I remember the first time I really considered a 30 calibre bolt action 700. It was at a local gun show, a sea of polished metal and worn wood. I was young, flush with cash from a summer job, and convinced the next rifle I bought would be THE rifle. One dealer, a grizzled old timer with eyes that had seen more than I could imagine, just chuckled when I pointed at a rather fancy looking Remington 700 in .30-06.
‘Son,’ he said, his voice like gravel, ‘fancy don’t always mean functional. Think about what you’re actually gonna do with it.’ That piece of advice stuck with me, and frankly, it saved me a heap of cash and frustration down the line.
A lot of folks get blinded by brand names or the idea of having the ‘best’. But when it comes to a workhorse like a good bolt action, especially in a versatile caliber like 30, you need to be pragmatic. This isn’t about bragging rights; it’s about putting rounds where you want them, reliably, without breaking the bank or your spirit.
Why a .30 Caliber Bolt Action 700 Still Makes Sense Today
Let’s cut to the chase. The Remington 700 platform, in its various 30 calibre iterations, has been around forever.
Some might say it’s old news, outdated. I say it’s a classic for a reason. Think of it like a well-worn leather jacket or a reliable old truck – it might not have all the bells and whistles of the new stuff, but it does the job, and it does it damn well. When you’re looking at a 30 calibre bolt action 700, you’re looking at a rifle that’s been proven on battlefields, in hunting camps, and on the firing line for decades.
It’s a workhorse, pure and simple. It’s the kind of rifle that, with decent care, can outlast you. That’s a pretty good investment, right?
The real magic of the 30 caliber, especially when it’s housed in a bolt action 700, is its versatility. We’re talking about cartridges like the .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and even the .300 Winchester Magnum. These aren’t niche rounds; they’re proven performers. The .308, for instance, is a fantastic all-rounder.
It’s got enough punch for deer and even elk at reasonable distances, it’s not overly punishing to shoot, and ammunition is readily available and not outrageously expensive. The .30-06, a granddaddy of them all, offers a bit more power and range, making it a top choice for larger game. Then you have the .300 Win Mag, which is a serious hammer for long-range hunting or even reaching out to touch steel at extreme distances. The action itself, the 700’s bolt action, is known for its smooth operation and incredible accuracy potential.
It’s a simple, solid design that, when paired with a good barrel and trigger, can shoot lights out.
I remember one trip out west. I’d picked up a used Remington 700 in .30-06 for a steal, maybe $450 bucks. It looked a little rough, stock was scratched up, but the bore was clean. I spent a weekend glass bedding the action and swapping out the trigger for an aftermarket unit that cost me about $70.
On the first day of the hunt, I had a mule deer at about 300 yards. I was nervous, but the rifle just felt solid.
One clean shot, and that deer dropped. That experience solidified my belief that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get reliable performance. This rifle, my somewhat beat-up 30 calibre bolt action 700, proved its worth that day.
It wasn’t about how pretty it was; it was about what it could do when it mattered. (See Also: Are All Honda Atv Bolt Patterns The Same )
What to Look for When Buying (don’t Get Ripped Off)
Alright, so you’re sold on the idea of a 30 calibre bolt action 700. Great. Now, how do you avoid buying a lemon? This is where experience, and a healthy dose of skepticism, comes in. First off, understand that not all Remington 700s are created equal. While the core design is solid, manufacturing changes and different generations can have subtle differences. If you’re buying new, you’re mostly covered, but if you’re wading into the used market – and I highly recommend it for the value – you need to be a bit of a detective.
The absolute first thing I check is the bore. Shine a good, bright light down it. Look for any signs of rust, pitting, or excessive wear. A clean bore with sharp rifling is most important.
If it looks like it’s been used as a shovel handle, walk away. Next, cycle the bolt.
It should move smoothly, without binding or grittiness. There should be a satisfying ‘clunk’ as it locks up, but no excessive force required.
Some resistance is normal, but it shouldn’t feel like you’re wrestling a bear. Pay attention to the extractor and ejector too; they should function crisply. If the bolt feels sticky or rough, it’s either seen a hard life or has been poorly maintained. Either way, it’s a red flag.
I’ve seen plenty of rifles that look great on the outside but have hidden issues. One time, I almost bought a beautiful stainless steel 700 in .300 Win Mag.
It looked like it had never been fired. But when I got it home and gave it a really thorough cleaning, I noticed a hairline crack in the stock near the recoil lug. Turns out, it had been dropped hard at some point, and the previous owner just slapped some epoxy on it. Cost me $100 to get it professionally repaired, which was still cheaper than a new rifle, but it was a good lesson in checking everything.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off. Remember, there are always more guns.
