I have been trueing a few Remington 700 actions lately and is it just me or does there seem to be a diference in the steel. A few months ago while lapping the bolt on a new action, the steel on the bolt lugs seemed pourous and would not clean up well. Last night after lapping the lugs on an old sportsman 78 they turned out beautiful. I have noticed similar differences while facing the receivers, retapping scope holes and threading the bolt handles. The new metal seems more pourous to me. I have searched for info with no success. Has anyone else had this experience with new off the shelf 700s.
Gunsmithing Remington 700 steel
- Thread starter Texar2
- Start date
Re: Remington 700 steel
I hate to say it, but I think firearms manufacturers have become like car makers... They've figured out how to make a good vehicle, now they're just trying to figure out how to make it more cheaply.
I hate to say it, but I think firearms manufacturers have become like car makers... They've figured out how to make a good vehicle, now they're just trying to figure out how to make it more cheaply.
Re: Remington 700 steel
I am no gunsmith by any stretch of the word, but you are correct.
Both the materiels used and the quality/craftsmanship has degraded a lot
I am no gunsmith by any stretch of the word, but you are correct.
Both the materiels used and the quality/craftsmanship has degraded a lot
Re: Remington 700 steel
I am no gun smith and answer on a simple basis. I prefer to buy older 700 actions.. C series or earlier. Double bonus for no letter prefix actions-why because they feel buttery smooth. Maybe a good smith and ceracote can make a new action feel just as smooth bit I still prefer the older actions.
YMMV
I am no gun smith and answer on a simple basis. I prefer to buy older 700 actions.. C series or earlier. Double bonus for no letter prefix actions-why because they feel buttery smooth. Maybe a good smith and ceracote can make a new action feel just as smooth bit I still prefer the older actions.
YMMV
Re: Remington 700 steel
Cant say for sure on the steel differences but I too prefer the older ones.
IMO,
The rock blasted
black finish they use makes the bolts run like shit out of the box.
It's easily taken care of, but it doesn't make you feel good about the rifle when you first buy it. It makes it feel like a toy to me.
People looking to buy an action to build a "custom" rifle in the near future, just buy an after market 700 clone. Dont buy a Remington rifle and rebuild it unless you plan to use up the factory barrel. That way you get practice with the barrel it already has and you get the most out of your money.
Cant say for sure on the steel differences but I too prefer the older ones.
IMO,
The rock blasted
It's easily taken care of, but it doesn't make you feel good about the rifle when you first buy it. It makes it feel like a toy to me.
People looking to buy an action to build a "custom" rifle in the near future, just buy an after market 700 clone. Dont buy a Remington rifle and rebuild it unless you plan to use up the factory barrel. That way you get practice with the barrel it already has and you get the most out of your money.
Re: Remington 700 steel
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BBeyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am surprised Remington started using metal in their actions again. </div></div>
Best post in this thread, bar-none
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BBeyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am surprised Remington started using metal in their actions again. </div></div>
Best post in this thread, bar-none
Re: Remington 700 steel
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BBeyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am surprised Remington started using metal in their actions again. </div></div>
Best post in this thread, bar-none</div></div>
Agreed, I had to laugh at that one as well. The R700 is a mass produced action with mass produced techniques. Its a great place to start with plenty of aftermarket support.
But if you are picky enough to care what its made out of, you probably wont be happy with what you learn.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BBeyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am surprised Remington started using metal in their actions again. </div></div>
Best post in this thread, bar-none</div></div>
Agreed, I had to laugh at that one as well. The R700 is a mass produced action with mass produced techniques. Its a great place to start with plenty of aftermarket support.
But if you are picky enough to care what its made out of, you probably wont be happy with what you learn.
