Remington Model 700

posted on October 26, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2011102694958-img_4339_2_f.jpg

For many, the Remington Model 700 has been the very personification of a classic pre-war, bolt-action sporter. But appearances can be deceiving. The Model 700 was actually introduced in 1962; one of its predecessors, however, was the short-lived Model 720, brought out in 1941 to herald a new era of hunting rifles for Remington. But World War II cut short the 720’s production run. After VE Day, Remington unveiled two almost identical rifles, the Model 721, with a long action, and the short-action Model 722. Both rifles were discontinued in 1962 to make way for the Model 700.

Merle “Mike” Walker, one of two Remington engineers whose team developed the Models 721 and 722, was also a competition benchrest shooter. He designed the Model 700 to be a mass-produced rifle capable of superb accuracy right out of the box. And with the gun’s fast 3.2-millisecond lock time, free-floating barrel and crisp single-stage trigger, he achieved that goal.

The Model 700 was offered with both long and short actions, and thus, was able to handle a plethora of cartridges, ranging from .222 Rem. to .458 Win. Mag.—the latter in Safari Grade rifles available through Remington’s Custom Shop.

Initially, two Model 700 variations were offered, the 700 ADL (A Deluxe Grade) with checkered stocks and fixed floorplates, and the 700 BDL (B Deluxe Grade), which featured checkered stocks, jeweled bolts, black-composite pistol-grip caps and fore-end tips, hinged floorplates, and a highly blued steel polish. A two-position vertical safety was located to the right rear of the bolt, and a hinged floorplate release for the BDL was on the upper inside front of the trigger guard.

In 1969 the rifle went through a series of internal and external changes, and to date there have been an almost bewildering array of sporting, law enforcement and military versions, with more than 5 million guns produced. One wonders what Remington plans for the 50th anniversary of this classic rifle in 2012.

The Model 700 BDL shown here is chambered in .25-’06 Rem. and is topped with a Bushnell Banner 4-12X scope. Made in 1980, it remains in 95 percent condition with just a few minor nicks from hunting. More importantly, it kept all of its fabled accuracy.

Gun: Remington Model 700 BDL
Caliber: .25-’06 Rem.
Serial No.: B6261XXX
Condition: 95 percent; NRA Excellent (Modern Gun Condition Standards)
Manufactured: 1980
Value: $600 to $650

Latest

Double Stack 1911 Web Main
Double Stack 1911 Web Main

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Legislators Enjoy Afternoon Of Clays With Benelli USA, Among Others

A bipartisan group of Maryland state legislators met with firearm industry manufacturers and representatives for a day of clays shooting while also attending discussions on the positive economic impacts of the shooting sports.

2025 Ammunition Product Of The Year: Winchester .21 Sharp

For continuing to innovate, particularly in a corner of the ammo world that has seen very little recently, we named the Winchester .21 Sharp as our Ammunition Product Of The Year.

Rifleman Review: Hammerli Arms Force B1

The Hammerli Arms Force B1 is one of the most versatile rimfire rifles on the market, providing room for accessories, allowing for a personal stock fit and even offering caliber-interchangeability.

New For 2025: CZ Scorpion 3+ Magpul Edition

CZ-USA has enhanced its Scorpion 3+ pistol-caliber carbine yet again with a slate of factory-installed Magpul components and accessories.

Summer Suppressor Deals On Now

Whether it is a BOGO deal from SIG or free tax stamps from Guns.com and Silencer Central, there's plenty of hearing-safe savings to be had this summer.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.