Remington 30 Express 30-06 - Curious to find out more info

[cash_tx]

I made an interesting surprise discovery at my local Scheel's store earlier today in the form of a Remington Model 30 Express (based on the M1917 action) in 30-06 at what I think was a bargain price ($299). I didn't previously know much of anything about the Model 30; but after some quick Internet searching, the rifle appeared to be mostly (or even all) original and in really good shape for its age. The rifle has some nice figuring in the wood, a styling that appealed to me, and fit me like a glove; so it came home with me. Once I got it home, it cleaned up pretty nicely. These pictures aren't the best resolution, but give you an idea of its condition. Based on the proof marks of the barrel (the letters "DU"), it would indicate a DOM of September 1927; and the other features seem to align with what is described in the Wikipedia article for the Model 30 for this time period. I think this might be the variant known as the Model 30SL, based upon its Lyman aperture sight. As a bonus, it seems to have had a nice trigger job done to it at some point.

Does anyone else have experience with one of these, and can provide any additional insight? Thanks!

 

[Hunter4752001]

Congratulation on a great find. That's a rifle that been on my personal wish list for a long time.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

My favorite .30-06 Springfield rifle in the entire world, is the Remington Model 30 Express.

Built on military surplus Enfield Model 1917 actions. 1:10 twist rate. 5+1 magazine capacity. Extremely accurate with the 220Gr Remington Core Factory loads.

Never let this one go. Except if you'd like to sell it to me...

 

[Graham Hunter]

I think you were robbed and I'm feeling sorry for you. So I will help by giving you $300. That way you can say you found a sucker and made a profit!

 

[skydiver386]

Like Hunter Habib stated above. Basically a post WWI 1917, but with refinements to make it sporter friendly.

The original 1917 barrels were often 2 groove rifling, and not always accurate. Post war barrels like the one on your rifle are much improved.

Drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but most opted for a peep of some sort in that era. Looking at the stock on the right side, it may have been inlet for a Redfield sight prior to the Lyman. Both were common at the time.

Treasure from an era gone by. Of the dozens I've seen, all but one has been cobbled up by drill presses and hack saws. The only one I've seen that hasn't been hacked up is the one you have.

 

[mdwest]

I’ve reminded @cash_tx that he missed the opening day of Texas rifle season to go gun shopping. That is a huge social faux pas that comes with a severe penalty…

He is donating the rifle to the mdwest safe as a penance…

 

[cash_tx]

I’ve reminded @cash_tx that he missed the opening day of Texas rifle season to go gun shopping. That is a huge social faux pas that comes with a severe penalty…

He is donating the rifle to the mdwest safe as a penance…

My wife made a crack about me always buying footballs but never getting on the field. ;-)

 

[cash_tx]

My favorite .30-06 Springfield rifle in the entire world, is the Remington Model 30 Express.

Built on military surplus Enfield Model 1917 actions. 1:10 twist rate. 5+1 magazine capacity. Extremely accurate with the 220Gr Remington Core Factory loads.

Never let this one go. Except if you'd like to sell it to me...

Thank you, @Hunter-Habib that is quite an endorsement coming from you, and much appreciated.

 

[cash_tx]

Like Hunter Habib stated above. Basically a post WWI 1917, but with refinements to make it sporter friendly.

The original 1917 barrels were often 2 groove rifling, and not always accurate. Post war barrels like the one on your rifle are much improved.

Drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but most opted for a peep of some sort in that era. Looking at the stock on the right side, it may have been inlet for a Redfield sight prior to the Lyman. Both were common at the time.

Treasure from an era gone by. Of the dozens I've seen, all but one has been cobbled up by drill presses and hack saws. The only one I've seen that hasn't been hacked up is the one you have.

You may be right about the Redfield sight. There does seem to be an inlet in the wood below the Lyman sight that is currently unoccupied. No worries, though. Since it is already drilled and tapped, I'll may scope this rifle eventually; but the Lyman is good enough to start.

 

[NTX]

What a great find. I frequent that store and would not have passed that up! I really like the stock lines.

 

[cash_tx]

What a great find. I frequent that store and would not have passed that up! I really like the stock lines.

Thanks! In retrospect, I'm kind of surprised that it was still sitting there on a busy Saturday; but I guess most people just don't know what they are. No doubt it probably would have been gone by the end of the weekend, though. I feel pretty fortunate; this thing just feels perfect in my hands.

