what is a rem 30 action, how does it compare to a 700? is it a more valuable action than a 700? help is appreciated, thanks

They were much like the P-14. Remington mfg. many P-14's during WWI, and after the war had much machinery and parts sitting idle. By 1921, they were producing a sporting rifle with that surplus machinery, the rifle we known as the Model 30. The stock of plain American black walnut had an uncapped half-pistol grip, tapered forend with finger grooves, and a curved steel buttplate.

With improvements made in the stock(checkering, crossbolt, elimination of finger groove) it became the Model 30 Express This was also available as a carbine with a 20" barrel.

More improvements came in the '30's. The stock was redesigned with a steel shotgun-type buttplate, full pistol grip with cap, and a higher comb. They were now equipped with the Lyman 48 receiver sight, as opposed to the simple peep type used earlier. By 1933, Remington changed the action so as to to cock on opening, not closing like the P-14's. In 1933, Remington started to introduce calibres other than .30-06: 25, 30, 32, and 35 Remington as well as 7X57 Mauser. By 1934 they also introduced the .257 Roberts and 7.65 Mauser.

All Model 30's were dropped by 1941, and replaced by the Model 720. There were not a lot of 720's produced because all efforts , by that time anyway, were directed toward war production.

I've owned two M 30's, one in .257, the other a .30-06. The stocks have the serial number stamped in the barrel channel. Most model 30's I've seen have been used hard. Later models were on par with the M54 and M70 Winchester. Ther one and only 720 I've ever had my hands on was every bit as good, or better than the M70, but not as fancy as the Super Grade.

Comparing the M30 to the M700 is like comparing the push feed M70 to the pre-64 M70. The new ones shoot, but it ain't in the same league.

[ 10-30-2003, 09:07: Message edited by: packrat ]

The M30 Rems were modified 1917 Enfield actions that Rem had an excess of after WWI. The action was slimmed down and lightened. The bridge was milled to the same diameter as the receiver rings and the trigger guard was straightened. It's basically a factory sporterized Enfield. It's hard to compare it to a M700, they are two different animals. As far as value goes, it just depends on how bad a person wants a 30S Rem.

They were also available (albeit quite rare) in 300 H & H. By the middle thirties, they had developed into a very nice sporting rifle, fully the equal of the Model 70 from the same time frame, IMO. - Dan

the model 30 is a very desirable platform to build a big gun from.

I would rate it, in my opinion, as much better of an action than a model 700, and would wonder if you have one, or are about to aquire one?

action alone should be 250-350 bucks... I don't know on the total gun, as I would only want it for the action.

jeffe

There weren't a lot of Remington 30's to begin with and pristine, undrilled, unaltered specimens are scarce- especially later versions with bolt guide ribs that cock on opening. A great action for long, big bore cartridge custom rifles (375-505, etc.).

thanks for the replies. i found a rifle for sale that appears to be a nice custom built on a 30 action. i am very interested in it but cant afford to break the bank on it right now.

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=13177093