Is there an easy way to tell the two apart? I am negotiating on a 704 but want to make sure it is not a 702 before it is shipped. I'm not that familiar with the 702 rifles.

The easiest way to tell the difference is to remove the bolt and look at the bolt face. The 702 bolt had a recessed fully enclosed bolt face (similar to that of a Remington 700).

The 704 action was introduced in 2006. The bolt is open at the bottom so the cartridge case head can slide up the bolt face during the feeding cycle (with the extractor sliding into the extraction groove in the cartridge), to provide controlled-round feeding.

My own Ed Brown rifle is a Damara in 7mm-08 built on the 702 action. Can't recall the exact year I bought it but it was several years before the 704 action was introduced. Terrific rifle, accurate, reliable, functions beautifully, lightweight and perfectly balanced.

If I was buying today I'd get the 704 action but nothing is getting this little rifle away from me!

Dave Anderson

Yes, I agree the CRF of the 704 is pretty much academic, except perhaps for a Dangerous Game Rifle. I have seen, though, that now with the 704 out, the 702s are selling for quite a bit less than the 704s on the used rifle market. Might be a chance to get a great rifle at a bargain price.