Anyone on the forum have one of these in the Walnut stock with molychrome barrel. I am considering one that I can get at a good price.

I would like to know :-

1. Do they shoot well out the box?
2. What sort of accuracy could I expect out of the reasonably thin whippy barrel?
3. Any comments on the recoil from what is a light rifle for a 270.
4. I love the way the rifle points and handles and it looks to me like the ultimate deer rifle.

I would fit it out with Leeupold low mounts and a Leeupold 2-7x32 for deer hunting.

Any feedback or comments much appreciated!

I got one for my wife in .260, so I cannot answer #3.

quote:

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I would like to know :-

1. Do they shoot well out the box?
2. What sort of accuracy could I expect out of the reasonably thin whippy barrel?
3. Any comments on the recoil from what is a light rifle for a 270.

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1. Hers shot well with the factory loads. We haven't started reloading for it yet.

2. We got 1-1/2" groups at 100 yards with factory loads and no modifications to the rifle.
The factory loads were Remingtons, using Nosler 120 gr. ballistic tip bullets. I have had good accuracy with all the ballistic tip bullets I shot so far.

1. Once you have the trigger adjusted it will shoot well.

2. You will have definite hunting accuracy. By that I mean 1.5 inches or less at 100 yards.

3. recoil is a subjective thing to me. I have a .280 in a mountain rifle that I am taking the above info from. The recoil of my rifle doesn't bother me. Don't forget with that thin barrel to shoot only three shot groups from the bench and allow plenty of time for the barrel to cool.
enjoy.

The rifle should be as accurate as the standard 700 for the first few shots. The main problem with light barrels is that they begin to displace shots as the barrel warms.

If you buy a Remington, always treat it as if the safety/trigger mechanism is defective (because it is) and might fail you at any time.

I have one of these, but it is the short action, chambered for .257AI. I just wanted to point something out on the recoil front.

You should have a look at the size of the butt. One way Remington saves weight on this rifle is by using a thinner stock with a narrower butt. That narrow butt focuses the recoil force into a smaller area, and increases the perceived recoil. Mine is not objectionable, but sharper than one might expect with the heavier bullets.

The butt of the rifles built on the long action may be wider than those on the short action, so take a look at it. If the width of the butt is comparable to the regular m700 the recoil shouldn't be bad.

My hunting rifle is a 700 Stainless Synthetic Mountain Rifle in .30-06. It has the "tupperware" stock, which is almost certainly less stiff than the wooden stock. Therefore, it stands to reason that the wooden-stocked one should be more accurate than what I'm about to describe.

I had the trigger pull lightened and bedded it myself (using bedding a material so cheap that you will be appalled, so I won't describe it). I bedded a slight pressure point under the barrel behind the forend, and I covered that point with a layer of black electrical tape so the barrel was not resting on something hard.

Now, with my hunting load, it will put the first three shots into 1 inch at the centre of the bullseye at 200 metres. Bang, bang, bang. As fast as you can shoot. It's so predictable that it's almost boring.

It does heat up easily, however, and begins to walk after those first 3 shots -- but no worse than other full-sized hunting rifles of my experience. If you pace the shooting out, it will keep all the shots in a small group. For hunting, what more could you need?

Recoil is ferocious -- more noticeable than my .300 Winchester Magnum -- but that's to be expected from such a trim little .30-06. It's a lot of power is such a handy package.

I have had quite a number of these 700 "mountain rifles". One in 280 (from the first year they made the mountain rifle), one in 7mm-08, one in 243, and one in 257 Roberts. I have shot most of the other chamberings as well.

After quite a few years of using these rifles, I finally realized that in fact I don't care for this rifle and I have sold, rebarrelled, or re-stocked all of them. But I digress, here are my answers to your questions.

>>1. Do they shoot well out the box?
Mine shot 1.5-2.25 MOA with factory ammo. Good handloads 1.1-1.6 MOA, sub-MOA groups happened occasionally, but not frequently enough to be much more than luck. The 3-shot group is a must as the barrel heats up very fast, even with the smaller bores like the 257. Erratic groups otherwise.

>>2. What sort of accuracy could I expect out of >>the reasonably thin whippy barrel?

See above.

>>3. Any comments on the recoil from what is a >>light rifle for a 270.

Firstly, I find that the mountain rifle stock fits me poorly, I need a good 1.3"+ DAH in order for the butt to make full contact with my shoulder.

Secondly, Remington is almost surely the most moronic domestic producer when it comes to recoil pads - they seem not to understand that the pad should be SOFTER than the stock itself. Anyway, someone mentioned the narrow butt (this is true), and when this is coupled with a pad this is rock hard it can be quite unpleasant to shoot from the bench. I find this to be true even for the 257 (with 120 gr. max loads), and especially true for the 280.

>>4. I love the way the rifle points and handles >>and it looks to me like the ultimate deer >>rifle.

I find them to be muzzle light - often hard to hold steady if you're excited or a bit winded.

IMHO, light rifles with light barrels should be chambered for light rounds. If you're just deer hunting, I'd go with the 243 or the 260. Again, IMHO, I think the 260 is about the perfect chambering for this rifle.