 

[Huvius]

Remington did eventually build 30 Express actions specifically for sporting purposes after the original production started. I don’t know when that happened or if one could even tell the difference from a military contract action and the later purpose built sporters.
Nice rifle and a cool piece of American sporting rifle history.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I made an interesting surprise discovery at my local Scheel's store earlier today in the form of a Remington Model 30 Express (based on the M1917 action) in 30-06 at what I think was a bargain price ($299). I didn't previously know much of anything about the Model 30; but after some quick Internet searching, the rifle appeared to be mostly (or even all) original and in really good shape for its age. The rifle has some nice figuring in the wood, a styling that appealed to me, and fit me like a glove; so it came home with me. Once I got it home, it cleaned up pretty nicely. These pictures aren't the best resolution, but give you an idea of its condition. Based on the proof marks of the barrel (the letters "DU"), it would indicate a DOM of September 1927; and the other features seem to align with what is described in the Wikipedia article for the Model 30 for this time period. I think this might be the variant known as the Model 30SL, based upon its Lyman aperture sight. As a bonus, it seems to have had a nice trigger job done to it at some point.

Does anyone else have experience with one of these, and can provide any additional insight? Thanks!

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@cash_tx
Some of the Remington model 30s also had the dog leg bolt straightened out to normal. Remington took the M17 action and lightened it by removing metal from the rear of the action, removing the guppy belly and generally making it look a lot nicer. They are an extremely strong and big action that can easily be made into a bespoke 375. A Timney trigger is a great thing to add to make it better and as a rule they shoot quite well.
A mate hade one that had been converted to 25-06 that would put thee shots into a bit over an inch at 200 yards after a little bit of a Tweek.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

My favorite .30-06 Springfield rifle in the entire world, is the Remington Model 30 Express.

Built on military surplus Enfield Model 1917 actions. 1:10 twist rate. 5+1 magazine capacity. Extremely accurate with the 220Gr Remington Core Factory loads.

Never let this one go. Except if you'd like to sell it to me...

@Hunter-Habib
Unbeknownst to many people is the original M17 with the guppy belly actually held six plus one in the chamber. When the floor plate was straightened out the capacity was reduced to 5+1.
Bob

 

[cash_tx]

@cash_tx
Some of the Remington model 30s also had the dog leg bolt straightened out to normal. Remington took the M17 action and lightened it by removing metal from the rear of the action, removing the guppy belly and generally making it look a lot nicer. They are an extremely strong and big action that can easily be made into a bespoke 375. A Timney trigger is a great thing to add to make it better and as a rule they shoot quite well.
A mate hade one that had been converted to 25-06 that would put thee shots into a bit over an inch at 200 yards after a little bit of a Tweek.
Bob

Sounds awesome, and thanks for that info! I was assuming I'd have to change the trigger after I bought it, but this one actually has a very smooth pull that comes in right at 2 lbs. I'm pretty certain that a previous owner did a trigger job on it (and a darn good one). It's pretty much perfect for my use.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Like Hunter Habib stated above. Basically a post WWI 1917, but with refinements to make it sporter friendly.

The original 1917 barrels were often 2 groove rifling, and not always accurate. Post war barrels like the one on your rifle are much improved.

Drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but most opted for a peep of some sort in that era. Looking at the stock on the right side, it may have been inlet for a Redfield sight prior to the Lyman. Both were common at the time.

Treasure from an era gone by. Of the dozens I've seen, all but one has been cobbled up by drill presses and hack saws. The only one I've seen that hasn't been hacked up is the one you have.

@skydiver386
Sgt York of WW1 fame would disagree with you that the 2 groove barrels weren't accurate.
A lot of dough boys wanted the M17 adopted as the service rifle but the US Govt with its NIH( not invented here) attitude chose to stick with the 03 Springfield's even tho many considered the M17 a superior battle rifle.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

You may be right about the Redfield sight. There does seem to be an inlet in the wood below the Lyman sight that is currently unoccupied. No worries, though. Since it is already drilled and tapped, I'll may scope this rifle eventually; but the Lyman is good enough to start.

@cash_tx

The one on the left is my M17 modified to copy the 30s action in weight and profile.
The one with the walnut stock is a P14.
Bob

 

[Flipper Dude]

My gunsmith at Gordy & Son’s has one that he is building a 404 Jeffery on. If you got a couple of hours, he will be glad to tell you all about it.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Remington did eventually build 30 Express actions specifically for sporting purposes after the original production started. I don’t know when that happened or if one could even tell the difference from a military contract action and the later purpose built sporters.
Nice rifle and a cool piece of American sporting rifle history.

@Huvius
The latter production model 30 had the bolt handle straightened and the Acton lightened

Check out the velocities they were claiming for the 150gn and 110 grainers in the ought six back then.
Bob

 

[thr546]

Sick I sold mine