Are you looking to purchase a Remington 700 bolt-action rifle? Or have you recently invested in this firearm and want to make sure you understand how to use it properly? In using and maintaining your Remington 700, it is essential to understand the do’s and do nots involved when shooting this rifle.
This particular firearm is used extensively for a variety of purposes, including competitive shooting, hunting, and strategical exercises. Knowing how to effectively and safely shoot it requires an understanding of several key factors and elements. These include individual skill and mechanical accuracy as well as the barrel and caliber design.
What Is the Remington 700?
History
The Remington 700 is part of a rifle family manufactured by Remington Arms, originating with Eliphalet Remington in 1816. The barrel alignment of his new rifle spawned an advanced generation of firearms with improved finesse and precision. The rifle was manufactured with the key element of safety in mind and was designed for control and security.
Configurations and Considerations
When examining a Remington 700 bolt-action rifle, there are several mechanical factors to consider. If you are looking to improve your accuracy and are using top-quality ammunition, there are various elements of the firearm to know before starting your target practice.
The mount and rings need to be taught and correctly positioned with a balanced cartridge. The base cylinder of the firearm is built for innate accuracy. The receiver of the Remington 700 has a base secured by four-minute screws, which may require reinforcement before re-barreling. Otherwise, the scope mount may separate the following recoil. One of the options for reinforcement is to use heavy scope mount rails as an agent of absorption for recoil, which serves as a buffet for the screws. Another alternative is to use larger mount screws.
Re-barreling can be a lengthy process as it requires you to purchase a quality barrel of the same grade from a name brand in order to ensure continued precision in your shooting. Barreling is usually completed by a professional craftsman on a lathe. Re-barreling your Remington 700 is inevitable, so you will need to make sure the ultimate proficiency, twist speed, mass, and materials suffice to support your use of the firearm.
Headspace
To ensure that your bolt rifle has sufficient headspace, which is the span between the area of the chamber that impedes cartridge motion and the actual bolt face, is critical. If headspace is insufficient, the ammo may not rest in the chamber properly. In a Remington, the bolt is affixed into the back of the barrel. The leeway in this counterbore is what you need to examine in the context of security, dependability, and precision.
Stock
There are a wide variety of options available for selecting a proper stock for your Remington 700. The main consideration that should come into play is your projected use and purposes for the firearm and your individual handling.
Triggers
The triggers are an indispensable aspect of maintaining safety and precision. Quality is essential, and a lot of aftermarket triggers are tailored uniquely to the rifle because as gun enthusiasts know, the trigger is the ultimate determiner of discharge and connection with the intended target.
There are various levels of weight conformance that comport with the Remington 700, so testing the density and performance of the final product is key.
Uses
The Remington 700’s are designed for exactness and balanced ease of use. The Remington 700 is used for a wide range of scenarios, including hunting, target practice, home security, and competitive shooting. In fact, various models have become the top choice for law enforcement sharpshooting and are employed by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
Do's & Don'ts
Do Point Your Muzzle in the Right Direction
It may seem obvious, but this is the cardinal rule in using a Remington 700, or any other firearm for that matter. Always ensure that the muzzle is pointed safely away from yourself or anyone else who could be injured by accident.
Only point your gun in the direction of and at the target you are planning to shoot. Always approach the handling of the firearm as if it were in a loaded state. Make sure you know exactly what and where the muzzle is pointed at even if you are sure it is unloaded.
Don’t Unload When in Use
Your Remington 700 should only be loaded when you are ready to use it or at a practice range preparing to shoot. Loaded guns should remain in your hands at all times. Do not unload the firearm when you are planning on using it still as this means completely clearing out ammunition in the gun’s magazine or chamber.
Only unload it when you are finished shooting, and immediately at that point. Remington 700’s have built-in security features to hinder unapproved use. Some owners even purchase additional security mechanisms. Keep your firearm loaded when you are using it, but unload it as soon as you are done and ready to put it away.
Do Know Your Target
Handling this bolt-action rifle, as well as any other firearm, demands that you be fully cognizant and certain of your target and the direction of your aim before firing. Do not aim and fire simply because of a sound or motion.
Bullets have the potential to speed at tremendous rates and range, so it is crucial to be aware of the distance your shot will travel if you were to surpass your target or the bullet ricocheted. Approach your firearm with the mindset that it could go off at any given time. Do not touch the trigger unless you are prepared to shoot. Reliance on built-in security devices should not replace common sense measures. Maintaining clear awareness and certainty what your target is will ensure the safety of you and those around you.
Don’t Use the Wrong Ammunition
Use proper ammunition. Firearms are tailor-made to handle specific calibers of ammunition. Loading your gun with the wrong kind can cause severe bodily harm or death, not to mention damage to the firearm itself.
All Remington cartridges and shells are marked with their specific caliber, making it easy to discern what is best for your rifle. Furthermore, your Remington 700 barrel has the correct caliber and indicator noted directly on it for ease of reference.
Do Use with Care and Protection
Every once in a while, your firearm may fail to fire even if you have pulled the trigger. If this were to happen, make sure the muzzle is directed towards a safe area, with no chance of causing hazard or injury to yourself and someone else. Next, put the safety on, unload your bolt-action rifle and remove the cartridge.
Bear in mind if there is even one shell present in the chamber of your gun, you are handling a loaded weapon with the potential to fire and hit either its intended or unintended target. Even if the gun did not release and fire handle it as if it still could.
Don’t Forget to Check for Impediments
Always make sure your chamber or magazine is clear of any detritus before loading it. The slightest excess material could result in the barrel expanding or exploding when fired. A cleaning rod and path are ideal for clearing rubbish inside the barrel.
If you are firing your rifle, and the balance seems off or discharge appears lessened, cease and unload to make sure your barrel is clear. Using the proper ammunition and ensuring the barrel is free of any impediments is the key to maintaining safety.
Do Maintain Your Firearm and Understand How It Works
Your 700 is designed to function based on its specific mechanical design. You should not attempt to alter its engineering or process. Wear and tear are natural, so from time to time, it will be necessary to service and restore your firearm. Only qualified professionals at a Remington Authorized Service Center or a related facility with in-depth knowledge regarding your rifle should perform maintenance on it.
Every gun is built and engineered differently, so understanding how your Remington 700 works is imperative. For example, know that disengaging the safety mechanism requires you to move it into the “F” position. Likewise, never pull the trigger when the safety feature is in the “S” position. On the Remington 700, there is a security switch with a “J” shaped aperture, which serves to engage or release the security mechanism. Understanding all aspects and features of your gun will ensure maximum safety and usage control.
Conclusion
Grasping and memorizing the essential safety measures for shooting a Remington 700 will help secure your safety in firing and the well-being of anyone around you in the process. As with any other firearm, this gun should be used with care and consideration.
Unequivocally, the Remington 700 bolt-action rifle is an exceptional option for firearm owners looking for multi-purpose and multi-scenario functionalities. It is innately and comprehensively designed for safety and security for a variety of situations and users.