Top Rifle
History Of The Remington 700
Since its manufacture in 1962, the Remington Model 700 has had unmatched ruggedness and accuracy right from the box. With over 50 variations and big caliber choice, it is no wonder why this rifle is the most sought after bolt action rifle in America. In fact, the rifle is currently used by the USMC today in long range exercises and for actual sniper applications out in the field. What is so unique about the Remington Model 700 that makes it so special? The answer to that question can be found as we take a closer view at the past of the Model 700.
After WWII, around 1948, Remington came out with the model 721/722 group of bolt action rifles. These rifles became very popular with civilians and hunters because of the factory durability. For that time, these rifles were also quite precise right from the factory, and several factory made rifles were not able to replicate the Remington standard of quality. In spite of the extremely outstanding precision and durability, the 721/722 models had a somewhat short life. This issue is what sparked the creation of the Model 700.
When Remington made the Model 700 in the early 60′s, it was instantly sought after. The guts of the 700 were basically the same as the 721/722 variations, but there were a couple mild changes to the exterior of the rifle. Now flaunting some updated new looks, in addition to the standard Remington performance and strength, the Model 700 became a must have in American hunting and shooting. With basic machining tools and rifle knowledge, one can keep a Model 700 performing at maximum performance for the rifle’s whole life.
Apparently, the outstanding reputation of the Model 700 obtained the interest of the Marines, because in 1969 the USMC took in the Model 700, renaming it the M40. The strength and precision of the Model 700 served the USMC well, and were more easily blueprinted than the Winchester rifles that the USMC had previously used. The wood stocks were having some problems keeping up with the exhausting schedule of the Marines, so they moved up a step to the McMillan fiberglass stock, calling this rifle the M40A1. This model was utilized by Marine snipers for over 3 decades before again upgrading to the M40A3.
Today, the Remington Model 700 is manufactured in over fifty variants, going from classic wooden bodies and internal mags to modern man-made bodies and removable mags. It also has a huge caliber choice anywhere from .17 Remington (coupled with a Nikon Monarch 4-16×42 would be fantastic for varmint hunting), all the way to .458 Winchester Magnum. With over 3,500,000 Model 700’s created since 1962, the Model 700 continues to be one of America’s most popular. One thing is for sure; throughout the years, Remington has continued to match the overwhelming demand for quality and accuracy in its rifles.
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