Guys,

I would like to so a custom scope mount for a Remington 700 action that is not in my hands yet.

Have the following questions:

1) Is there a standard approach to holding the action level in a mill vise as there is with Mauser actions?

2) Can one assume that the a new 700 action is straight and the axis of the bore relatively close to the axis of the action?

3) Is the diameter of the action the same at both ends where they are drilled for mounts?

Thanks!

#3 Yes. Diameter, but not height.
#2 No but close enough for a hunting rifle.
#1 Put a flat bar in the receiver resting on the bolt race and level off of that.

I believe I bought a VBlock from Brownells that is drilled for both short and long actions. I modified it for custom mod. 700 clones.

OK ...

How to find the level of the action so that milling of the top of the scope mounts will form a line that is roughly parallel with the bore?

Action will have a barrel attached!

you should locate or at least level the action using the locking lug race ways.

There are several ways to do it but it takes a sketch to describe it well.

1.Insert a flat bar from the rear and clamp it. Check with a dial indicator to insure it is level.

2. Another method would be to make a simple fixture and clamp it with the fixture.

3. Remove the barrel and it will be easier to work with.