Remington 700: The Iconic Bolt-Action Rifle for Hunting and Precision Shooting

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The Remington 700 is one of the most recognized and widely used bolt-action rifles in the world. Celebrated for its accuracy, reliability, and adaptability, the 700 has served hunters, competitive marksmen, military snipers, and law-enforcement professionals for decades. Available in numerous calibers and configurations, the Remington 700 remains a gold standard for bolt-action rifle platforms.

Remington 700 classic hunting rifle

Introduction: A Legendary Bolt-Action Platform

Introduced in 1962, the Remington 700 revolutionized the bolt-action rifle market with its reliable action, strong two-lug bolt design, and ease of manufacturing. Over the past 60 years, it has become a trusted companion for hunters pursuing deer, elk, and other game, while also forming the basis for precision rifles in military and law-enforcement roles — including the U.S. Army’s M24 and the Marine Corps’ M40 sniper rifles.

Key Specifications (Remington 700 SPS as a Representative Model)

SpecificationDetail
CaliberAvailable in multiple calibers including .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, and more
ActionBolt-action, dual-opposed locking lugs
Barrel Length20″–26″ (depending on model)
Overall Length39″–46″ (depending on barrel and stock configuration)
Weight (unloaded)~7–9 lb (model dependent)
TriggerAdjustable X-Mark Pro trigger (on modern production models)
Stock OptionsWood, synthetic, composite, or chassis systems for precision shooting
Magazine TypeInternal box magazine (typically 3–4 rounds); detachable magazines on some models
SightsUsually drilled and tapped for scope mounting; some hunting models with iron sights
FinishBlued, stainless steel, Cerakote, or specialized tactical coatings
  • Remington 700 ADL: Classic hunting model with traditional wood or synthetic stock.
  • Remington 700 BDL: Upgraded hunting rifle with high-polish blued finish and checkered walnut stock.
  • Remington 700 SPS (Special Purpose Synthetic): Versatile, cost-effective hunting rifle with synthetic stock.
  • Remington 700 5R: Precision-oriented variant with 5R rifling for enhanced accuracy.
  • Remington 700 Magpul: Combines the classic 700 action with a modern Magpul Hunter stock and detachable box magazine.
  • Remington 700 Long Range: Optimized for precision shooting with heavy-contour barrels and stock upgrades.
  • Remington 700 Tactical AAC-SD: Tactical-ready platform with threaded heavy barrel for suppressors or muzzle devices.
Remington 700 5R precision rifle

Standout Features

Legendary Action Design

The Remington 700 action is renowned for its simplicity, strength, and reliability. The dual-lug bolt design and recessed bolt face ensure consistent lock-up and excellent accuracy. Its popularity also means it’s one of the most supported actions for custom builds.

Wide Caliber Selection

From classic hunting cartridges like .30-06 Springfield and .270 Win to modern precision favorites such as 6.5 Creedmoor and hard-hitting magnums like .300 Win Mag, the 700 platform caters to virtually every shooting application.

Proven Accuracy

Even standard hunting-grade rifles often deliver sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition. Precision variants like the 5R or Long Range models excel for competition and long-distance shooting.

Versatile Stock and Chassis Options

The 700 is available with a wide range of stock configurations — from traditional wood and synthetic stocks to modern aluminum or polymer chassis designed for long-range precision.

Massive Aftermarket Ecosystem

As one of the most popular bolt-action platforms, the Remington 700 benefits from decades of aftermarket support, including triggers, stocks, barrels, optics mounts, bottom metal, and detachable magazine conversions.

Performance in the Field

Accuracy

The Remington 700 is celebrated for its consistent precision. Well-maintained rifles routinely achieve sub-MOA accuracy with factory loads, while custom builds and handloads can push performance even further.

Recoil & Handling

Recoil varies by caliber and rifle weight. Lightweight hunting models in .30-06 or .308 are manageable for most shooters, while magnum calibers often benefit from muzzle brakes or suppressors. Ergonomic stock designs and recoil pads help keep shooting comfortable.

Reliability

The 700’s rugged bolt-action design delivers reliable cycling and extraction under diverse environmental conditions — a reason it’s trusted by hunters in harsh weather and by military and law-enforcement units worldwide.

Who the Remington 700 Is For

  • Hunters: Ideal for big-game hunting with a wide variety of calibers and configurations.
  • Precision Shooters: A proven foundation for long-range competition builds.
  • Law-Enforcement & Military Marksmen: Long used in sniper and designated marksman roles due to its accuracy and reliability.
  • Collectors & Enthusiasts: A historic and highly modifiable bolt-action platform with decades of field-proven performance.

Maintenance & Care

The 700’s bolt-action design is inherently easy to maintain. Regularly clean the barrel, bolt lugs, chamber, and trigger area to prevent fouling buildup. For precision applications, periodic torque checks on scope mounts and stock bedding help maintain peak accuracy. Routine lubrication of the bolt ensures smooth cycling and long-term reliability.

Final Verdict: A Benchmark for Bolt-Action Rifles

The Remington 700 has earned its status as a legendary bolt-action rifle thanks to its adaptability, accuracy, and long track record of field-proven performance. Whether for hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications, it remains a trusted platform backed by decades of innovation and a massive aftermarket ecosystem. For shooters seeking a dependable, highly customizable bolt-action rifle, the Remington 700 continues to set the standard.

Disclaimer: Always comply with local laws and safe-handling practices when purchasing or using rifles. This article is for informational purposes only.

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