You want the one that’s going to serve you well, not give you headaches. Look at the crown of the barrel too – that’s the very end of the rifling. A dinged-up crown can seriously affect accuracy.
It should be clean and symmetrical.
| Component | What to Look For | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel Bore | Bright, sharp rifling. No pitting or rust. | IMPORTANT |
| Bolt Action | Smooth operation, no binding. Positive lock-up. | HIGH IMPORTANCE |
| Stock | No cracks, especially near the action. Check for warping. | IMPORTANT |
| Trigger | Crisp break, no creep or overtravel (can be adjusted/replaced). | MODERATE IMPORTANCE |
| Barrel Crown | Clean, symmetrical, free of dings. | IMPORTANT |
| Overall Finish | Minor cosmetic wear is fine; major dents or corrosion are not. | MODERATE IMPORTANCE |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here’s where I see people go wrong, and trust me, I’ve made some of these mistakes myself. The biggest one? Buying a rifle based purely on looks or brand name, without considering the intended use. You see that flashy rifle with a fancy stock and a crazy muzzle brake, and you think, ‘Yeah, that’s the one!’ But if you’re primarily going to be hunting in thick woods where shots are 100 yards or less, that long-barreled, heavy magnum might be more of a burden than a blessing. A shorter, lighter rifle in a caliber like the .308 or even a .30-30 (though not typically a 700 action) might serve you better.
Another common pitfall is neglecting the trigger. A factory trigger on many rifles can be heavy, gritty, or have a long, creepy pull. This makes accurate shooting significantly harder. You might be flinching without even realizing it. While you can often adjust or replace a trigger, it’s an added cost and effort. If you’re buying a used rifle and the trigger feels awful, factor in the cost of a good aftermarket trigger – something like a Timney or Jewel can run you $150-$200, plus installation if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. So, if a used rifle costs $500 and needs a $200 trigger, you’re basically paying $700, not $500. (See Also: Are Ak Bolts Interchangeable )
I also see a lot of folks buy a rifle in a caliber that’s just too much for them to handle comfortably. They want the biggest, baddest round out there, but they can’t shoot it accurately because of the recoil. That’s a recipe for developing bad habits, like anticipating the shot, which will ruin your accuracy. For example, I had a buddy who bought a .300 RUM because he wanted to shoot ‘really far’.
He spent more time wincing than shooting, and his accuracy suffered so badly he ended up selling it at a loss after about six months. He would have been far better off with a .30-06 or even a .308 and putting that money into quality optics and more practice time. The goal is to shoot accurately, not just to have a big caliber. The recoil from a .30-06 is manageable for most people; the .300 Win Mag is pushing it for some; and anything bigger often requires specialized training and recoil mitigation to shoot effectively.
What About Different Calibers in the 700 Action?
When people talk about a 30 calibre bolt action 700, they usually mean one of the classic .30-caliber rounds. The most common are the .308 Winchester and the .30-06 Springfield. The .308 is a shorter cartridge, often found in short-action 700s, known for its manageable recoil and excellent accuracy. It’s a fantastic choice for medium game like deer and pigs.
The .30-06, on the other hand, is a standard-length cartridge. It’s a bit more powerful than the .308, with a flatter trajectory and more energy downrange, making it suitable for larger game or longer shots. Some 700s are also chambered in magnum calibers like the .300 Winchester Magnum. These offer significantly more power and range but come with more recoil and a larger rifle.
If you’re unsure, the .308 or .30-06 are safe bets for versatility and shootability.
Real-World Use: Hunting, Target Shooting, and Beyond
So, what can you actually do with a 30 calibre bolt action 700? A whole lot, actually. For hunters, it’s a staple.
That .308 or .30-06 is perfectly suited for deer hunting across North America. I’ve taken whitetails, mulies, and even a black bear with a .30-06. The key is shot placement, and a good 30 caliber bullet hits hard enough to humanely dispatch game when placed correctly.
For longer-range hunting, say in the Western states or mountainous regions, a .300 Win Mag can give you that extra edge, allowing you to take shots that might be impossible with a less powerful cartridge. The inherent accuracy of the 700 action means you can trust it to deliver when that once-in-a-lifetime animal presents itself.
Beyond hunting, target shooting is a huge draw. Whether you’re interested in casual plinking at the range, participating in competitive shooting matches, or just honing your marksmanship skills, a 30 calibre bolt action 700 is a solid platform. Many shooters find that the .308 Winchester, in particular, is very forgiving and shoots well with a wide variety of factory ammunition, making it economical for practice.
