Introduction
Hook
The Remington 700. The name itself conjures images of a rifle that’s become a cornerstone of the shooting world. Revered by hunters, competitive shooters, and law enforcement professionals alike, the Remington 700 boasts a legacy of accuracy, reliability, and customization that’s nearly unmatched. Its inherent design has made it a platform that’s been endlessly adapted and modified, and at the heart of its legendary performance lies a critical component: the bolt.
Thesis Statement
In particular, the Remington 700 Short Action Bolt is a vital element for rifles chambered in a specific range of cartridges, offering distinct advantages that deserve a closer look.
Overview
This guide will delve into the specifics of the Remington 700 short action bolt, exploring its design, functionality, advantages, maintenance, and how it compares to its long-action counterparts. We’ll examine its role in the overall rifle system and shed light on why it continues to be a favorite among shooters seeking precision and performance.
Understanding the Remington 700 and its Variants
History
The story of the Remington 700 begins decades ago, with its introduction marking a turning point in rifle design. Initially conceived as a replacement for the Remington 721 and 722, the 700 brought with it a level of accuracy and build quality that immediately set a new standard. This rifle quickly garnered recognition for its bolt-action design, known for its inherent precision and user-friendliness. The design’s simplicity, combined with thoughtful engineering, contributed significantly to its accuracy potential.
Versatility
The Remington 700’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths. Throughout its history, the platform has been adapted and offered in a wide array of configurations, catering to different shooting needs. You’ll find variations for hunting (big game, varmint), target shooting (benchrest, long-range), law enforcement, and even military applications. This widespread adoption speaks volumes about the rifle’s inherent reliability and inherent potential.
Action Length
To understand the Remington 700 Short Action Bolt, we must first grasp the concept of “action length.” Action length refers to the length of the rifle’s receiver, which houses the bolt and other internal components. This length is primarily determined by the size and dimensions of the cartridges the rifle is designed to accommodate. Actions come in different sizes: long, short, and, in some cases, even ultra-magnum.
Examples
For instance, cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield and the .300 Winchester Magnum necessitate longer action lengths. Shorter cartridges, conversely, benefit from a shorter action. The appropriate action length ensures that the cartridge is fed, fired, and ejected efficiently and reliably. Choosing the correct action is vital for optimal performance and accuracy.
The Remington 700 Short Action Bolt: Features and Design
Bolt Functionality
The bolt is the heart of any bolt-action rifle, and the Remington 700 Short Action Bolt is no exception. It’s responsible for a multitude of critical functions: loading a round from the magazine into the chamber, securely locking the breech during firing, extracting the spent casing after the shot, and ejecting it. The bolt’s design is a marvel of mechanical efficiency, providing the shooter with a reliable and accurate firing system.
Bolt Components
The bolt itself is composed of several key parts, each contributing to its overall functionality. The bolt body, the main structural component, houses all the other parts and provides the foundation. The bolt handle, often ergonomically designed for easy operation, provides the leverage needed to cycle the bolt. The bolt face, meticulously machined to match the specific cartridge, is the surface that contacts the cartridge’s base. It typically contains the firing pin hole and the extractor claw.
Firing Cycle
The firing pin, a hardened steel rod, is driven forward by a spring when the trigger is pulled, striking the primer of the cartridge and initiating the firing sequence. The extractor, a crucial element, is a claw-like device that securely grips the rim of the cartridge case during extraction. Finally, the ejector, often spring-loaded, is responsible for expelling the spent casing from the action.
Bolt Cycling
The Remington 700 bolt cycles in a smooth, deliberate fashion. The shooter raises the bolt handle, which unlocks the bolt from the receiver. This action retracts the bolt, pulling the spent casing from the chamber and out through the ejection port. As the bolt is moved rearward, the action may also load a fresh cartridge from the magazine. When the bolt is pushed forward and locked, it chambers a new round and is ready to fire again. The precision of this cycling process is key to the accuracy and reliability that the Remington 700 is known for.
Materials and Construction
The materials and construction of the Remington 700 Short Action Bolt are also fundamental to its performance and longevity. Typically, the bolt body is constructed from high-quality steel alloys, chosen for their strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. The specific alloys used are carefully selected and treated to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures generated during firing.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is a crucial process in the manufacturing of the bolt. This process involves heating the steel to specific temperatures and then cooling it in a controlled manner. This heat treatment gives the steel its desired hardness, toughness, and resistance to wear. Properly heat-treated bolts are more resistant to deformation and cracking, contributing to the rifle’s overall safety and longevity.
Finishes and Coatings
Furthermore, the bolt often features specific finishes and coatings. These finishes not only enhance the bolt’s appearance but also provide added protection against corrosion and wear. Bluing is a classic finish that imparts a deep, rich color and provides a degree of rust protection. Cerakote, another popular coating, offers superior abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and improved lubricity.
Short Action Specifics
The Remington 700 Short Action Bolt is further distinguished by its design features tailored for specific applications. The overall length is shorter compared to bolts designed for longer cartridges. This shorter length directly contributes to a reduction in the rifle’s overall weight and allows for a more balanced feel. This weight savings may seem small, but it can add up in the field and influence the rifle’s handling characteristics, making it more responsive and easier to carry. The optimized dimensions also permit a quicker and more efficient bolt throw, leading to faster cycling. The faster cycling can be advantageous, especially in rapid-fire scenarios.
