Remington 700 as a safari rifle anyone?

[Slickshooter]

No way would I be caught with a Remington 700 for DG in Africa.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I quickly read through, but have I missed any discussion on the whole Rem 700 trigger debacle/hysteria/travesty/nightmare?!?!?!

No one remember the lawsuits and lawsuits and recalls and recalls??

My first hunting rifle was an 80's fancy 700 in 30-06 that I was given when I was 13 in about 2003. The accuracy was crazy, the bolt was like silk, the trigger was like glass. Got my first whitetail with it the next year.

I love that rifle. I was a Remington fanboy at that point up until I witnessed the horror of the Freedom Group (Cerberus) and my world was destroyed.

If I were to run a Rem 700 today, I would:

-swap the extractor
-swap the trigger/safety
-test the snot out of it

I'm not against push feed for Rem 700 in principle, I'm against what Corporate Nonsense did to them and how they never improved them like so many others have.

Newest models have a lot of improvements.

From their website:Round receiver

• Precision ground recoil lug
• Enlarged ejection port
• One-piece spiral fluted bolt body with changeable bolt handle
• Tool-less firing pin disassembly
• Sleek external bolt release on the left side of receiver
• 11-degree target crown
• 3 lb. Elite Hunter Timney straight trigger
• AG composite carbon fiber stock with Pachmayr recoil pad
• Aluminum Oberndorf style trigger guard
• Picatinny rail mount, 8-40 scope thread screws
• 5/8 x 24 Threaded Muzzle = .243 Win, .7MM-08 Rem, .270 Win, 30-06 SPRG, 7MM Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 6.5 Creedmoor, &.308 Win
• 1/2 x 28 Threaded Muzzle = .223 Rem & 22-250 Rem
• Longer internal magazine box (for longer case lengths)
• Compatible with older 700 stocks but will need inletting for the longer internal magwell

 

[IvW]

No way would I be caught with a Remington 700 for DG in Africa.

100% agree.....most get stuck on the extractor issue and miss the rest of the issues......the ones who own them think they are great and no facts will convince them otherwise.....
Same as Land Rover owners.......they will never change to Land Cruisers......

 

[MS 9x56]

Never owned a 700 so really can’t evaluate, but I do love my Mauser 98’s.

 

[dgr416]

I used my rem 700 416s yep i have two of them in Alaska 12 years through total hell no problems .It took a while to find the stainless kevelar stock one and I addsd s bdl floorplate and a detachable muzzlebreak to it .They are awesome guns very accurste .I did change tge magazine spring in both to a weatgerby spring that waa way stronger the remingtin was kinda weak .After those mods I had the perfect DHR that I depended my life on .

 

[dgr416]

I have had a bunch of crontrol round feed rifles fail me .The 1917 endfield i have broke the extractor blade put a new one one .My ruger 77 mark II crf 264 totally screwed up bolt wouldnt function at all .My CRF model 70 416 rem mag winchester super grade blew off a chunnk of the bolt bad suprise .My winchester model 70 stainless crf 338 win mag was a total piece of junk had to rebuild it twice to make it work wouldnt feed at all .
My weatherby accumark 338-378 weatherby no problems in 12 years of Alaska total hell put through .my 416 rem both rem 700 no problems except mag springs replaced with weatherby mag springs no problems after that .I have shot my 416s a ton no problems .

 

[JeffUSMC]

I own a Remington 700 chambered in 416 Rem Magnum. While I have hunted several times in Africa, I have not yet taken this rifle with me there. I did, however, use it on a brown bear hunt in Alaska and it performed flawlessly. My bear was estimated to be over 1000 lbs. I double lunged him and he didn't go 30 yards before going straight down. I have also used my 416 several times on hogs close in just for fun and it also performed flawlessly. It blows one heck of a hole in a hog. I will say it is not a rifle you want to shoot at the range or for fun due to the recoil. It has one hell of a kick. I am very much looking forward to using it in Africa some day.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Newest models have a lot of improvements.

From their website:Round receiver

• Precision ground recoil lug
• Enlarged ejection port
• One-piece spiral fluted bolt body with changeable bolt handle
• Tool-less firing pin disassembly
• Sleek external bolt release on the left side of receiver
• 11-degree target crown
• 3 lb. Elite Hunter Timney straight trigger
• AG composite carbon fiber stock with Pachmayr recoil pad
• Aluminum Oberndorf style trigger guard
• Picatinny rail mount, 8-40 scope thread screws
• 5/8 x 24 Threaded Muzzle = .243 Win, .7MM-08 Rem, .270 Win, 30-06 SPRG, 7MM Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 6.5 Creedmoor, &.308 Win
• 1/2 x 28 Threaded Muzzle = .223 Rem & 22-250 Rem
• Longer internal magazine box (for longer case lengths)
• Compatible with older 700 stocks but will need inletting for the longer internal magwell

Probably too little too late.

