Vintage R700 experts

[redneckbmxer24]

I'm looking for expertise from those who know old R700's. This isn't a "sniper" rifle but I figured this subforum was the appropriate place.

I came across a R700 ADL with a barrel date K J which indicates May 1962 and has a 5 digit serial number of 139XX. The serial is also ingraved on the bottom side of the bolt. It's chambered in 30-06 with a 22" barrel and has factory irons with what looks like may be an ivory insert in the rear sight. The blueing is in great shape but the stock has a lot of finish wear. Nothing that couldn't be refinished though. It also has the original metal butt plate and the metal trigger guard which shows some blueing wear but no nicks or damaged.

Is this rifle worth something or is it just another R700? I bought it for a 284 win build but after finding out it's a may 1962 build I'm not sure I can talk myself into taking it apart for a build.

 

[OutlawTen5]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

I would tell you that it has no collector value. Use it for your .284 project.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

Do what the young fella from NM says. If it was a real nice specimen and near mint and especially if it was a carbine with a 20" barrel it would be collectable. In 270 or 06 and used it is just a super donor!!!!

Just my .02 cents worth though.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

Well you peaked my interest so I measured the barrel. My estimate of 22" is wrong, it measures 20" on the dot from bolt face to muzzle measuring with a cleaning rod. So seeing as it's a carbine does that change the thoughts? I'm very tempted to keep it and leave it as is. Value aside it would be hard for me to dismantle a piece of history. Besides I don't have a 30-06 yet and a nice little carbine like this seems like a keeper.

Refinishing the stock would put it in very nice condition although at that point it wouldn't be 100% original. If I keep it like I think I just might I would probably leave it alone right down to the worn stock.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

Not real sure the number of long action carbines but I don't think they are real common. BDL's would be a bit rarer yet I think? Perhaps a bit of muzzle blast but would sure make a nice carry rifle for big game.

Had a real nice 222 carbine and it was a super shooter. Was mint when I bought it except the old gent that owned it since new had engraved his DL# on barrel ahead of receiver, just behind the grip on the bottom of stock and the 4X Weaver. Don't think it had 100rds down it. Put a cut down nice wood BDL stock with fancy walnut tip and grip cap and satin finish for then wife's yote rig. When she left I was so bitter about the entire fiasco I sold the rifle for $400 along with a nice 222 Varmint Special she shot pdogs with. Just wanted the memories gone. Replaced the VS but have never found another 222 carbine, just a nice 64 ADL. I know of a 222mag and a couple of 6mm's carbines around here but that is about it.

Sorry for the ramble but I needed to reminise and then vent! LOL

 

[GunKnowledge]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

That has no collector value. Feel free to use it for a parts build with no loss.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

Seems some say there's no value and a few people told me there is. To me it's a piece of history and I just can't bring myself to hacking it up. I would keep it but it turns out I have a NIB 700 LSS I've never fired or put a scope on. Seeing as I have a perfectly good 30-06 and I'm limited on safe space until I get another I'm probably going to let this one go. If I do I'm just going to sell it for what the action is worth.

Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Zebra644]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

Call Remington's 1-800 number give them the serial number and they will tell you everything you want to know about that rifle.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

The early ones have 2 differences to be aware of - one, the rear receiver bridge height is slightly different than the later ones. Two, the safety lever sticks out more. There may or may not be the same relief cut on the right side of the tang as the later receivers.

Your good scope bases are machined as a compromise between the old height and the new height, but you might consider getting out your feeler gauges and a base shim set if you want to make sure the one piece base is mounted stress free. This is a good idea regardless of vintage with a 700 receiver as they tend to warp off axis during their final heat treating post machining anyway.

The safety lever most likely won't give you any interference issues, but take a good look at that as you finish the build to make sure it is not interfering with the receiver.

The barrel - assuming the interior of the barrel is good, you might want to hang on to that. Remington button rifled their barrels on their own machines at that time, and they were actually pretty good barrels. Someone might need it for a hunting rifle, or you might use it again some day. Nothing like having a spare 30-06 tube sitting on the shelf for come what may, given the amount of surplus 30-06 ammo in circulation courtesy of the DCM/CMP.

 

[OutlawTen5]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

In 1962, the 30-06 being a standard chambering was only available in a 20" bbl. The serial number range for the 700 started at #1000. I have no further info on numbers produced.. I'd tell you that it's a $400.00 gun.

1962 Magnum chamberings came in a 23.5" unmarked stainless bbl.
1962 Varmint chamberings were all 20" bbl
1962 Standard chamberings were all 20" bbl. Nothing I have calls them a Carbine, but...

If you need anything else, let me know.

I've also got a nice Score High built Rem 700 LA/RH .284 Win that I may consider selling.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Re: Vintage R700 experts

Thanks again guys. I figured $400 was right in the ballpark and that's what I paid for a newer ADL 270 to use. I listed it up for $430 shipped to pay for the other action, not looking for a premium.