[ 08-20-2003, 22:18: Message edited by: 9.3x62 ]

dingo,
My take on your questions.....

1. Do they shoot well out the box?

I bought a used one. I suspect the trigger had been reworked as it was a perfect 3 lbs which is the same as all my other rifles. When that is done I have to say the answer is yes.

2. What sort of accuracy could I expect out of the reasonably thin whippy barrel?

After working up the 165 Hornady load I intend to use, I shot several groups (3 shot) under one inch. One was into 3/8" I DID let the barrel cool off between shots... app. 5 minutes or so.

3. Any comments on the recoil from what is a light rifle for a 270.

Mine is a .30-06 and I can't tell any difference between it and my Rem. 700 Classic .30-06 w/ 180 grain handloads. My 700 Rem. CLassic .270 w/ 150 grain handloads kicks a bit less and so will your Mt. Rifle in .270.

4. I love the way the rifle points and handles and it looks to me like the ultimate deer rifle.

I would fit it out with Leeupold low mounts and a Leeupold 2-7x32 for deer hunting

Yeah, it's a slick package. I have one of the earlier ones with a regular floorplate. I HATE those Matty Mattel looking detachable mags.
Of course it doesn't have that damned, green, trigger lock either.

I put a new 2 X 7 VXII Leupold on mine in one piece Leupold Mounts. Nice rifle.

Rich Elliott

Model 700's have a rep. for good accuracy; a .270 in that rifle should be no exception! The .270 has what I would describe as "no recoil to speak of"!! If the .270 has too much recoil for you, buy a .243 or 6mm!!

I bought the laminated stock/stainless steel version in .270 for my wife for Mother's Day. It was her first deer rifle.

Full power 130 gr loads are still a bit much for her, though w/a PAST recoil pad she's fine. For me, the recoil isn't an issue.

It is far more accurate than I thought it would be, but like most guns, you have to find out what it likes. This one likes 130 gr Partitions and 55 grs of IMR 4350. With this load, it routinely groups 3 shots at or less than 1". Her best group was 0.683" at 100 yds. Other bullet/powder combinations I've tried don't do as well, though no more than 2" @ 100 yds. The barrel DOES heat up rather quickly.

The trigger needs some work and in my opinion is a bit heavy for hunting, but I've had worse on Rugers. I absolutely love the way it carries. It IS the perfect deer rifle.

[ 08-21-2003, 03:52: Message edited by: JKuczmarski ]

Many thanks for the feedback. One issue that is repeated is the trigger needing work. This surprises me as I have always thought that the Remingtons had a good adjustable crisp trigger and not like the Ruger.

Another alternative for the same money is a Winchester Featherweight in the same caliber.

I hope to handle them both in the next few days and make a decision.

Once again thanks everyone.

Dingo,

I have a Rem 700BDL Mtn Rifle in .270Win and here are my answers to your questions:

1. Do they shoot well out the box?

I adjusted to trigger to 2.25#'s with no creep or over travel first and found that the rifle will shoot .75" groups at 100 yards with factory Winchester 130gr Silvertips.

2. What sort of accuracy could I expect out of the reasonably thin whippy barrel?

First 3 shots go sub .75" at 100 yards (aforementioned factory Win 130gr ST's) and then the barrel will heat up sufficiently to start walking ...... unless you let the barrel cool about 2-3 minutes between shots.

3. Any comments on the recoil from what is a light rifle for a 270.

Negligible recoil for a man.

4. I love the way the rifle points and handles and it looks to me like the ultimate deer rifle.

Rifle carries, handles, points, & shoots like the ultimate light weight deer caliber it is.

I have since replaced the factory Rem trigger with a $65 Shilen Standard trigger that is set at 1.75#'s and replaced the factory stock with a McMillan Kevlar Mtn Rifle stock. This rifle wears a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44 scope in Burris Signature Zee rings with Warne Maxima bases.

I have now worked up 2 loads; 130gr SST's & 140gr Sierra HP GameKings. Both will put 3 in .5" at 100 yards and will stay sub .75moa out to 300 yards if you give the barrel time to cool between shots with both loads.

Killed a 300# hog on the lease in SW GA at 204 yards with one of the 140gr Sierra HP GameKings 2 weeks ago. Dropped the big hog in her tracks.

I am extremely pleased with the rifle and all of it characteristics.

Clay

Dingo, If your interested in an accurate 270, try that Featherweight, I had a laminated version(Wincam) of that rifle and it was a shooter with 150grBTs on top of 53grs. of IMR4350, for instance, just for kicks I shot two shots at 200yds. at a 7UP bottle, with the 2 less than 3/8" apart, I usually just shoot at 100, just wanted to see what she'd do a bit further out, and the featherweight is a damn nice looking rifle without that buggy-whip barrel, which can be fussy about the accuracy they deliver, and from what I remember, the recoil wasn't bad at all, that Mtn rifle will give you more of a kick since it weighs almost a pound less, Just a thought, Jay

Stonecreek, not wanting to turn this into any cyber space pissing contest but how many remingtons have you owned with defective triggers or safeties??? Can you tell me of any damage awards that remington has paid because of defective triggers??? My experiences are limited to my rifles and I have never had a problem with any of them. But that experience encompasses a lot of rifles and spans better than 40 years. But then, I have no axe to grind, nothing to sell nor am I a professional witness.

