Gunsmithing Differences in Rem 700 actions...current vs older?

[FN in MT]

I'd like to do a few more builds down the road...So have started looking for a couple of donor 700 SA's.

Is there any difference between older and newer actions?

Or is finding the cheapest new 700 at Wally World the easiest route?

Whatever I find will end up getting trued and gone through anyway.

FN in MT

 

[Ritten]

Serial numbers on newer ones are longer.

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[strike33]

The older ones without the J-lock are generally preferred, that and the trigger change. But as far as I know (and I'm absolutely no expert) the big change was when they went to J-lock which caused some issues with the firing pin spring. hope this helps

 

[Gene Poole]

I've heard (but have no source but what gunsmiths have told me) that the pre 1977 or so actions had better steel than later actions. I don't know what "better" means in this case. Anyone have any comments on this?

 

[nashlaw]

On the older actions (not sure how old), the rear receiver bridge was a bit lower and you have to shim it by .010, or something like that for the newer scope bases. The older actions also lack the anti-bind groove on the bolt. Cosmetically, the older bolt handles tapered to a smaller dia where the bolt knob attaches.

Google "Remington 700 Layne Simpson" and see if his excellent writeup comes up. Edit to add: I looked it up and it is on M14 forum and concerns the 50th Anniversary of the 700. Very informative.

 

[FN in MT]

Appreciate the information....I'll check out the Simpson article too.

Simply trying to get educated.

FN in MT

 

[rdinak]

The older ones have butter smooth actions. The polished blue surface wont rust nearly as quickly as the newer matte finishes. I prefer C series and older. That being said I am an old fart. Low speed, high drag.......

 

[Delta4-3]

The main difference is that the newer they are, the more horrendous the machining.

 

[Rhyno]

The old ones have one of the best factory triggers ever made.
Then multiple idiots pointed a loaded rifle at someone, and now we have junk.