THE Remington 700

Guns Magazine, Annual, 2001 by Clair Rees

After 38 years this classic bolt action is still America's favorite rifle.

I can't remember when I acquired my first Model 700 Remington, but it was many years ago. I've used many of these ubiquitous rifles over the years, and my current collection includes four M700s in various configurations, along with the same number of compact Model Seven carbines.

When the Remington Model 700 first appeared 38 years ago, it was an instant hit with American shooters. Since that time, more than 3 1/2 million Model 700s have been manufactured and sold. That makes it America's, really the world's, best-selling centerfire sporting rifle. Talk about success stories!

While the number of Remington 700s made is huge, it's not the whole story. Introduced in 1962, the Model 700 was basically an improved, better-looking version of the Model 721 and 722 rifles developed by Mike Walker and his engineering staff right after World War II. The main difference between the Model 721 and Model 722 was action length. The Model 721 digested full-sized cartridges like the .30-'06 and .300 H&H Mag. The short-action Model 722 accommodated stubbier rounds like the .257 Roberts and .300 Savage loads it originally chambered.

First offered in 1948, Remington's Model 721 and 722 rifles quickly won a reputation for rugged reliability. The rifles also produced accuracy unmatched by competing mass-produced hunting rifles. Minute-of-angle groups were far from common then, and that's what .222 Rem. Model 722 rifles often delivered. Selling for less than $100, the new rifles were also highly affordable.

Admittedly, there were tradeoffs. While Model 721/722 rifles were accurate, reliable and attractively priced, aesthetics suffered. Stocks bordered on downright homely and the stamped trigger guard didn't improve the rifle's appearance. The Winchester Model 70 was more expensive, but boasted greater visual appeal.

In spite of its plain exterior, the Model 721/722 sold well. Still, the Model 721, Model 722 and the Model 725, an entirely different design introduced in 1957, were all discontinued in 1961. The Model 700 was unveiled the following year.

Enter the 700

With only a few minor changes, the new Model 700 employed the same basic design used in Remington's Model 721/722 rifles. There were some mechanical improvements, but the big differences were cosmetic. The new rifle had a more streamlined tang and a considerably more graceful trigger guard. Instead of projecting straight down from the base of the bolt, the new bolt handle featured a rakish, swept-back configuration. The bolt knob was given an oval shape and checkered top and bottom. Equally important, the Model 700's stock was better designed, better finished and much more pleasing to the eye.

Today, the Model 700 is famed for its excellent trigger. Letoff is typically crisp and sharp, while lock time (the time elapsed from trigger break to cartridge ignition) is the fastest in the industry. This significantly aids long-range accuracy.

Compared to the classic Mauser bolt, the Model 700 bolt is elegantly simple. It consists of a clean, straight tube uncluttered by guides or rotating extractor assemblies. The face of the bolt is recessed to fully enclose the cartridge head. A spring-loaded plunger kicks empties clear on the bolt's rearward journey. Twin front lugs provide lockup, assisted by the root of the bolt handle when the rifle is in battery. When engaged, the two-position safety locks the trigger, but allows cycling the bolt to clear the chamber.

The 700 Battery

Today, Remington offers more than two dozen versions of the Model 700, not counting Custom Shop variations. Both right- and left-handed bolts are available, along with a variety of different stocks. Standard chamberings range from the diminutive .17 Rem to the big, belted .338 Rem. Ultra and .375 Holland & Holland Magnums, a total of 22 cartridges in all. Custom Shop Model 700 Safari Rifles extend those offerings to include the .416 Rem. And .458 Win. Mag. rounds.

The first bull-barreled Model 700 Varmint Special was introduced in 1967. It remains in the lineup now with a Kevlar-reinforced stock as the Model 700 VS. Other Reining ton varmint rifles include the Model 700 VS SF (Varmint Synthetic Stainless Fluted) which I've owned and used for several years. This top of-the-line varminter is extremely accurate. With the .223 ammo it likes, it's capable of punching 1/4" one-hole groups at 100 yards. I don't know how many prairie dogs this rifle has counted coup on, but it's proven deadly at ranges sometimes exceeding 400 yards.

Other varmint versions include the Model 700 VLS (Varmint Laminated Stock) and the Model 700 VS Composite introduced in 1999. This rifle features a 26" stainless-steel barrel liner encompassed by multiple wrappings of epoxy-hardened carbon fiber. The high-tech tube weighs less than all-steel bull barrels, offers similar rigidity and dissipates heat extremely fast. The Model 700 VS Composite sells well in spite of its rarifled $1,900 price tag.