Understanding the Foundation: The Remington 700’s Legacy
The Remington 700. The name alone conjures images of precision, power, and a legacy etched deep into the world of firearms. For generations, this iconic bolt-action rifle has been a cornerstone for hunters, target shooters, and military personnel alike. Its reputation for accuracy, reliability, and versatility has made it a favorite platform for customization and upgrades. Understanding the components that contribute to this legendary rifle, particularly the heart and soul of the action and the accuracy-delivering barrel, is crucial for anyone considering entering the world of the Remington 700 or enhancing an existing one. This article delves into the intricate world of Remington 700 actions and barrels, exploring their construction, the factors affecting their cost, and how to navigate the market to find the perfect components for your needs.
The Core: The Action’s Significance
At the heart of any firearm lies its action. In the context of the Remington 700, the action is the receiver, the mechanism that houses the bolt, chamber, and various other critical components. It is the foundation upon which the entire rifle is built. Its primary function is to perform the following critical tasks:
- Safely Contain the Cartridge: The action must provide a strong and secure enclosure for the cartridge during firing, withstanding the extreme pressures generated.
- Load and Extract Cartridges: The bolt mechanism, operating within the action, is responsible for feeding cartridges from the magazine into the chamber and extracting spent casings after firing.
- Provide the Trigger Mechanism: The action houses the trigger, sear, and related components that initiate the firing sequence.
- Maintain Alignment: The action is designed to maintain precise alignment between the bolt, the chamber, and the barrel to ensure consistent accuracy.
The strength and quality of the action directly influence the rifle’s overall performance, reliability, and safety. A well-made action will function smoothly and reliably, and contribute significantly to the rifle’s accuracy. The design of the Remington 700 action, featuring a solid receiver and a robust bolt locking system, has made it exceptionally strong.
Variations of Actions
The Remington 700 action isn’t a one-size-fits-all component. Over the years, several variations have emerged, each designed to accommodate different cartridge types and shooting applications. Generally, the Remington 700 is found in two primary action lengths:
- Short Action: Generally designed for cartridges like .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, and similar rounds with shorter overall lengths. Short actions tend to be faster cycling and often preferred for certain types of shooting, such as varminting or tactical applications.
- Long Action: Designed for larger cartridges, such as .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and magnum rounds. Long actions offer more space for these longer cartridges, accommodating the increased case and bullet size.
Beyond the standard offerings, enthusiasts and custom builders have embraced custom actions. These are designed and manufactured to more precise tolerances, often incorporating specialized features and improvements over standard factory offerings. They offer a superior performance, but they are typically more expensive. They provide the ultimate platform for building a highly customized rifle.
Price Influences: What Drives the Cost of Actions?
The price of a Remington 700 action is influenced by a number of key factors:
- Material and Manufacturing Quality: The materials used in the action’s construction significantly impact the price. High-quality steel, precision machining, and rigorous quality control processes contribute to a higher cost but often result in a more durable and accurate action.
- Model Variations: Different Remington 700 models may have slightly different features or finishes, which can affect their price. For example, a model designed for rugged use might have a more durable finish, while a target model might feature a more precise trigger.
- Features and Customization: Actions with upgraded trigger systems, enhanced bolt knobs, or other specialized features will typically command a higher price. Furthermore, actions that are already equipped with specific features or are customized from the factory also influence the price.
- Condition: The condition of the action plays a crucial role in its price. A new, unfired action will naturally be priced higher than a used action, depending on its wear, tear, and maintenance history.
Understanding the Barrel: Where Accuracy is Born
The barrel is, arguably, the most crucial part of a firearm concerning accuracy. It’s the tube through which the bullet travels, and its internal characteristics directly influence its trajectory, stability, and ultimate precision. The barrel’s role involves directing the expanding propellant gases to propel the bullet down the bore, providing the necessary velocity, and imparting the spin that stabilizes the bullet in flight. The barrel’s bore (the interior of the barrel), which is usually rifled, is designed to spin the bullet as it travels down the barrel, stabilizing it in flight and thus improving accuracy.
Barrel Specifications: The Language of Accuracy
Understanding barrel specifications is essential for selecting the right barrel for your Remington 700. Here are the key elements:
- Caliber: The caliber refers to the bullet diameter for which the barrel is designed. It determines the ammunition you can use. Common calibers for the Remington 700 include .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and various magnum rounds, among many others. Choosing the correct caliber is paramount for compatibility and safe operation.
