clip for it at the same time. I plan on doing so with my other ADL .30-06. So... some food for thought for you. If your OEM scope is serving you well... consider the coin (be creative too) to upgrade your rifle to a drop clip configuration and upgrade your scope later?

 

[Abel]

I would replace the scope with a Leupold or Redfield possibly. Then I'd protect the finish somehow, maybe gunkote or a camo film-dip. Or just shoot it 'til the wheels fall off & don't worry about it.

 

[pmeisel]

I'd go out and shoot it a little before I replaced the scope. You might find it does the job good enough for you.

Good solid rifle for your purpose.

 

[Maverick223]

If your OEM scope is serving you well... consider the coin (be creative too) to upgrade your rifle to a drop clip configuration and upgrade your scope later?

I disagree. I think a good, reliable scope is paramount, worry about a hinged floorplate, or magazine conversion later. Besides magazines are costly, and have more disadvantages than benefits when hunting.

 

[Yo Mama]

It was $399 at Sportsmans

 

[Geno]

On my own SPSs, first I purchased high-quality scopes, bases and rings. Second, I replaced the factory triggers with Timney triggers. Thirdly, and finally, I changed out the synthetic stocks for aluminum-bedded HS Precision and Bell & Carlson stocks. Unlike others, I have not seen massive improvements in accuracy from the stocks. The glass is what made the greatest difference. I have not changed-out the aluminum floor plate yet.

Congrats on your purchase.

Geno