THE Remington 700

Guns Magazine, Annual, 2001 by Clair Rees

Remington's Mcdel 700 EtronX rifle has the same features found on the popular Model 700 VS SF varmint rifle. This includes a heavy 26" stainless-steel fluted barrel fitted to a black synthetic stock via a full-length aluminum bedding block. At $1,999 recommended retail, the EtronX rifle is far from cheap. That hasn't hampered sales, which Remington says have been surprisingly brisk.

Other 700 Family

Other non-traditional Model 700s include the muzzleloading rifles that debuted in 1996. Featuring Remington's familiar bolt action, these modern in-line muzzleloaders have proven highly popular with black powder hunters. There are now five variations, offering carbon or stainless barrels and black or camo-colored synthetic stocks. The 24" barrels are available in both .50 and .54 caliber. There's also a Model 700 ML Youth version with an abbreviated 21" barrel and a reduced length of pull. As I mentioned, the Remington Model Seven is closely related to the Model 700. The Model Seven receiver resembles a Model 700 action that's been shrunk.

I'm particularly fond of the Model Seven. These super-short-action carbines are light, compact and capable of excellent accuracy. One synthetic-stocked, stainless-steel version I tested consistently delivered 3/8 MOA groups with its favorite .223 Rem. factory load. The walnut-stocked .308 Model Seven I own weighs barely 6 lbs. and measures under 38" muzzle-to-butt. It wears the original 18 1/2" carbine-length barrel and is a delight to carry in the deer woods. Beginning in 2000, all Model Sevens came equipped with longer 20" tubes.

I also own a pair of Custom Shop Model Seven carbines, both in 7mm-08 chambering. My Model Seven MS sports the wood-to-the-muzzle Mannlicher-style stock I find so appealing. The other sports an ultra-light fiberglass camo-colored handle. I've taken mule deer with both these great little rifles.

Because the Model 700 and Remington Model Seven are so closely related, I can't help but include the latter in this lineup. Others may disagree, but I regard the Model Seven as a Model 700 that never quite grew up. Both are excellent hunting rifles that have served me well.

A 700 For Every Taste

The Model 700 variations that have appeared over the years are too numerous to fully list here. Stock styles have subtly changed with time and the early impressed checkering has thankfully given way to sharp, raised diamonds. In most M700s, white-line spacers have given way to cleaner-looking cosmetics. As buyers' tastes change, this deservedly popular rifle continues to evolve.

The best-selling Model 700? According to Linda Powell of Remington, the original walnut-stocked Model 700 ADL and Model 700 BDL versions continue to head the popularity list. "The ADL may have a slight edge," she said. "At $530, it's a little more affordable than the $630 BDL. Both are doing very well. Our synthetic-stocked models become more popular every year, but people still like the look and feel of checkered wood."

After 38 years, Remington's Model 700 remains a modern classic, and American favorite. Already a best-seller, it pleases more new shooters every year. Rifle designs come and go, but the Model 700 is likely to be with us for a long, long time.