Classic Rifles I Love Them
Installing a Scope on a Remington 700
Classic Rifles – The Remington
Ever since being released in 1962, the Remington Model 700 has had unparalleled toughness and accuracy right out of the case. With over fifty models and wide caliber choice, no wonder why this rifle is America’s most sought after bolt action rifle. In fact, the rifle is still utilized by the USMC today in long distance training and for actual sniper applications out in the field. What is so unique about the Remington Model 700 that makes it so special? The answer to that question will be found as we take a closer view at the history of the Model 700.
After the Second World War, around 1948, Remington released the model 721/722 series of bolt action rifles. These rifles were extremely popular with civilians and hunters because of the factory durability. For the time period, these rifles were also extremely accurate right out of the box, and several factory created rifles were unable to replicate the Remington standard of performance. In spite of the extremely impressive accuracy and durability, the 721/722 variations had a somewhat short life. This problem is what caused the creation of the Model 700.
When Remington made the Model 700 in 1962, it flew off the shelves. The internals of the 700 were basically the same as the 721/722 models, but there were some great changes to the exterior of the rifle. Now boasting some sleek new looks, on top of the standard Remington performance and toughness, the Model 700 was soon a staple in American hunting and shooting. With simple machining equipment and rifle know-how, you could keep a Model 700 working at peak performance for the rifle’s whole lifespan.
Apparently, the fantastic reputation of the Model 700 caught the interest of the USMC, because in the late 60′s the USMC adopted the Model 700, renaming it the M40. The durability and accuracy of the Model 700 fit the USMC with ease, and were more easily maintained than the Winchester rifles that the US Marine Corps had previously utilized. The wooden bodies were having some issues keeping up with the rigorous schedule of the US Marine Corps, so they moved up a step to the McMillan fiberglass stock, naming this rifle the M40A1. This design was in use by US Marine Corps soldiers for over thirty years before again upgrading to the M40A3.
Currently, the Remington Model 700 is manufactured in more than fifty variants, stretching from classic wooden stocks and internal mags to space age man-made stocks and detachable mags. It also has a large caliber selection ranging from .17 Remington (matched with a Nikon Monarch 3-12×42 would be awesome for varmint hunting), all the way to .458 Winchester Magnum. With over 3.5 million Model 700’s created from 1962, the Model 700 continues to be one of America’s favorites. One fact is definite; throughout the years, Remington has continued to exceed the great demand for quality and accuracy in its rifles.
Tags: Classic Rifles, Remington, Remington 700, rifle