- Length: Barrel length directly affects bullet velocity and ballistic performance. Longer barrels generally provide higher velocities, which can translate to increased effective range and flatter trajectories. Shorter barrels may sacrifice some velocity, but offer improved maneuverability and can be better suited for specific applications.
- Twist Rate: The twist rate is the rate at which the rifling grooves in the barrel cause the bullet to spin. It’s expressed as a ratio, such as 1:10 (one complete rotation in ten inches). The twist rate is critical for stabilizing the bullet in flight. A faster twist rate (smaller number) is needed for heavier or longer bullets.
- Profile: The barrel profile refers to its external shape. Various profiles are available, including sporter, varmint, heavy, and bull barrels. Each profile offers advantages in terms of weight, stiffness, heat dissipation, and perceived balance. Sporter barrels are typically lighter for general hunting use, while heavier barrels offer improved accuracy for target shooting by resisting heat effects.
Materials and Price: The Building Blocks of a Barrel
The material from which a barrel is made also heavily influences both its performance and its price:
- Carbon Steel: Carbon steel barrels are a traditional choice and tend to be more affordable. However, they are more susceptible to corrosion and rust than other materials.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel barrels offer superior corrosion resistance and often provide good accuracy. They are often a popular choice for hunting rifles that may be exposed to the elements.
- ChroMoly Steel: ChroMoly is a type of steel that’s popular, offering a balance of strength and performance.
Beyond the base material, the manufacturing process and level of precision will also influence the cost of the barrel. Rifled barrels, like those for the Remington 700, require highly specialized machinery and skilled craftsmen to ensure consistent accuracy.
Price Variables: What Determines the Barrel’s Cost?
Similar to actions, barrel pricing is affected by several factors:
- Material: The choice of barrel material significantly impacts the price. High-end stainless steel, for example, tends to be more expensive than carbon steel.
- Caliber and Chambering: The chambering process, which involves reaming the barrel to precisely fit the chosen cartridge, can add to the cost.
- Length and Profile: Longer barrels and specialized profiles (e.g., fluted barrels for reduced weight and heat dissipation) tend to be more expensive.
- Manufacturer and Quality: Barrels from renowned manufacturers, known for their quality and accuracy, typically come at a premium.
Finding Your Components: Where to Begin Your Search
The process of acquiring a Remington 700 action or barrel requires careful consideration and a bit of research. Here are some common avenues:
- Gun Stores: Local gun stores often have a selection of actions and barrels, and they can provide expert advice on compatibility and installation.
- Online Retailers: Many online retailers specialize in firearm components, offering a vast selection and competitive prices. Thorough research of a retailer’s reputation is imperative.
- Gun Shows: Gun shows are a great place to find a wide variety of components, often at discounted prices. However, it’s important to inspect the items carefully and ask any necessary questions.
- Specialized Gunsmiths and Manufacturers: Some companies specialize in building custom actions and barrels, catering to the needs of serious shooters.
Key Questions to Ask Before Making a Purchase
Before investing in an action or barrel, be sure to ask the following questions:
- Is it new or used? Request information about the history if it’s a used item.
- What is the condition? Scrutinize the action and barrel for any signs of wear, rust, or damage.
- What is the history of the piece?
- Is it compatible with your other components? Ensure the action and barrel are compatible with each other and with the rest of your rifle.
- What are the return policies? Check if there is a return policy.
Customization and Upgrade: Enhancing Performance
The Remington 700 is a platform that begs for personalization. The action and barrel, in many ways, represent the starting points of this transformation. Once you acquire these components, the customization possibilities are extensive. This is where the real enjoyment often begins, as you tailor the rifle to your specific needs and preferences. Upgrades can improve accuracy, add aesthetic appeal, or even enhance the overall shooting experience.
Conclusion: Value and the Remington 700
The Remington 700 remains a powerful and capable rifle. The process of replacing, upgrading, or building a Remington 700 often involves evaluating the price of both the action and the barrel. These two components, however, are only part of the story. Consider the material, the quality of workmanship, and compatibility when considering the right price.
This provides an excellent framework for assessing the cost of the actions and barrels and also gives you a strong understanding of the Remington 700 system. The rifle offers a legacy. By understanding the elements, you are better prepared to select the components that will meet your shooting goals. The value of these components, however, should not be measured only in dollars and cents, but by the joy they bring. This gives a truly rewarding experience.
