Understanding the Remington 700 and the Need for a Picatinny Rail
The Remington 700’s Legacy
In the world of precision shooting, the difference between a good shot and a great one often lies in the details. From the carefully selected ammunition to the quality of the optics mounted on your rifle, every component contributes to achieving that coveted bullseye. For owners of the legendary Remington 700, a rifle renowned for its inherent accuracy and versatility, the choice of accessories is paramount. One of the most crucial upgrades is the mounting system for your scope, and for many, that means opting for a Picatinny rail. Even more important is ensuring a level sight picture, and thus, a Picatinny rail with an integrated level becomes a critical consideration. This guide will delve into the nuances of selecting and utilizing a Remington 700 Picatinny rail with a level, offering insights to enhance your shooting precision.
What is a Picatinny Rail?
The Remington 700’s enduring appeal stems from its classic design, robust build, and exceptional accuracy potential. Born from a rich history, this bolt-action rifle has become a cornerstone in the shooting world, favored by hunters, target shooters, and military/law enforcement personnel alike. Its modularity and ease of customization have further solidified its legacy, making it a platform readily adaptable to various shooting disciplines and personal preferences. This adaptability is made possible by the myriad of aftermarket accessories available, starting with the critical foundation of any optic system: the mounting rail.
Why Use a Picatinny Rail on a Remington 700?
A Picatinny rail, named after the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, is a standardized mounting platform developed for firearms. This rail is a series of parallel slots that allows for the secure attachment of various accessories, including scopes, red dot sights, bipods, and other tactical equipment. The standardization ensures compatibility across different brands and models of accessories, eliminating the guesswork often associated with custom mounting solutions. This standardized design provides a strong, stable, and repeatable platform for your optics, ensuring they hold zero even under the harsh recoil of a powerful rifle like the Remington 700. It’s a crucial part of the chain of components that contribute to the rifle’s accuracy.
So, why use a Picatinny rail on your Remington 700? The answer is multi-faceted. Firstly, it dramatically expands your accessory options. With a Picatinny rail installed, you’re no longer limited to the factory-drilled holes or proprietary mounting systems. You can choose from a vast selection of scopes, red dots, and other accessories, allowing for tailored customization based on your shooting needs and preferences. Secondly, a Picatinny rail often provides a more robust and durable mounting solution compared to other methods. The secure clamping action of accessories onto the rail ensures they can withstand the recoil and environmental conditions without shifting or losing their zero. Furthermore, a Picatinny rail allows for improved customization, allowing you to optimize the scope’s position for comfortable eye relief and proper cheek weld. This customization is crucial for maximizing your shooting comfort and accuracy.
The Importance of a Level in Shooting
Defining Cant
Now, let’s delve into the critical element of leveling. The importance of this aspect is often underestimated by beginner shooters, yet it is fundamental for long-range accuracy.
What does “level” really mean in the context of shooting? It refers to ensuring that your rifle is perfectly vertical relative to the ground. Any deviation from this vertical alignment, even a slight tilt, is known as cant. Cant leads to a condition where the crosshairs of your scope are not aligned with the true vertical axis of the rifle. This seemingly small error can have a significant impact on your bullet’s trajectory, especially at longer ranges.
Impact of Cant
Consider this: as a bullet travels downrange, gravity acts upon it, causing it to drop. If your rifle is canted, the effects of gravity become magnified, leading to a horizontal displacement of your point of impact. This horizontal drift, known as “windage error,” will vary depending on the cant angle and the distance to your target. A slight cant at close range might not be noticeable, but as your target distance increases, the effects of the cant become exponentially more pronounced. For a long-range shooter, a level rifle is non-negotiable. Without a level rifle, consistently hitting targets at extended distances becomes a guessing game. The shooter has to compensate by holding off, leading to errors.
Benefits of Integrated Level
Therefore, the integration of a level within a Remington 700 Picatinny rail provides invaluable benefits. A built-in level provides an immediate visual reference, allowing you to quickly identify and correct any cant before taking a shot. This immediate feedback eliminates the need for external levels or prolonged aiming procedures, ultimately speeding up your shooting process and increasing your efficiency. It simplifies the process, making it easier to maintain a level sight picture, and enhancing your chances of hitting the target with greater precision.
Choosing the Right Remington 700 Picatinny Rail with Level
Material and Durability
So how do you select the right Remington 700 Picatinny rail with level? The process requires careful consideration of several key features.
First, assess the material and durability. High-quality rails are usually constructed from aluminum alloys or steel, both known for their strength and resistance to wear and tear. Steel rails are typically more durable but can be heavier. Aluminum rails, particularly those machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, provide a good balance of strength and weight. Make sure the material can handle the recoil of your rifle.
