A Legacy Forged in Fire: Understanding the Remington 700 Series
The Roots of Excellence
The biting wind whipped across the exposed ridgeline, carrying with it the scent of pine and the distant echo of a bugling elk. I lowered my binoculars, my heart pounding a steady rhythm against my ribs. The majestic bull, its antlers gleaming in the late afternoon sun, was perfectly positioned for a shot. I eased myself into a prone position, feeling the cold earth beneath me. My rifle, the familiar weight of the Remington 700 Mountain SS, settled comfortably into the crook of my shoulder. It was moments like these, moments of intense focus and anticipation, that reminded me why I loved the sport. And with a rifle like the Remington 700 Mountain SS in hand, I had absolute confidence in my ability to make the shot count.
The Remington 700 Mountain SS, with its lightweight design and robust construction, has earned its place among the most trusted and respected rifles in the hunting and shooting community. Its reputation for accuracy, combined with its ability to withstand the harshest environments, makes it a favorite among those who demand peak performance in the field. This article explores the features, benefits, and applications of this legendary rifle, highlighting why it continues to be a go-to choice for hunters and shooters across the globe.
The Remington 700 story began in the early nineteen sixties. Remington, a company with a long and storied history in firearms manufacturing, set out to create a bolt-action rifle that would set a new standard for accuracy and reliability. The result was the Remington 700, a rifle that quickly gained popularity for its consistent performance and customizable design. Over the years, the Remington 700 has undergone numerous refinements, but its core principles of accuracy, durability, and user-friendliness have remained constant. From the classic model to the more specialized variations, the Remington 700 family has consistently produced exceptional firearms.
The Remington 700’s influence on the firearms industry is undeniable. Its robust action, combined with its exceptional accuracy, has made it a staple in hunting, target shooting, and law enforcement applications. The Remington 700 series has served as a foundation for countless custom rifles, and its design has inspired other manufacturers. The rifle’s versatility, coupled with its reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy, cemented its place in history as a true icon of the shooting world.
The Perfect Blend: Features and Design of the Remington 700 Mountain SS
The Remington 700 Mountain SS is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing high-quality firearms that meet the specific needs of hunters and shooters. The SS in its name represents stainless steel, a crucial feature which directly addresses performance in harsh conditions. Let’s explore the key design elements that make this rifle so well-suited for mountain adventures and other demanding scenarios.
The Burden of Weight: Lightweight Design for the Mountain Hunter
Mountain hunting often demands that you cover significant distances over challenging terrain, where every ounce counts. The Remington 700 Mountain SS addresses this need with a thoughtfully designed lightweight construction. By carefully selecting materials and optimizing the rifle’s dimensions, Remington has created a rifle that is comfortable to carry all day without compromising its performance. The typically slim profile barrel contributes significantly to its reduced weight, minimizing the strain on the hunter, allowing them to navigate challenging environments. The overall weight of the rifle, can vary slightly depending on the caliber and stock materials, but typically falls within a weight range that allows for easy handling.
Resilience Against the Elements: Stainless Steel Construction
One of the defining features of the Remington 700 Mountain SS is its use of stainless steel for critical components, most notably the barrel and the action. Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance compared to standard carbon steel, making it an ideal choice for rifles that will be exposed to the elements. Whether you are hunting in the damp forests of the Pacific Northwest, or navigating the high-altitude environments, where precipitation and condensation are common, the stainless steel construction ensures that your rifle will maintain its integrity and performance. This resistance to rust and corrosion translates to a longer lifespan for your rifle and reduces the need for extensive maintenance, allowing you to focus on the hunt.
Precision from the Start: Accuracy and Performance
The Remington 700 platform is renowned for its inherent accuracy, and the Mountain SS version is no exception. The rifle’s design, including the barrel quality, action, and trigger, is all engineered to promote consistency and shot-to-shot precision. The barrel is typically manufactured to exacting tolerances, ensuring that the bullet travels with maximum stability and minimal deviation. The actions are precisely machined for a smooth and reliable cycling process, further contributing to the overall accuracy.
The Remington 700 Mountain SS boasts the capability of achieving remarkable groupings at various distances. Many shooters report consistent sub-MOA (minute of angle) performance. While individual performance varies based on factors like ammunition choice, shooter skill, and environmental conditions, the Remington 700 Mountain SS provides the building blocks for achieving exceptional accuracy in the field. With proper care and attention to detail, this rifle gives you the tools to make those longer shots and improve your harvest.
The Heart of the Machine: The Action and Bolt
The Remington 700 Mountain SS relies on a robust and reliable action, often based on a Mauser-style design, known for its simplicity and strength. The bolt locks directly into the receiver, creating a strong, secure lockup that can handle the pressures generated by high-powered cartridges. This design promotes both reliability and safety, minimizing the risk of malfunctions and ensuring consistent performance. The bolt itself is typically equipped with features such as a plunger-type ejector and a claw extractor, which enhance the ejection process, reducing the chance of malfunctions.
