Is this a good buy?

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Was out wandering around yesterday afternoon and I went into a local pawn shop to see what they had laying around for rifles. While I was there I saw they had an older Remington Model 700 ADL chambered in 30-06. The action seemed in very good condition, had the better extractor compared to the newer 700 actions, has a scope on it and all for $325.00. I'm looking at this for a donor action for a future build, maybe very near future build . The owner of the shop said it was from the 70's possibly late 60's. Is this a good buy? Thanks!

Mike

 

[fdshuster]

The receiver, bolt and trigger alone are worth that. Throw away the factory barrel & stock and you still a good receiver (especially the older ones without the alphabet prefix on the serial#) to build on. The "A"'s and "B"'s are still better than the newer "F" and "G"'s.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Thanks for the reply fd! I didn't look at the serial number close enough to remember whether it had the alphabet prefix or not. If it doesn't have the alphabet prefix or an A or B, sounds like a good deal then. I may have to take a trip down there and look at it again. If its what I think it is, I may have to pick that up tomorrow ! Thanks!

Mike

 

[alton9]

New remmy short actions run around $400. Even if you scrap the bbl & stock you'll be in good shape......... Unless you really want a Bat , Surgeon , etc. The remmies probably can't compare with the customs , but they don't cost four figures either. What's the scope like? If its anything you would use its a no-brainer.

 

[bozo699]

Mike,
I agree with Frank, buy the rifle check the barrel out if it looks good sell the factory barrel stock and scope for whatever you can get out of it and you will have a good action for a future build. I buy up all that kind if stuff I can.
Wayne.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Thanks Wayne and alton! I'm gonna do some running in the morning and look this rifle over. Whats bad is I know where there are two more 700's similar to this one, both long actions for $400.00 a piece !

Mike

 

[fdshuster]

That's the nice thing about the Remington 700's, there are millions of them in use, a very large number on the market at any given time, for sale at very reasonable prices. When it comes time to re-stock with a benchrest compatable stock, it's usually quick and easy to find a replacement ( HS, B&C, etc) right off the shelf without a 6 month (or longer) wait, Jewell drop-in triggers available, scope base mount choices, etc. No, they're not a Bat, (have one, and yes, it is very high quality, but for the cost, it better be) Panda, etc., but for their cost, tough to beat.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Thanks again Frank! Thats part of what excites me about acquiring this action, so much hotrod stuff out there that a guy can bolt on and have it shoot. This action may get used for my 6mmAI project coming up pretty quick!

Mike

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Well I got it guys ! The finish is very nice on this action and it is one that Frank had mentioned, an older one without the alphabet letter prefix in the serial number. With the naked eye, the throat doesn't appear to be bad and the action is nice and tight. The lugs are making ok contact but, that can be fixed. I think I may have to shoot this rig a few times before it goes to the smith ! Thanks again for the help Frank!

Mike

 

[Rock Knocker]

oh no, reading about this kind of stuff makes me want to go out and find a deal like that. I havent even finished my curent build yet though.

Ether a 300WM or another 260AI long range hunting/practical comp. rifle is in the future though. I will have to keep my eye out for a deal like this.

 

[bozo699]

Mike,
Glad to here you got it, When you build your 6AI are you going with slow or fast twist. I have one in a 1:14 but want to build one with a 1:8
Wayne.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

I know where theres two more long action 700's Rock Knocker ! I think they may be older ones like this one too!

Wayne,
Thanks and I'm not sure what twist I'm gonna go with. One side of me says go with a 10 twist and shoot 87 gr. Vmaxs or 88 gr. Bergers. Then the other side says go with an 8 twist and shoot 105 Amaxs and 95 gr Berger Hunting VLDs. Then yet another side says go with a 12 twist and shoot just 80 gr. bullets and call it good. Again, I'm not sure! You good folks will know when it happens though!

Mike

 

[bozo699]

Sounds good Mike,good luck with all your endeavors.
Wayne.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Thanks Wayne!

 

[rocketron]

older 700 actions are easy to spot. look for two little screws on the left rear side of the action.

Ron

 

[HillbillySniper]

Wow sounds like you got a great deal! Wish our pawn shops around my area sold guns, course they'd probably be like some of the local gun shops way over priced for what they have!


Hillbilly

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Ron,
This action has those two little screws on left hand side at the rear of the action. I never knew what those were for until I read the article on German Salazar's 40XL 30-06 rifle and could see thats where they mount rear sights for his type of shooting. I have a Smith & Wesson 1500 short action, same as a Howa, and it has those two small screws in the same orientation also.

Hillbilly,
Thanks! It was a chance happening that I went into that pawn shop, as I have not been in there in years. I had time to kill so I said what the hell. Well I'm glad I did! As far as the price of the gun goes, to them it was just an old Remington rifle and nothing more. I tried to beat them up on it a little and ended up getting away without having to pay tax on it ! Thanks to Frank and others, I have a good idea what I'm looking at as far as older Remmy 700's.

Mike

 

[fdshuster]

Mike: Glad to hear it worked out well for you. The older, nicer Remington 700's also had jewelled bolts, along with the high polished blued finish. Just a lot of class all around, not comparable to the Wal-Mart specials that are now being sold for $399, "scope" included. When/if you re-barrel the lug issue can easily be corrected.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Frank: Thanks! It is a nice looking piece no doubt and yes, when I have it rebarreled I will have the lugs trued up. I took and cleaned the barrel up on it, not clean clean but pretty clean. Then a friend and I took her out and shot her today. I was amazed at how well this gun shot. I shot a .610 group at 100 yds with cheap Remington 150 gr Core lokt factory ammo. That and the trigger pull is quite heavy but no creep and a nice break when it goes. The Bushnell Banner 3-9 scope isn't the greatest either but, I was impressed none the less at how it shot. I told my friend that I might have to shoot her like she is for a while !

Mike

 

[rocketron]

Mike
thanks for the info on the screws. i guess you would have to alter the stock if you wanted to use them.

Ron