Let's hope new RemArms can fix the quality issues of the last decade or more. Sadly, those fixes on the A1 model or whatever they call it cost a premium... And if rather just get a much better rifle for much less.

 

[csmiffy]

I too have a 700 in 416 Rem. From the serial number, it came out not long after they came out, and I bought it maybe about 96? bugger all load development done as i wasn't paying the outrageous prices for 400gr projectiles to hunt deer here in NZ until I made it Africa. Hint, sadly, I still haven't.
I have shot a stag and a couple of cattle beasts but haven't been carrying it much lately, and I and frankly it shot so well i didnt want to spoil it. I spent 10 years in Aussie, all my firearms stayed home in NZ.
Fireforming but useful loads with 350gr Barnes X Points and a little mucking about with 340 Woodleighs (also some very recent loads done after giving my mate a go with it). suggests its an MOA rifle all day. Not kidding about the load dev. Picked the middle of the load data for 3 shots and went up a grain, and was getting 2700fps with the 340. Initial groups suggested close to MOA, but the target was a bit closer, and we were mainly doing the chrony thing for speed. The recent test was the mate, and he picked a load a grain down from what I suggested, and he got under moa and just over 2600. Mulwex (now ADI) 2206.
Never been bedded as I didn't do that back then, factory trigger and obviously extractor. If money was a bit better, I would consider a Sako/M16 extractor, but that's only because of what ive been reading recently. I would also go for a firedot type scope and replace the 1.5-5 loopy i bought for it back in the day.
One thing I will say is that while I haven't weighed it in nearly 30 years, it was a lot lighter than books said. It was something like 8-1/4lb sans scope. Just open sights straight off the shelf. It was a 1/4 lb lighter than my mate's burnt-out old Parker Hale 3006. I've only fired a couple of 400s from it when i bought it, didn't have the scope on it, and the recoil was very stout. i do really need to replace the recoil pad,
A couple of pics. The red stag was shot back in 2000. My eyes were blacked out as it went on social media, and I can't seem to find the original

 

[Ray B]

Can't speak to recent production but the only problem that occurred with my 1962 production 700 ADL .308 Win was when my cousin was emptying it. that model had a blind magazine so all cartridges needed to be cycled through the action. He thought he had emptied it, closed the bolt aimed it up in the air and pulled the trigger, expecting a click- instead he got a BOOM. The extractor snaps over the rim only when the bolt is turned completely closed. Since the bolt is completely closed when the rifle is fired, it has neve been a problem. But rifles that I've purchased since that time have been CRF.

 

[RootballExpress]

I am a HUGE Remington 700 fan. I do not yet own one chambered in anything over 338 Win Mag. However, I’m very interested in adding a Remington 700 chambered in 416 Rem Mag to my arsenal. I do worry about the negatives I’ve heard about casings getting stuck in the chamber and all that. Playing with the idea of having my gunsmith modify the feed ramp, magazine profile, and upgrading/modifying bolt once I find one to purchase…….. BUT….. I do already own a Winchester Model 70 Safari Express in 416 Rem Mag. It’s great……. But I still WANT a Remington 700 in same chambering. Still mulling it over

 

[steve white]

Though I have a Sako Safari today, truth is that all four of my Cape buffalo were shot with a Rem 700 in 375 H&H! No problems, even with fast cycling.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

I have an old M700 BDL chambered .375 H&H from the early 1980’s. I immediately liked the factory barrel contour and the balance of the rifle. No issues, no problems.

 

[West_Texas_Bull_Shooter]

Last August we took our first African Plains Game Safari. My weapon of choice was a Remington 700 RMEF Semi-Custom rifle chambered in 300 Remington Ultra Magnum shooting Barnes 180 grain TTSX bullets at just under 3200 fps. I harvested 5 animals in 5 days with 5 shots. I had no problems with the rifle.

 

[Slickshooter]

My first dg rifle was a Rem 700 classic in 375 H&H.......biggest piece of shit I ever bought. I got rid of it as fast as I could, switched to Brno ZKK 602 actioned rifles and never looked back....

Love the honesty! Still with the Brno’s?

 

[Odinsraven]

Don Heath - sadly no longer with us - His words - the Prosecution rests it case.

Thread 'Rifle Lessons Learned from the Zimbabwe Professional Hunter Proficiency Exam'

Mar 30, 2010

Rifle Lessons Learned from the Zimbabwe Professional Hunter Proficiency Exam
by Don Heath

Big Bore Rifles

Every year Zimbabwe holds two events which provide the perfect testing ground for rifles. These are the Rifa Professional Hunter and Guides training/refresher course, and the actual proficiency exam itself. As shooting is an important attribute of both a hunter and a guide, marksmanship and speed and dexterity of handling and reloading a rifle under great stress are fully tested with quite...

