The 40 year old virgin: first shots update

[Adam in WI]

Had to share this folks. I think I hit the jackpot here. I recently decided I needed another small deer rifle, so I began perusing GunBroker sorting through the miscellaneous overpriced or over-used pieces. I stumbled across a vague listing with less than detailed pictures of a Remington 700 in 243 Winchester. The listing title was misspelled, and the description said nothing but "never fired". I was a little intrigued, but apprehensive given the circumstances and the seller's relatively few (but all positive) feedback. The buy now price was under what most places sell new SPS models for so after a little humming and hawing I took the chance. The seller was nice enough to shoot me some more pictures after purchase which were also less than detailed, but it gave me a serial number.

I emailed Remington the serial number asking for a date of manufacture or sub model. The replied given the age all they could give was the manufacture year- 1977

So I anxiously await the arrival expecting some sort of heartbreaking flaw or misrepresentation. I go pick it up last night and I'm pure shocked. A 1977 Remington 700 that is unfired... No wear marks on the bolt lugs, no finish wear on the bolt face, no specks of brass under the extractor, nothing but a 43 year old rifle that actually looks unfired since it left the factory. It still has the screws in the scope mount holes. I'm tickled. It won't stay in it's virgin state for long. I've got a pre-74 Leupold Vari-X II ready to go. After 4 decades sitting idle, this gal's finally going to the dance this November.

 

[Bill K]

Now that is one sweet deal. Bet you will like this new/virgin rifle. Bill K

 

[Cemetery21]

It looks like a "Classic" model stock - floorplate without a forend cap. But, they didn't make a Classics until 1982 and then never in 243. Could be a higher grade than BDL with that style and quality of wood.
Good grab regardless.

 

[grovey]

Be gentle at first.

 

[grovey]

It appears to be an early 700 classic in .243. For sure the .243 was made with sights before the classic went to a single cartridge per yr, and the date code fits... I don't think that's the rule though. I don't recall my buddys early 7 mag having irons.

 

[CaptainMal]

Super piece of wood. Got to be happy with that find. You just never know.

Maybe 8 years ago the wife and I were driving past a pawn shop and I got the bug to stop and look. Now we have NEVER been in one, neither of us. Kind of a crazy experience in our lives.

I walked out with what looked like a brand new, unfired Remington 700 Mountain rifle in 257 Roberts.

It turned out to be such a jewel I gave my son my treasured custom Mauser 257 Roberts I cherished for decades. Since bought I have taken a big 8 pt. at 540 yards with that Remington "Bob", a giant 14 pt with drop tine and more. Kind of retired it the past three years but never retired the memories.

May you make memories with that new 243.

 

[Downhill]

That will be the find of the year! Nice rifle.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I think I see why it never got used; that is one exceptional looking rifle.

 

[Adam in WI]

I just bought a set of Leupold standard bases. It's going to get used, as it was meant to. Might even be what my oldest uses for her first hunt if I can get over my horse trading ways.

 

[1shot]

That's some darn nice wood on that rifle. Cograts!!
Lloyd

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Very Nice, like celebrating Christmas of past!

 

[kvd]

Great find and good story. Sometimes odd and short on information listings are from people that just aren't that good with words or savvy at making an appealing listing.

 

[Shawnba67]

Thats one fine RILF!
(Rifle I'd Like To Fire!)

 

[Adam in WI]

Well. We got a chance to finally give this sweetheart a chance to prove she's got the stuff, and folks she didn't disappoint. With the veteran Leupold mounted up we made it out to sight in this afternoon. I had loaded up some Sierra 100 grain soft points over some H4831. These bullets I can't help but wonder if they aren't the same vintage as the rifle and scope. They came with another old rifle and are packed in a green cardboard box with the metal corner reinforcements.

Here is my typical setup. In the bed of my pickup in a field lane. The sun was shining and it was a pleasant 60 degrees, but the wind was steady at my back with gusts up to 30 mph.


With conditions settled, I put two leftover 75 grain VMAX thru it to check rough zero. They landed about a half inch apart. Good start I thought. Next up was a 41.8 grain load of 4831 with the Sierras. They string diagonally across the target as you can see. Here I'm not sure if it's conditions, me a little unsettled with a new rig, or inadequate twist. Anyway, after a moment or two to cool I load with a 42.0 grain with a different primer (ran out of FGMM). After firing three of these I can't see them on the target and am getting a little concerned. A short walk later shows why: all three clustered right by the black in a group smaller than a penny.


Just tickled....

 

[sw282]

Beautiful guns/cars/women are all the same. They are meant to be used/enjoyed.
Never never ever to be abused...

 

[kvd]

Always nice when they shoot as good as they look.