Remington 700

Remington 700
User:M855GT · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Remington 700
Origin	United States
Type	Bolt-action rifle
Manufacturer	Remington Arms
Produced	1962–present
Action	Bolt action

Remington 700 is a bolt-action rifle series produced by Remington Arms introduced in 1962, widely adopted for hunting, competition, and tactical roles. The rifle influenced designs across the firearms industry and has seen service with military, law enforcement, and civilian users worldwide. Its platform spawned numerous variants, aftermarket stocks, and precision chassis developed by manufacturers and custom gunsmiths.

History

The Remington 700 emerged during a period of postwar firearms development alongside contemporaries such as the Winchester Model 70, Mauser 98, Browning BAR, FN FAL, and Colt M16. In the 1950s and 1960s, companies like Remington Arms, Winchester Repeating Arms Company, Smith & Wesson, and Weatherby competed to supply hunters and marksmen, while military procurement by organizations such as the United States Army and British Army influenced bolt-action trends. Early adoption by sports shooters and precision marksmen linked the model with events like the Olympic Games, ISSF World Shooting Championships, and collegiate competitions governed by the NCAA. Over decades, industrial partners including Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk and aftermarket firms such as AICS and McMillan Firearms adapted the platform. Legal and regulatory discourse involving agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and judicial bodies such as the Supreme Court of the United States affected commercial availability and litigation around safety features.

Design and Variants

The basic design borrows elements seen in earlier actions like the Mauser 98 and modernized features paralleling the Browning X-Bolt. The receiver and bolt geometry influenced models from Sako and Tikka while aftermarket chassis from Accuracy International and Magpul Industries provided modular ergonomics. Factory variants produced by Remington Arms included specialized lines such as the Model 700 CDL, Model 700 ADL, and tactical configurations akin to offerings from Barrett Firearms Manufacturing and Knight's Armament Company. Custom shops operated by gunsmiths like Nate Watson and firms such as Dakota Arms, Stiller Precision Firearms, and PGW Defence Technologies created one-off variants for competition circuits including the Precision Rifle Series and the National Rifle Association events. Ammunition compatibility extended to cartridges standardized by bodies like SAAMI and designers such as Elmer Keith and Roy Weatherby.

Technical Specifications

Typical specifications reflect a centerfire bolt-action format with a controlled-feed or push-feed bolt similar in concept to designs from Mauser, Remington, and Savage Arms. Barrel lengths, twist rates, and chamberings paralleled offerings from Hornady, Federal Premium Ammunition, and Nosler for calibers ranging from .223 Remington comparable rounds championed by users of AR-15 systems to magnum cartridges popularized by Winchester and Hornady Custom Ammunition. Stocks and bedding solutions referenced products from McMillan Fiberglass Stocks, Harris Engineering bipods, and Leupold optics mounts, with optics choices including models by Swarovski Optik, Zeiss, Nightforce Optics, and Vortex Optics. Magazine designs paralleled developments by Magpul Industries and fitting norms used by precision platforms like the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare family. Material sciences contributions from firms like Carpenter Technology and coatings by Cerakote artisans affected corrosion resistance and durability.

Military and Law Enforcement Use

Law enforcement and military adoption mirrored procurement patterns seen with systems such as the M24 Sniper Weapon System, M40 rifle, and L115A3. Agencies from municipal departments to national armies, including units within the United States Marine Corps, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Metropolitan Police Service, and specialized groups like Special Air Service and United States Navy SEALs evaluated or used precision bolt-action rifles in roles requiring accuracy over range. International conflicts and operations involving forces like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and coalitions in theaters such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom created demand for sniper rifles and designated marksman systems, influencing armories and doctrine at institutions like NATO and defense contractors including BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin.

Civilian and Sporting Use

Hunters, competitive shooters, and recreational marksmen adopted the rifle in contexts including big-game hunts in regions like Alaska, Yellowstone National Park adjacent ranges, and African safaris guided by outfitters associated with conservation bodies such as Safari Club International. Competitive use extended to organizations such as the National Rifle Association, International Practical Shooting Confederation, and collegiate circuits affiliated with the NCAA and state associations. Gunsmiths, custom stock makers from McMillan Fiberglass Stocks to boutique builders, and retailers like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops supported a robust aftermarket. Training academies and clubs, including ranges run by groups like NRA Whittington Center and municipal facilities in cities such as Phoenix, Dallas, and Denver, frequently host events where the platform is used.

Notable Incidents and Controversies

Controversies around safety mechanisms, product liability, and litigation involved legal entities such as the Supreme Court of the United States, state judiciaries, and regulatory agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. High-profile incidents drew attention from media organizations including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and broadcast outlets like CNN and BBC News, prompting debates among advocacy groups such as National Rifle Association and Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Investigations by law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and municipal police departments, along with congressional oversight hearings in bodies like the United States Congress, shaped public perception and corporate responses.

Category:Rifles of the United States