• AfricaHunting.com
• Replies: 360
• Forum: Firearms & ammunition

• 

Basically Remington is what it is - took one to Africa once an 8mm rem - however, feeding is not conducive to culling.

A rifle with an open loading aperture - and indeed for DG - Brno / CZ and up.

Personally, my favourite is Varberger for PG work - indeed for fun just found a Varberger in 416 Taylor to play with - will not see Africa.

 

[Hedge774]

I never heard of anyone breaking off a handle before until now, that’s some serious working of a bolt I wonder if there is too much excitement going on to break off a bolt handle in the heat of the moment and adrenaline is going we just don’t know our own strength I guess. My new rifle won’t have to be used in that way I just got it to look cool and be one of the guys wishing to hunt a Cape buffalo someday lol although it might happen. I mostly got it for the cartridge though a 416 seems to be great in the midway mark of these type of cartridges it’ll probably get used on bear deer and elk though.

My advice, like so many others, is know every nanometer of that rifle. That, and don't just sit and stare at it (enjoyable as it maybe to do) but shoot it. As much as you can. After all that, you be much more prepared for your hunt when you make it happen. Good luck and God bless. Shoot straight.

 

[DrBob]

You might want to look up Kevin Robertson's experience with that rifle and chambering while elephant hunting in the Zambezi valley.

Boddington's stepson jacked a controlled feed Mauser with a vigorous ejection. Just before Remington went under, the Custom Shop offered twin ejector plungers and M-16 style extractors. My 700 custom bought during the initial 416 Rem mag craze is an absolute tack driver with 400 grain bullets. I had the extractor changed to M-16 style.... but kept single plunger ejector. If one was all alone in the wild with no back up, then controlled feed desirable. No main battle rifle for the last...ah... 75 years is not controlled feed and lives are on the line. Do I prefer controlled feed? Yes. Would I go on safari with my 700? Yes. For nostalgia, I would rather choose my CZ or Ruger in 416 Rigby. 101 grs Retumbo with 450 gr Woodleigh at 2350 fps is strong medicine.

 

[Odinsraven]

Boddington's stepson jacked a controlled feed Mauser with a vigorous ejection. Just before Remington went under, the Custom Shop offered twin ejector plungers and M-16 style extractors. My 700 custom bought during the initial 416 Rem mag craze is an absolute tack driver with 400 grain bullets. I had the extractor changed to M-16 style.... but kept single plunger ejector. If one was all alone in the wild with no back up, then controlled feed desirable. No main battle rifle for the last...ah... 75 years is not controlled feed and lives are on the line. Do I prefer controlled feed? Yes. Would I go on safari with my 700? Yes. For nostalgia, I would rather choose my CZ or Ruger in 416 Rigby. 101 grs Retumbo with 450 gr Woodleigh at 2350 fps is strong medicine.

"These are boys we will never know - how can men see the wisdom of war " If it was cost effecive they would send us with pickaxe shafts to war - so that one does not not fly - cheap is the miliary answer to every question posed !

 

[Muskox]

The list of rifles that suck is rarely confined to one brand. Lots of individual rifles suck.

I have never had a bad 700. I have had about 20 of them. From ADLs bought at Walmart for $250 to custom KS safari and mountain rifles I paid $2000 for 20 years ago.

98 Mausers and clones, some have been good. Some have sucked. I have had about 8, both of my current ones are good.

Winchester M70's, some have been great others have sucked. I have owned about 5. The worst was an early 2000's Super Grade. I currently own a G series push feed with a broken safety. Accurate though. My FN built M70 375 African was aces.

Blaser in R93 worked ok, some gave me problems. It was more the cartridge did not work. . I have yet to have a. problem with a R8. I am on my 5th one.

Weatherby Mark V's all perfect. Of course the cartridges should be standard cartridges like the 300 Weatherby and not like the 30-378 or 6.5-300 Weatherby. Higher pressure brings problems. 378 Weatherby was terrible.

Savage 110's and Impulses. All had issues that had to be worked out but were the most accurate factory rifles I have owned.

Ruger M77. I have owned multiple Mark 2 rifles in 9.3x62, 338 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 270, and 308. Never happy with any of them. My tang safety M77 was a good rifle.

Rifles in 338 Lapua tend to be ok, as long as they re built like tanks. I have owned 2 Sako TRG rifles. One 42 and one 995. Both were good, but they are built around that cartridge. Savage and Ruger 338 Lapuas kind off suck.

Sako and Tikka, never had a bad one. Owned L461, AV, 75, 80, and Tikka T3 and 595.

Remington 798, Zastava, Whitworth and other Mauser 98 clones typically suck or need lots of work.

CZ 550, never had a bad one. Owned 3, in 9.3x62, 375, and 458.

Kimber. hard pass never had a good one. 270 WSM, 308 Win and 257 Roberts.

Good rifles can come from anyone. Bad rifles can come from anyone.

Consistently good rifles seem to be rare.