Gunsmithing B prefix 700 action with smooth bolt knob?

[lvcatfish]

I located a possible donor action Rem 700 LA in 30-06 with a B prefix action. The side of the action says 700 but it has a smooth or non-knurled factory bolt knob. I have only ever seen rem 721 actions like this. The last 4 of the s/n matched between the bolt and action. I have other Rem 700 actions that are older than this one but have the knurled bolt handle and am a bit confused. Was this a factory replacement bolt perhaps. Everything looked good for the price and I would like to buy this. I just don't want to buy a franken-action or something that is not rem700 LA compatible. Has anyone else experienced this? Am I missing something?
Thanks.

 

[palma]

Re: B prefix 700 action with smooth bolt knob?

Yes, it's factory like that. I have one and have seen others.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: B prefix 700 action with smooth bolt knob?

The Model 78(precceded the 788) but based on the 700 was made with a smooth knob and other features like hardwood stock to reduce costs similar to the 788. Anyhoo some of the smooth knobed bolts ended up in 700 marked receivers. Only difference is no checkering, nothing wrong with them, in fact some prefer them! Perhaps replacements for 700's sent back for a bolt replacement/repair? I own a 78 receiver but not a 700 bolt with smooth knob. Have seen several over the yrs however at gunshows etc.

 

[300WSM]

Re: B prefix 700 action with smooth bolt knob?

seen a few like that. no big deal.

 

[lvcatfish]

Re: B prefix 700 action with smooth bolt knob?

Thanks for the replies. I have not seen one like that previously. I don't want to get stuck with one of the weird variants than can not be rebarreled or is incompatible with 700 accessories. The rifle had a pretty nice walnut ADL stock and the finish on the action was like any other blued 700 I have seen. It would make a nice .280 or .280AI.

 

[monteboy84]

Re: B prefix 700 action with smooth bolt knob?

You'd be surprised how many variants of the 700 bolt handle exist. I've seen 3-4 different styles of the knurled ones alone, plus the smooth one that you speak of. I'm guessing the case was, they had leftover handles from 721 production and used them up on the earliest 700's until the knurled ones were cycled into production.

-matt