Introduction
Setting the Stage
The legacy of the Remington 700 rifle is undeniable. For generations, it has been a cornerstone of the shooting community, both for hunters and competitive shooters alike. Its widespread adoption has spurred a massive aftermarket, making it incredibly customizable and easily adaptable to a wide range of shooting disciplines. But within the vast landscape of the Remington 700 family sits a rifle that has earned its own dedicated following: the Sendero. This review dives deep into the Remington 700 Sendero, examining its features, build quality, and most importantly, its performance, to determine if it lives up to the hype and the investment.
Features and Specifications
Key Components
One of the immediate factors that makes a Sendero stand out is its design. While retaining the core action of the Remington 700, the Sendero boasts a heavy-contour barrel, often crafted from premium materials. This heavier profile is a crucial aspect, as it significantly contributes to the rifle’s accuracy potential. The increased mass helps to dampen vibrations during firing and offers greater resistance to heat buildup, enabling more consistent shot groups, even during extended range sessions. This, combined with a usually free-floated barrel, means the barrel is not in contact with the stock. This helps reduce pressure on the barrel as it heats, leading to better groupings.
The Remington 700 Action
The heart of any Remington 700 is, of course, the bolt-action. Sendero rifles typically feature the classic Remington 700 action, renowned for its inherent accuracy and reliability. The action is known for its smooth cycling and positive ejection, which translates to faster follow-up shots and reduced chance of malfunctions. It is a proven design that has stood the test of time, and its simplicity also contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance. The bolt’s locking lugs provide a secure lockup, contributing to the rifle’s ability to handle the high pressures generated by powerful cartridges.
Stock Quality and Design
When it comes to the stock, the Remington 700 Sendero often features a high-quality design to complement the performance potential of the action and barrel. These stocks are built to provide a stable platform that minimizes flex and ensures proper bedding for the action. This is particularly important for long-range accuracy. The McMillan stock, frequently found on Sendero models, is a prime example of quality in this regard. This stock is very well regarded for its strength, stability, and ability to hold up against weather and harsh conditions. Other Sendero models utilize synthetic stocks built by Remington or other reputable manufacturers. These usually provide a high level of accuracy, a comfortable feel, and the required level of durability needed for hunting.
The Trigger’s Importance
The trigger plays a pivotal role in accuracy, and the Remington 700 Sendero, in most cases, is equipped with a quality trigger. Although some early models had trigger issues, Remington has addressed these concerns. Triggers will frequently be adjustable, allowing shooters to fine-tune the pull weight and feel to their preferences. A crisp and predictable trigger break is essential for consistent shot placement, especially at longer distances. The quality of the trigger is another critical element that often separates a high-performance rifle like the Sendero from a more basic model.
Magazine Capacity and Feeding
The magazine capacity, like all Remington 700s, is often a common internal design. They usually hold around three to five rounds depending on the chambering of the rifle, and the feed is generally reliable. External or detachable magazines are not common on the Sendero. The internal magazine and the design of the feeding ramp help promote the smooth and reliable feeding of cartridges into the chamber.
Weight Considerations
The overall weight of the Remington 700 Sendero will vary based on the chambering, the barrel length, and the stock material, but it generally trends toward the heavier side, which is a direct result of the heavy-contour barrel and the stock design. This increased weight, while potentially a downside for those who prefer a lightweight hunting rifle, is often an advantage for accuracy. The added mass helps to absorb recoil and provide a more stable shooting platform.
Build Quality and Design Analysis
A Closer Look
In analyzing the build quality, it’s evident that the Remington 700 Sendero is designed for precision. The attention to detail in the construction, from the high-quality barrel to the well-crafted stock, contributes to its overall performance. The action’s smoothness and the trigger’s predictability are testament to the quality of the components and the manufacturing processes. The overall fit and finish often meet a very high standard, reflecting the craftsmanship that goes into building this model of rifle.
