How The Remington 700 Rifle Changed Small Arms Attack

By SOFREP News Team

The Remington 700 stands as one of the most iconic bolt-action rifles ever produced. Over 60 years of development, this rifle has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Today, we examine where the Remington 700 stands and whether it lives up to its trusted legacy in both military and civilian use.

A Historical Snapshot

The story of the Remington 700 began with its predecessors, the Model 721 and 722 series. Mike Walker, a key figure in its development, brought significant design and accuracy improvements to the table. His innovations culminated in the introduction of the Remington 700 in 1962, marking a new era in firearm manufacturing.

The Early Models: 721 and 722

An Afghan National Army soldier with the 215th Corps fires a Remington 700 during a live fire shoot at Camp Shorabak, Helmand province, Afghanistan. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sean Searfus/ Released / DVIDS)

Introduced in 1948, the Models 721 and 722 were the forerunners to the Remington 700. They were part of Remington’s post-WWII effort to produce high-quality rifles that were also affordable. These models featured a cylindrical receiver and a design focused on ease of manufacturing, which laid the groundwork for the Model 700.

Mike Walker’s Influence

Mike Walker’s influence on the Remington 700 cannot be overstated. His focus on precision led to innovations such as the “three-rings-of-steel” design, which includes the bolt face, the barrel shank, and the receiver ring. This design is critical in providing the Remington 700 its renowned strength and accuracy.

The Remington 700 was officially introduced in 1962, with two initial variants: the ADL and BDL. Both models were available in long- and short-action versions, accommodating a variety of cartridges. The BDL featured a hinged floorplate and a more polished finish, while the ADL was more basic but still functional.

The Evolution of the Remington 700

The Remington 700 has undergone several changes since its inception, reflecting both advancements in technology and shifts in market demand.