Remington 700 to build or not to ?

[Mike Islander]

I own a 1963 Remington 700 BDL in 30/06. It was the first year they produced the model. While yours is not as old or vintage, so to speak, it is as FINE a production rifle ever made. Period. You'd have to have a lose screw to foul up a heirloom from your dad on top of that.

Buy another action, fit it to a barrel of your choosing, and build a rifle if you must. But, don't screw that 700 up.


FWIW, I have half a dozen friends who have bought a Ruger American, topped it with top dollar glass, and instantaneously had a 1000 yard gun. With factory loads. Just something to consider.

1962, like me, was the first year for the BDL 30-06. We're the same age.

I have a 1972 BDL and 1999 BDL DM (detachable magazine). Both shoot sub moa. They are fine rifles from the factory without mods. If it were me, I wouldn't modify your dad's rifle. I would hunt with it without worrying about adding character marks. Every time you hold it, it's like shaking your dad's hand. Use it and pass it on, with love, to your kids.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

1962, like me, was the first year for the BDL 30-06. We're the same age.

I have a 1972 BDL and 1999 BDL DM (detachable magazine). Both shoot sub moa. They are fine rifles from the factory without mods. If it were me, I wouldn't modify your dad's rifle. I would hunt with it without worrying about adding character marks. Every time you hold it, it's like shaking your dad's hand. Use it and pass it on, with love, to your kids.

I stand corrected. Thanks man

 

[TNsavageman86]

A little different take on this.
My first rifle that was bought for me was a .243 from my dad when I was 8. A couple of years back I wanted to build a do everything rifle for the game that I hunt (deer, black bear, hopefully sheep) and ended up settling on a 6.5creed. Talked to dad about using my old .243 to build off of and he didn’t have a problem with it. Now I’ve got a rifle that has the heart of my old .243 in a gun that’s perfect for everything I want to do. In my mind I’m still carrying my first rifle, it’s just remodeled like a house.

 

[excaliber]

I'm not sure if I missed how well the gun shoots in its current form?
I'd do one of three things with it.
1) If it shoots great keep it as is and hunt with it.
2) If it doesn't shoot very well............ Put it away in the gun closet and keep it as a keepsake.
3) If #2 is true build on it. Those early Remington actions are awesome. True the action, add a nice lightweight PR Carbon barrel and a nice McMillan or Manners stock and have a gun capable of shooting into one ragged hole.
It's up to you.

 

[elkhunteralta]

The older one gets the more one values such things. I would keep it for the next generation to hand down to, Remington actions are easy to find and customize as you like. Then you have two rifles you will appreciate having.

 

[Northernpiker]

Everyone is different when it comes to sentimental values. I don’t have a lot of sentimental value but I would keep that gun as is and have a custom made. If I needed the money for a build I would use the action and have a custom built or sell your dads gun for some cash.

 

[Broomd]

I'd never touch that gun for a build. It would be a tribute to my dad just to own it.

Rem actions are dirt cheap right now, even in lefty stainless for guys like me. Build a new one.

 

[16Bore]

What’s not sentimental today may be tomorrow.

 

[Mike Islander]

What’s not sentimental today may be tomorrow.

I wish I could "Like" this twice.

 

[16Bore]

I remember an analogy about a wooden boat. If you replaced 1/2 of the planks one year, then the other 1/2 the next year, is it the same boat?


Deep thoughts here on Rokslide tonight....