The Feel of the Grip: Stock and Ergonomics
The stock of the Remington 700 Mountain SS is another crucial component that contributes to the overall shooting experience. The rifle comes in a range of stock materials that cater to the varied needs of shooters. These can range from lightweight synthetic stocks to higher end composite models. They often feature a comfortable grip, a well-designed comb for proper cheek weld, and a recoil pad to absorb the force of the shot. The overall ergonomics of the stock are designed to provide a secure, comfortable hold, allowing the shooter to quickly acquire the target and maintain a steady position.
Selecting Your Round: Calibers and Ammunition Choices
The Remington 700 Mountain SS is available in a wide range of calibers, catering to a variety of hunting applications. Each caliber is designed to handle different game animals, making the Mountain SS a versatile choice for a wide range of hunting scenarios. Choosing the correct caliber and ammunition is essential to ensure effective and ethical hunting practices.
Commonly Offered Calibers: Versatility for Any Hunt
.270 Winchester: This is a popular caliber for hunting medium-sized game, such as deer and antelope, offering a good balance of velocity and bullet weight.
.30-06 Springfield: Another classic cartridge, the .30-06 Springfield is a versatile choice for hunting a wide range of game, from deer to elk.
7mm-08 Remington: A modern favorite. This cartridge offers excellent ballistic performance, making it a good option for both medium-sized and larger game.
.308 Winchester: Known for its accuracy and availability, the .308 Winchester is a widely used caliber for hunting.
The Right Load: Considerations for Ammunition Selection
Choosing the right ammunition is critical for achieving optimal performance and ensuring a clean kill. The selection process should consider the target game, typical hunting distances, and environmental conditions. Factors to consider include:
Bullet Weight: Heavier bullets typically have greater penetration and are suitable for larger game.
Bullet Type: Choose bullet designs based on the specific application. Hunting bullets, soft points or ballistic tips are often preferred for hunting applications, while match bullets may be better for target shooting.
Making the Right Choice: Hunting and Shooting Applications
The Remington 700 Mountain SS is a versatile rifle that excels in various hunting and shooting applications. Its lightweight design, accuracy, and stainless-steel construction make it a favorite for hunters and shooters alike.
Game in Your Sights: Hunting Applications
The Remington 700 Mountain SS is particularly well-suited for hunting in rugged terrain, such as mountain environments. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry over long distances, and its stainless-steel construction provides excellent protection against the elements. Hunters often choose it for:
Deer Hunting: The accurate performance makes it a top choice for making those tough shot choices.
Elk Hunting: The available calibers provides the power required for the larger game animal.
Sheep Hunting: This rifle helps with the requirements of the difficult terrain, allowing hunters to cover more ground.
The Long Shot: Shooting Applications
In addition to its hunting capabilities, the Remington 700 Mountain SS can be used for target shooting and long-range shooting. Its inherent accuracy, combined with its ability to be customized, makes it a great option for recreational shooting and competitions.
The Balance Sheet: Pros and Cons
Let’s weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the Remington 700 Mountain SS to provide a balanced view of the rifle’s capabilities.
Strong Points: The Advantages
Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry over long distances, making it perfect for mountain hunting and other demanding situations.
Durable and Resistant to Weather: Stainless steel construction provides superior resistance to rust and corrosion.
Accurate and Reliable: Provides exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy and consistent performance.
Availability of Numerous Calibers: Allows you to pick the perfect caliber for your desired game.
Wide Range of Aftermarket Support: Offers options for further customization and performance enhancement.
The Potential Weaknesses: Areas to Note
Out-of-the-Box Accuracy: While generally accurate, some rifles may require adjustment or aftermarket upgrades to achieve optimal precision.
Potential for Upgrades: To achieve peak performance, the shooter may consider purchasing some add-ons.
Price Comparison: The price of the rifle may be higher than some other bolt action rifles.
Customizing for Peak Performance: Upgrades and Customization
The Remington 700 Mountain SS offers a wide array of customization options, allowing shooters to tailor the rifle to their specific needs and preferences.
Upgrading your rifle:
Scopes: Quality optics can enhance accuracy.
Triggers: Aftermarket triggers can improve trigger pull.
Stocks: Upgrading the stock will enhance ergonomics.
Bedding: Bedding improves the accuracy.
Benchmarking: Comparisons to Other Rifles
The Remington 700 Mountain SS competes in a crowded market. To gain a more complete understanding of its standing, let’s compare it to a few similar rifles.
Remington 700 Mountain SS vs. Kimber:
Kimber rifles are often considered high-end and known for their attention to detail and quality construction.
Remington 700 Mountain SS vs. Tikka:
Tikka rifles are known for their accuracy and overall value.
A Lasting Legacy: Conclusion
The Remington 700 Mountain SS, with its lightweight design, stainless steel construction, and proven accuracy, is a great choice for hunters and shooters alike. The rifle provides a robust platform that has withstood the test of time and remains a reliable choice in the field. The range of calibers, combined with the possibility of customization, ensures that this rifle can be tailored for success. For those seeking a dependable and accurate rifle, the Remington 700 Mountain SS deserves serious consideration.
Before you head out: consider the versatility and potential this classic rifle offers. Consider the Remington 700 Mountain SS for your next hunting or shooting endeavor.