Mounting System Considerations
Consider the mounting system. Ensure that the rail is compatible with your Remington 700’s action. Some rails are designed to directly replace the factory-drilled holes, while others may require professional installation. Verify the screw pattern and ensure proper thread pitch for secure mounting. The rail should have a solid interface with the rifle receiver, providing a stable platform for your optic.
Rail Length and Height
The length of the rail is important as well. The rail length needs to be long enough to accommodate your scope or optic, allowing for proper mounting and adjustment. Measure the length of your scope and ensure the rail offers ample space to mount it comfortably and with the proper eye relief. Consider how much space is available to mount additional accessories such as night vision attachments.
Another crucial factor to consider is the height of the rail. The height of the rail will determine your cheek weld, the position of your cheek on the stock. Select a rail height that allows you to comfortably look through your scope with a natural head position. The correct cheek weld will help minimize fatigue and improve your shooting accuracy.
Level and Finish
The type and visibility of the integrated level is also a critical point. Consider bubble levels as well as illuminated levels. Bubble levels give a visual indication of the level. Consider also the visibility of the level. Is it bright enough to see in various lighting conditions? Does it obstruct your view of the target? The level must be easy to see in all conditions.
The finish is another point to consider. Many rails come with matte finishes that minimize glare and reflection. The finish must be corrosion resistant to protect the rail from rust and damage. Select a finish that complements the aesthetic of your rifle.
Price and Brand Selection
Finally, consider the price point. Quality Remington 700 Picatinny rails with integrated levels range in price depending on the brand, materials, and features. Set a budget and find the best quality rail with the features that meet your needs.
While offering recommendations for specific brands and models necessitates staying current with availability, the market contains reputable manufacturers that provide high-quality rails. Brands with solid reputations include Nightforce, known for its ruggedness and precision; EGW (Evolution Gun Works), which offers a variety of rails at different price points; and Warne, a well-regarded brand for its durable and reliable products. Before choosing any specific rail, read reviews and compare specifications to ensure it meets your specific needs.
MOA Rail Considerations
It’s also vital to address the concept of canted rails, sometimes referred to as MOA (Minute of Angle) rails. These are rails that incorporate a slight upward angle. These rails, however, aren’t the focus of the integrated level, which measures vertical alignment. The need for a canted rail often arises in long-range shooting. A canted rail essentially “pre-corrects” for bullet drop at longer distances. When you look through the scope, it is essentially “aiming” slightly higher to account for the effect of gravity. This can significantly reduce the amount of holdover needed. MOA rails are usually available in varying degrees, such as 20 MOA. This means the scope is tilted upward, providing a greater range of adjustment for the scope. However, the use of a canted rail does not replace the need for proper leveling.
Installation and Usage
Tools and Preparation
The installation of a Remington 700 Picatinny rail with a level is a fairly straightforward process, but it’s important to follow instructions carefully and take your time.
Gather all the necessary tools and materials. The primary tools are usually an Allen wrench set, often included with the rail, and a torque wrench. A torque wrench allows you to precisely tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, avoiding stripping threads or damaging the rail. A degreasing solvent and cleaning cloth are also valuable.
Step-by-Step Installation
Before you start, clear your rifle and ensure it is unloaded. Next, remove any existing scope bases or rings from the Remington 700. Clean the receiver surface thoroughly to remove any debris or oil.
Carefully align the Picatinny rail with the pre-drilled holes on the receiver. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them by hand. Once the screws are in place, use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s specified torque value. The appropriate torque value is crucial for ensuring a secure mount and avoiding damage to the receiver.
Level and Zeroing
If your rail has an integrated level, check its alignment with the reticle of the scope once it is mounted. You may need to make slight adjustments to ensure the scope is truly level. A bubble level and a plumb bob can be helpful in this step.
After installation, use the rifle to check for any movement in the rail or the scope. After a few shots, re-check the torque on the mounting screws to ensure they have not loosened.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning
Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your Remington 700 Picatinny rail and ensure its continued performance.
Regularly clean the rail, removing any dust, debris, or residue. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution for this.
Inspection and Lubrication
Inspect the rail and the level for any damage or wear and tear. Check the mounting screws to ensure they are secure and properly torqued.
If your rail has any moving parts, such as an adjustable level, lubricate these parts periodically with a light oil.
Conclusion
The Remington 700 Picatinny rail with an integrated level is an essential accessory. By installing one on your rifle, you’ll be able to shoot with greater confidence and accuracy. The integrated level helps correct for cant and achieve a level sight picture. By carefully selecting your rail, following proper installation procedures, and practicing good maintenance habits, you can significantly enhance your shooting experience.
In conclusion, investing in a Remington 700 Picatinny rail with a level is a wise choice for any serious shooter. This will significantly improve your chances of hitting your targets more consistently. Remember to choose a rail that suits your needs, install it correctly, and maintain it properly, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving greater accuracy.