Advantages of the Remington 700 Short Action
Accuracy
The use of a Remington 700 Short Action Bolt offers a range of benefits for the shooter. These benefits contribute to improved accuracy, handling, and overall shooting experience.
One significant advantage is the potential for enhanced accuracy. The shorter action, with its inherently greater rigidity, is less prone to flexing during firing. This added rigidity contributes to greater consistency, which leads to a more predictable point of impact. The shorter bolt travel also contributes to accuracy by reducing the time and distance the bolt has to move. Faster cycling allows for quicker follow-up shots, which can be critical in hunting or competitive shooting.
Weight and Handling
Another significant benefit is the reduction in weight and improved handling. A shorter action rifle is, by definition, lighter than its long-action counterpart. This weight reduction can make a substantial difference, especially during long hunts or extended range sessions. The lighter weight also contributes to improved balance, making the rifle feel more maneuverable and responsive. Shooters often find short-action rifles easier to swing on target and more comfortable to carry.
Cartridge Compatibility
The Remington 700 Short Action Bolt is optimized for shorter cartridges. Because the internal mechanics are sized to the ammunition, the overall system works more efficiently. This pairing results in better performance with these particular calibers. This optimization ensures that the cartridges feed, chamber, fire, and eject flawlessly. This can significantly affect accuracy, as well as the overall reliability of the rifle.
Customization and Aftermarket Options
Bolt Upgrades
The Remington 700 platform is renowned for its customizability. Shooters can tailor their rifles to suit their specific needs and preferences.
The bolt itself is a focal point of customization, and there are a variety of aftermarket options. You can replace or upgrade a number of its components. Upgrading the bolt handle to a larger, more ergonomic design can improve handling. Upgraded firing pins can give you greater reliability. Aftermarket extractors, often made of higher-grade materials, can improve the rifle’s extraction performance.
Custom Actions
Beyond bolt upgrades, owners may explore custom actions, which are designed to offer enhanced performance. These actions are often precision-machined to tighter tolerances, leading to improved accuracy and smoother cycling. Custom action builders frequently offer a wider range of options. When it comes to aftermarket bolt components, choosing high-quality, properly manufactured parts is essential.
Trigger Systems
The trigger system is equally crucial to accuracy. A quality trigger breaks cleanly and predictably. There are a variety of aftermarket triggers available for the Remington 700, allowing shooters to customize the pull weight and feel of their rifle. When modifying the trigger, it’s important to understand the mechanical aspects and prioritize safety.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning and Lubrication
Maintaining a Remington 700 Short Action Bolt is vital to ensuring its reliability and longevity. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential practices.
Start by disassembling the bolt from the rifle, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean the bolt body, bolt face, extractor, firing pin, and other components using a suitable solvent and cleaning patches. Remove any dirt, carbon buildup, or debris.
After cleaning, reassemble the bolt, and apply a high-quality lubricant to the critical areas. Lubricate the bolt body, the bolt lugs, and the firing pin assembly. Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents wear, and ensures smooth and reliable cycling.
Preventative Maintenance
Beyond regular cleaning and lubrication, conduct preventative maintenance to address any issues. Inspect the bolt for wear, damage, or any signs of corrosion. Also, inspect the extractor claw for wear or damage, and replace it if necessary.
Troubleshooting
While using your firearm, be mindful of the potential for malfunctions. If you experience a failure to extract, failure to feed, or bolt binding, begin troubleshooting. First, make sure the rifle is unloaded and that the barrel is pointing in a safe direction. Then, inspect the ammunition and bolt for any obvious issues. Thoroughly clean and lubricate the action. If the problem persists, it may indicate more severe damage or a worn component. If that’s the case, consult a qualified gunsmith.
Safety
Proper safe handling practices are critical when working with firearms, and that also applies to cleaning and maintaining the Remington 700 Short Action Bolt. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Never load the rifle until you’re ready to shoot. Store your firearms securely, and keep them out of the reach of children.
Comparison with Long Action Bolts
Key Differences
The Remington 700 Short Action Bolt has a fundamentally different design than the long-action version. Understanding the difference is vital to choosing the proper rifle setup.
The key difference is the overall length. The short action is designed for cartridges with shorter overall lengths, like .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor. The long action is designed for cartridges with longer overall lengths, like the .30-06 Springfield or .300 Winchester Magnum.
The advantage of a short-action rifle is the lighter weight, more balanced handling, and a slightly faster bolt throw. The advantage of a long-action rifle is that it handles a wider range of cartridges with greater power and range.
Cartridge Choices
Choosing between a short and long action really depends on what you want to do with the rifle. If you want to shoot a rifle for hunting medium-sized game or target shooting at moderate ranges, a Remington 700 Short Action Bolt is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
Recap
The Remington 700 Short Action Bolt is an integral piece of the Remington 700’s remarkable reputation. Its robust design and functionality play a crucial role in the rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and overall performance. Whether it’s for the hunter pursuing big game, the competitive shooter aiming for a new personal best, or the law enforcement officer who values precision and dependability, the Remington 700 Short Action Bolt is a testament to the engineering that has defined the shooting world.
Final Thoughts
The combination of quality materials, precision manufacturing, and optimized design makes it a valuable component. By understanding the features, advantages, and maintenance requirements of this critical part, shooters can enjoy a more informed and successful shooting experience. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness.
Resources
Example
Remington Official Website
Brownells (aftermarket parts)
MidwayUSA (aftermarket parts)
American Rifleman (articles on the Remington 700)