Performance and Accuracy Evaluation
Testing the Sendero
The actual shooting experience is where the Sendero truly shines. Testing this rifle involves a meticulous process. Ammunition choices are paramount. The rifle’s inherent accuracy potential is best unlocked with high-quality ammunition, and handloads further tailored to the specific rifle are ideal. Benchrest shooting provides the most controlled environment for evaluating accuracy. Precise measurements of group sizes at various distances provide a quantifiable measure of the rifle’s performance. Evaluating accuracy involves more than just seeing how small the groups are. Factors like the rifle’s ability to maintain consistent accuracy over multiple shots, the effect of barrel heating on group size, and the impact of environmental conditions are all carefully considered.
Accuracy Results
The accuracy results speak volumes about the Sendero’s capabilities. The heavy barrel and the quality construction provide a recipe for extreme accuracy, and the rifle is easily capable of sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups with the right ammunition and a competent shooter. The ability to repeatedly place shots on target at extended ranges is what defines this rifle. Whether shooting at 300, 500 yards, or even further, the Sendero consistently delivers impressive results.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of the Sendero
The Sendero’s strengths are significant. The most immediately apparent advantage is its exceptional accuracy potential. The rifle is designed for precision, and it consistently delivers. The build quality, as previously noted, is generally very good, ensuring reliability and longevity. The availability of aftermarket parts is a significant benefit. This allows shooters to customize their Sendero to their exact specifications, further enhancing its performance and making it truly a one-of-a-kind firearm. Also, it comes in a wide range of popular chamberings, making it suitable for different applications.
Potential Drawbacks
Of course, there are potential drawbacks to consider. The price point is undoubtedly a factor. The Sendero is a premium rifle, and it comes with a price tag that reflects its quality and performance. For some, the weight might be a disadvantage. The heavier barrel and stock add significant mass, making it less ideal for hunters who prioritize a lightweight rifle. However, for those prioritizing accuracy and stability, this is usually not a drawback at all.
Practical Applications
Uses and Suitability
The Remington 700 Sendero is remarkably versatile, although it leans towards precision and long-range shooting applications. It excels in long-range target shooting where consistent accuracy is paramount. The heavy barrel and stable stock provide the necessary platform for placing shots on target at extended ranges. The Sendero is also well-suited for hunting medium to large game at longer distances. The combination of accuracy, power, and cartridge versatility makes it an excellent choice for hunters who prioritize precision. The Sendero has often been used to hunt big game animals at extended distances, but it isn’t ideally suited for all hunting styles.
Optics and Accessories
For those looking to get the most out of their Sendero, there are many great optics and accessory options. High-quality scopes with adjustable turrets and good magnification ranges are a must. Bi-pods are highly recommended. A good sling and a case, or a rifle hard case, are beneficial. It is worth taking the time to select the components that are well-suited to your intended use.
Comparison to Competitors
Rifle Alternatives
A comparison of the Remington 700 Sendero to its competitors reveals some important distinctions. Other options exist, such as the Savage 110 series, or the Tikka T3x. Savage offers models that can deliver similar accuracy at a slightly lower price point, but sometimes sacrifice some of the refined build quality and overall fit and finish. Tikka rifles are known for their exceptionally smooth actions and excellent accuracy, but the Sendero often has the edge in terms of overall weight and the options for more customization.
Value and Final Verdict
Is it Worth the Investment?
Considering the value proposition, the Remington 700 Sendero offers a lot. It is a high-performing rifle with a legacy of excellence and proven accuracy. The price reflects its quality, but the performance justifies the investment for those who value precision.
Final Recommendation
The final verdict is that the Remington 700 Sendero is a top-tier rifle. It is an exceptional choice for serious shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and hunters who demand the utmost accuracy and performance. The build quality is great, and it has a history of performance, and the Sendero has earned its place as a top-of-the-line product. This rifle is an investment in precision, and it is something that will last a lifetime.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re considering a rifle that can consistently deliver exceptional accuracy at long distances, the Sendero deserves a serious look. If you’re willing to invest in a top-quality rifle with a proven track record, the Sendero is definitely worth the price. The rifle will provide years of service, and the accessories are readily available.
Conclusion
Now, it’s time to share your thoughts! What are your experiences with the Remington 700 Sendero? What chamberings do you prefer? Share your insights and ask any questions in the comments.