You can easily spend an afternoon at the range, burning through boxes of ammo and really learning to shoot consistently. The aftermarket support for the 700 platform is massive, meaning you can easily find upgraded stocks, triggers, barrels, and other accessories to fine-tune your rifle for specific shooting disciplines.
I’ve seen guys build custom precision rifles based on the 700 action that can shoot sub-MOA (minute of angle) at 1000 yards. That’s impressive engineering.
I’ve also heard of these rifles being used in various tactical scenarios, though often in specialized variants or chambered in different calibers. The core reliability and accuracy of the 700 design are undeniable. It’s a rifle that can be depended on. One thing to remember is that while the rifle itself is accurate, your ability to shoot it well is most important. Investing in a good bipod, a quality rifle sling, and perhaps some shooting bags for prone shooting will make a significant difference in your stability and consistency, especially when shooting from improvised positions. Don’t underestimate the value of good fundamentals and proper gear to support them. (See Also: Are All Bolt Patterns The Same )
Practical Tips for Owning and Maintaining
Owning a 30 calibre bolt action 700 is pretty straightforward, but a little attention goes a long way. First, cleaning. After every few outings, or certainly after a hunt where it’s been exposed to the elements, you need to clean the bore. A good cleaning rod, some bore solvent, patches, and a brush are your friends. Don’t just run a dry patch down it; use a solvent to break down powder residue and fouling. Then, run a lightly oiled patch through to protect the bore from rust. I usually do a couple of passes with solvent, then a couple with a brush, then dry patches until they come out clean, and finish with an oiled patch.
The bolt itself also needs occasional cleaning and lubrication. You can usually pull the bolt out (check your manual for specifics, but most 700 bolts lift out by depressing a bolt stop) and wipe it down. A small amount of quality gun lubricant applied to the bolt lugs and guide rails will keep it cycling smoothly. Don’t overdo it; too much oil can attract dirt and gunk. I use a very thin film of a synthetic gun oil, like Slip 2000 or Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Oil.
Storage is another thing to consider. If you live in a humid climate, storing your rifle in a climate-controlled safe or using desiccant packs is a good idea to prevent rust.
Avoid storing it in a gun sock that can trap moisture. For most of us, a decent gun safe is a good investment for security and environmental control. One tip I picked up years ago, and it sounds a bit odd but it works, is to store the rifle with the muzzle pointing downwards.
The idea is that any oil or moisture that might creep out will naturally run down and away from the action and the crown of the barrel, rather than pooling where it could cause problems. It sounds like a minor thing, but on a rifle you care about, it’s worth considering.
People Also Ask
What Is the Effective Range of a 30 Calibre Bolt Action Rifle?
The effective range of a 30 calibre bolt action rifle varies significantly based on the specific cartridge, the rifle’s quality, the ammunition used, and the shooter’s skill. For a .308 Winchester, you can expect consistent accuracy out to around 600-800 yards for skilled shooters, with some achieving further. The .30-06 Springfield generally extends this slightly, perhaps to 700-900 yards. Magnum calibers like the .300 Winchester Magnum can push effective ranges to 1000 yards and beyond under ideal conditions.
Is the Remington 700 Still a Good Rifle?
Absolutely. Despite some production changes over the years and a few controversies, the Remington 700 platform remains a highly regarded and capable rifle. Its legendary accuracy, solid design, and vast aftermarket support mean it’s still a top choice for hunters, sport shooters, and even some military/law enforcement applications. Many shooters continue to build custom rifles on the 700 action due to its proven reliability and accuracy potential.
What Is the Difference Between a 30-06 and a 308?
The primary difference between the .30-06 Springfield and the .308 Winchester lies in their case dimensions and performance. The .30-06 has a longer case and generally uses more powder, resulting in higher muzzle velocity and energy downrange compared to the .308. This makes the .30-06 slightly better suited for larger game at longer distances. The .308, being a shorter cartridge, is often used in short-action rifles, generally has less recoil, and is incredibly accurate, making it a very popular choice for a wide range of applications.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re thinking about a rifle that’s a true jack-of-all-trades, you can’t go wrong giving a serious look to a 30 calibre bolt action 700. It’s not just about the name; it’s about a proven design that’s delivered reliable performance for generations. Whether you’re heading out to the woods, the range, or just want a solid rifle that’ll last, this platform has earned its reputation.
Don’t get caught up in the hype of the latest and greatest if it doesn’t fit your needs. Sometimes, the old reliable is exactly what you need. Do your homework, check for those tell-tale signs of wear, and you’ll likely find a rifle that’s ready to be your trusted companion for years to come.
My advice? Go handle a few. See how they feel. Think about where you’ll be using it. And then make an informed decision. That’s how you end up with a rifle you’ll actually use and love, not just one that gathers dust.
