Remington 700 as a safari rifle anyone?

[BJH65]

So why would one start with an action that has obvious flaws and then do all sorts of mods to try and get it to function as it should have in the first place?

They have terrible iron sights....
Only take 2 down in bigger calibers.....
Are horrible to top load......
They are built too light for caliber......
Dangerous extractor......
Pushfeed......

Piece of crap for DG.....or a high stakes hunt....

The primary flaw you dislike, the extractor, is easily and fairly cheaply rectified by having a gunsmith install an M16 style extractor. I do not mind the iron sights but I’m primarily a scoped rifle shooter so the irons are really for backup. Better iron sights to your liking are an easy fix. 416 Rem Mag and 458 Win Mag are suitable for any big game in Africa.

The Remington 700 Safari KS version with synthetic stock weigh 9 lbs 12 oz, that is not light for caliber especially when you add scope and mounts. Admittedly the BDL Safari grade is a little light at 8 lbs 4 oz and my custom shop 375 RUM is even lighter.

It has been a primary sniper rifle for the USMC in various versions over the years and a very popular law enforcement sniper rifle (used by my former agency). It is battle tested on far more dangerous game than any of the Big 5, the human kind. I could be biased as a former marine and retired LEO but they have been proven to be extreme reliable for us.

I do agree top loading, especially if you have big fingers requires more finesse with the short action I’ve found.

I’ve personally used Remington 700’s of various calibers 270, 30-06, 308 up to 375 RUM for over 45 years and I’ve never experienced a broken extractor or a jam. Do they happen, yes of course but we could point to feeding issues with the CZ 550 too that need a gunsmith to rectify.

Clearly, PH’s in Africa over the years agree with you, the Remington 700 isn’t the preferred backup rifle for DG in the hands of African PH’s for backup purposes but that doesn’t mean they can’t successfully be used by the hunter going to Africa as long as they practice with it, are competent with it, and have insured it is reliable. If the OP practices and insures it’s reliable, it’s perfectly acceptable for him to take it to Africa and hunt DG.

 

[WoodencrossIII]

The primary flaw you dislike, the extractor, is easily and fairly cheaply rectified by having a gunsmith install an M16 style extractor. I do not mind the iron sights but I’m primarily a scoped rifle shooter so the irons are really for backup. Better iron sights to your liking are an easy fix. 416 Rem Mag and 458 Win Mag are suitable for any big game in Africa.

The Remington 700 Safari KS version with synthetic stock weigh 9 lbs 12 oz, that is not light for caliber especially when you add scope and mounts. Admittedly the BDL Safari grade is a little light at 8 lbs 4 oz and my custom shop 375 RUM is even lighter.

It has been a primary sniper rifle for the USMC in various versions over the years and a very popular law enforcement sniper rifle (used by my former agency). It is battle tested on far more dangerous game than any of the Big 5, the human kind. I could be biased as a former marine and retired LEO but they have been proven to be extreme reliable for us.

I do agree top loading, especially if you have big fingers requires more finesse with the short action I’ve found.

I’ve personally used Remington 700’s of various calibers 270, 30-06, 308 up to 375 RUM for over 45 years and I’ve never experienced a broken extractor or a jam. Do they happen, yes of course but we could point to feeding issues with the CZ 550 too that need a gunsmith to rectify.

Clearly, PH’s in Africa over the years agree with you, the Remington 700 isn’t the preferred backup rifle for DG in the hands of African PH’s for backup purposes but that doesn’t mean they can’t successfully be used by the hunter going to Africa as long as they practice with it, are competent with it, and have insured it is reliable. If the OP practices and insures it’s reliable, it’s perfectly acceptable for him to take it to Africa and hunt DG.

I appreciate the in depth feed back yes I feel confident in this rifle in the event I go on Safari it’ll go with me I’m not sweating the extractor issues I can have it fixed if it needs it. Hopefully it won’t thanks for your service

 

[1dirthawker]

well, i have owned and used rem 700 rifles and have gradually migrated to using CRF rifles. here are the issues that i personally had with rem 700's:

1. my first centerfire, rem 700 ADL, 7mm mag. i shot a 3 point blacktail, as it ran off, i worked the bolt but it was hung up,(it WAS a reload) i pulled harder and the bolt handle came off the bolt. the buck was dead by the time the bolt handle came off. sent it back to remington and they soldered it back on (i was 19 years old)

2. 8 years later, same model 700 quit ejecting cases after some time out on a dall sheep hunt. hmmm, turns out the ejector button got corroded and was stuck in the depressed position and was not popping out and ejecting the cases. some gun oil and cuss words got it working again.