Regarding this Remington vs. Winchester debate... let's not go there. There are a number of truly outstanding rifles being made these days. I've heard the new Savages are awesome, and the cheap "Black Shadow" Model 70s have also had a reputation for being gems.

However, the question here related to the Remington 700 Mountain Rifle. Like all factory rifles these days, the triggers are pre-set much too heavily. This is often blamed on lawyers. Personally, I think it's more to do with the culture that encourages people to litigate these days. Lawyers are just working in the system for clients who order them what to do. They also warn companies about how far they have to go to successfully avoid lawsuits. If people weren't so easy to sue, I'm sure rifles would leave the factories with nicer triggers. But I digress.

Remington triggers are easily adjusted. If you buy the rifle and scope from a reputable gun store with a gunsmith on staff (like I did), you can have them adjust the trigger then and there at the same time that they mount and boresight the scope.

The only other accuracy trick that seems to really make a difference with these rifles is bedding the forend, as I've mentioned. Such a slim, whippy barrel needs a bit of support to stiffen it. And forend support really seems to make a difference. My 700 will now give genuine 1/2 m.o.a. groups for the first three shots with a number of different loads. I consider it the ultimate hunting rifle, suitable for any situation I might encounter in British Columbia, be it blacktails in coastal rainforest, moose in northern bogs, elk across alpine basins, or mule deer on open hillsides.

From my experience, I'd recommend that rifle without reservation, provided you addressed the trigger and bedding issues.

Jay, I sent a reply to your PM.

RSY,

Why is it that some folks just look for any excuse to pick apart someone else's relevant post? I was only attempting to answer dingo's questions as he posted them.

My reference to the rifle & caliber was NOT to infer that it is a "light-weight-deer-caliber", but to list the positive characteristics of the rifle and perhaps should have been properly set apart with commas and a different noun.

How about I change the phrase and make it, "Rifle carries, handles, points, & shoots like the ultimate, light weight, ideal deer hunting rifle it is"?

I rarely visit the 24hourcampfire.com site any more due to the pointless bickering, arguing, and general nit picking attitude that some of the frequent visitors have. Hate to think this is becoming prevalent on this site also.

So the next time you decide to post a sarcastic reply and roll your eyes, how about remembering the question/reason the thread starter posted and keep this in mind when posting.

You can send any non-pertinent comments & eye rolls to my home email address, if necessary, and I can help you hash it out from there.

By focusing on the question/issue at hand, perhaps you can

quote:

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Oh, well...learn something new everyday.

RSY

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Top of the evening,
CT

CT,

Well, anyway, I knew what you meant

Rich Elliott

Dingo,
I bought a 700 LSS in 30/06 as a donor for a project. Since I had the components on the shelf, I loaded 5 rds. to try it before rebarreling. 57 gr.IMR4350, 150 gr. Sierra spitzer,CCI, Went into 7/10", recoil was fairly heavy, not bad considering the rifles weight.
It has since been rebarreled to 22/250 ACKLEY and is much more user friendly, as would be expected.
STONECREEK,
I have to go with BEEMANBEME on the Remington trigger issue. I have been using Remingtons for a lot of years(since the 50's) and unless you try to make them into benchrest level triggers, are pretty good triggers. I have never had a premature ejaculation with any of mine and they are all set on the light side.
I think most of the problems encountered with the above is self inflicted.
Stepchild

Dingo: I would look closely at the Win Mod 70
featherweight for several reasons.
1. Easily self adjustable trigger.
2. Winchester's safety mechanism.
3. Easy loading and unloading dump floor plate.
4. Light weight and doesn't need stock work in most cases.
These are just my observations as I have owned and
hunted with the featherweight for about 18 years
and still get sub MOA accuracy with both handloads
and factory loads. The .270 recoil doesn't bother
me at all and I shoot benchrest a lot. The thin
sporter barrel does heat up as already stated but
often I can still get 5 round sub MOA groups with
hanloads. Accuracy out of the box is a crap-shoot
with any factory rifle with the possible exception
of Savage who are packing a target with their new
rifles so you can see before you buy. I don't have anything against Remington, just relaying my
observations. Don't buy on looks alone but pick
them up and see how they feel to your shoulder.
Better yet if you can find one at the range
ask if you can try it out. Good luck and good shooting! BLR7

It looks like I found this post a little late, but I'll throw in my two cents anyhow.

I have a 700 Mtn. rifle in 270. Its the blued version with wood stock. Atop it I mounted a Weaver Grand Slam 3-10x40 scope. It has been pillar bedded and the barrel floated. Out of all of my rifles, this one is the least finicky about loads, and is so predictably accurate it is plain boring at times!

Just this weekend I tried out some 140gr. barnes x flat base bullets, and with a little time and effort spent on seating depth, they began shooting under half an inch.

I have been more than impressed by this rifle. The only thing to remember is that the thin barrel does heat up extremely fast. But, in a big game rifle, who cares!

Regards - Gib