3. 4 years after that i got a pretty great deal on a 416 remington in the model 700. when at the range sighting it in, it failed to eject. now, none of the other 700's my brother or dad owned had ever had a problem ejecting (all 7mm mags) turns out the fingernail clipping sized ejector "claw" failed to grip the case and remove from the barrel. took to a gunsmith who put another ejector in it, and "fixed" the problem. now, a 416 rem is not the type of rifle that "fires sometimes" anyone wants to own.

so from that moment forward i started researching rifles more intently and started buying stainless steel and CRF rifles.

this is NOT me bashing the 700, which has killed a ton of game. i just want a rifle that works EVERY time, not most of the time. in alaska, where there are brown/grizz bears, i NEED a rifle that is bomb proof, even if it "only" shoots 1.25" groups.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I have a R700 Varrmint rifle in 22-250. All my hunting rifles are M98s or Model 70s with CRF. So I cannot comment on reliability or problems with Remingtons.

 

[IvW]

The primary flaw you dislike, the extractor, is easily and fairly cheaply rectified by having a gunsmith install an M16 style extractor. I do not mind the iron sights but I’m primarily a scoped rifle shooter so the irons are really for backup. Better iron sights to your liking are an easy fix. 416 Rem Mag and 458 Win Mag are suitable for any big game in Africa.

The Remington 700 Safari KS version with synthetic stock weigh 9 lbs 12 oz, that is not light for caliber especially when you add scope and mounts. Admittedly the BDL Safari grade is a little light at 8 lbs 4 oz and my custom shop 375 RUM is even lighter.

It has been a primary sniper rifle for the USMC in various versions over the years and a very popular law enforcement sniper rifle (used by my former agency). It is battle tested on far more dangerous game than any of the Big 5, the human kind. I could be biased as a former marine and retired LEO but they have been proven to be extreme reliable for us.

I do agree top loading, especially if you have big fingers requires more finesse with the short action I’ve found.

I’ve personally used Remington 700’s of various calibers 270, 30-06, 308 up to 375 RUM for over 45 years and I’ve never experienced a broken extractor or a jam. Do they happen, yes of course but we could point to feeding issues with the CZ 550 too that need a gunsmith to rectify.

Clearly, PH’s in Africa over the years agree with you, the Remington 700 isn’t the preferred backup rifle for DG in the hands of African PH’s for backup purposes but that doesn’t mean they can’t successfully be used by the hunter going to Africa as long as they practice with it, are competent with it, and have insured it is reliable. If the OP practices and insures it’s reliable, it’s perfectly acceptable for him to take it to Africa and hunt DG.

Huge differance between hunting DG and killing people at long range.......never could understand how this comparison is brought up.....apples and oranges.....

 

[WoodencrossIII]

well, i have owned and used rem 700 rifles and have gradually migrated to using CRF rifles. here are the issues that i personally had with rem 700's:

1. my first centerfire, rem 700 ADL, 7mm mag. i shot a 3 point blacktail, as it ran off, i worked the bolt but it was hung up,(it WAS a reload) i pulled harder and the bolt handle came off the bolt. the buck was dead by the time the bolt handle came off. sent it back to remington and they soldered it back on (i was 19 years old)

2. 8 years later, same model 700 quit ejecting cases after some time out on a dall sheep hunt. hmmm, turns out the ejector button got corroded and was stuck in the depressed position and was not popping out and ejecting the cases. some gun oil and cuss words got it working again.

3. 4 years after that i got a pretty great deal on a 416 remington in the model 700. when at the range sighting it in, it failed to eject. now, none of the other 700's my brother or dad owned had ever had a problem ejecting (all 7mm mags) turns out the fingernail clipping sized ejector "claw" failed to grip the case and remove from the barrel. took to a gunsmith who put another ejector in it, and "fixed" the problem. now, a 416 rem is not the type of rifle that "fires sometimes" anyone wants to own.

so from that moment forward i started researching rifles more intently and started buying stainless steel and CRF rifles.

this is NOT me bashing the 700, which has killed a ton of game. i just want a rifle that works EVERY time, not most of the time. in alaska, where there are brown/grizz bears, i NEED a rifle that is bomb proof, even if it "only" shoots 1.25" groups.

That’s awesome to hear on the success. If this rifle has an issue I’ll just have to have it fixed a new extractor but hopefully it does cycle and extract. It’s a used rifle but in like new condition I did indeed inspect the bolt face and nothing looked abnormal or even like it’s been fired no brass marks or anything. I may contact a smith and see what it would Cost to install a new extractor in the event it does break. Were the ammo used just factory ammo? I’m planning to reload mine and I won’t reload them hot

 

[Flbt]

Huge differance between hunting DG and killing people at long range.......never could understand how this comparison is brought up.....apples and oranges.....

Most Leo shooting is not really long range.
And the reason it comes up is a guy with a gun is dangerous and the rifle is trussed by people after something that could be more dangerous than dangerous game.

Or that would be my guess

 

[Flbt]

Most Leo shooting is not really long range.
And the reason it comes up is a guy with a gun is dangerous and the rifle is trussed by people after something that could be more dangerous than dangerous game.

Or that would be my guess

I have a old 700 in 6mm I don’t know how many rounds it’s had
I do know I have had it nearly 30 years and have not had a problem with it.
But that’s only one rifle and it’s really been babyed

 

[Flbt]

I have a old 700 in 6mm I don’t know how many rounds it’s had
I do know I have had it nearly 30 years and have not had a problem with it.
But that’s only one rifle and it’s really been babyed

It’s a heavy barrel so it doesn’t see much use out side of a shooting house

 

[pilar]

I have a 700 custom shop stainless KS mountain rifle in .375 H&H. I havent taken it to Africa, but have used it in Alaska and took a nice Kodiak bear with it. It has been 100% reliable. The older 700s are good rifles with the possible exception of extractor issues though I have not experienced this. Putting a M16 extractor in is good insurance.

My 375 ruger is on a 700 action as of yet , it has never had an extraction issue .
Nor has our sig 202 or the push feed win m70 .375h&h’s
It would be nice if All where in crf for piece of mind but alas the PH will surely have one or a double to cover my ass if something goes wrong

 

[WoodencrossIII]

That’s the thing the PH will have backup weaponry in that one time event first shot doesn’t extract follow ups are coming right after with a good PH I’d say

 

[revturbo9967]

Last thing I want to do is put pressure on my ph because my equipment isn’t up to par. That goes for being well practiced with it too.

 

[BJH65]

Huge differance between hunting DG and killing people at long range.......never could understand how this comparison is brought up.....apples and oranges.....

When one is receiving incoming rounds from an enemy combatant and/or armed suspect it generates stress and one’s equipment better be functioning 100%, especially with the role of a police sniper with ranges well under 100 yards in an urban setting. Yes, military and law enforcement snipers receiving counter fire from enemy snipers and from armed suspects has occurred and more than one occasion with my former agency.

Engaging an armed suspect requires confidence in one’s equipment and it had better be 100% reliable. Whether a marine or LEO sniper is exposing themselves to counter fire, regardless it’s mission critical that a suspect/enemy be neutralized to prevent further loss of life. I can assure you the USMC and law enforcement will be using a rifle up to the task that’s fired 1000’s of rounds in training and bet your life reliable. The Remington 700 has successfully fulfilled this role.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

When one is receiving incoming rounds from an enemy combatant and/or armed suspect it generates stress and one’s equipment better be functioning 100%, especially with the role of a police sniper with ranges well under 100 yards in an urban setting. Yes, military and law enforcement snipers receiving counter fire from enemy snipers and from armed suspects has occurred and more than one occasion with my former agency.

Engaging an armed suspect requires confidence in one’s equipment and it had better be 100% reliable. Whether a marine or LEO sniper is exposing themselves to counter fire, regardless it’s mission critical that a suspect/enemy be neutralized to prevent further loss of life. I can assure you the USMC and law enforcement will be using a rifle up to the task that’s fired 1000’s of rounds in training and bet your life reliable. The Remington 700 has successfully fulfilled this role.

I’d argue that most of those Remingtons used were heavily modified.

 

[WoodencrossIII]

I’d love to hear from an actual Ph on here one that has input for the sake of conversation I think it be awesome to hear their stance on it, I reckon they would have good advice both ways for or against. I’m in the camp of for it, Larry Potterfield has his video about his personal perfect safari rifle. I watched it and thought it was good, also if I had a hunt up coming I’d make sure my equipment was perfect and worked. I bet the extraction issues were due to hot ammo high pressures and sticky cases. I could be wrong though on that.

 

[ftrovato]

For me, anything that can turn the tables on me should be hunting with a double rifle or a bolt action with controlled round feed with a fixed ejector.

A 3 position safety is a nice safety feature too.

 

[BJH65]

I’d argue that most of those Remingtons used were heavily modified.

Sure for accuracy primarily and some usability features. Heavier free floated match grade barrels, replacement trigger systems, custom bedding, custom trigger guards and floor plate mods, after market firing pins to decrease lock time, high-quality scopes like Schmidt & Bender but the basic action, bolt and extractor no, there is only so much that can be done primarily to increase accuracy and usability.

I’m not aware of either the military or law enforcement modifying the bolt to a Sako or M16 style extractor either. I would say one key trait both in military and law enforcement, the weapon system is impeccablely maintained.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

 

[Hogpatrol]

For R700s, one piece bolts with the m16 extractor can be a good upgrade and yes, factory bolt handles can and have departed the bolt body.

1 Piece Remington 700 Bolt Upgrade Complete - (Right)-RH-ECO

www.pacifictoolandgauge.com

 

[Flbt]

I’d argue that most of those Remingtons used were heavily modified.

Most of the ones I have seen were not.
Except for accuracy mods normally a trigger.
But then it was small department mostly
The cert one was bone stock