The Remington 700 is a legendary bolt-action rifle, renowned for its accuracy and adaptability. However, to truly unlock its potential, many shooters turn to action blueprinting. This meticulous process goes beyond simple cleaning and lubrication; it involves a complete inspection, refinement, and customization of the receiver and bolt to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This guide delves into the intricacies of Remington 700 action blueprinting, covering its benefits, the process itself, and what to expect.
What is Remington 700 Action Blueprinting?
Remington 700 action blueprinting is a precision process that involves a detailed examination and modification of the rifle's action. This isn't a simple tune-up; it's a comprehensive overhaul designed to address potential inconsistencies in the factory manufacturing process. By meticulously inspecting and addressing these variations, a gunsmith can dramatically improve the rifle's accuracy, consistency, and reliability.
The process typically includes:
- Thorough Inspection: A detailed examination of the action for any imperfections, burrs, or inconsistencies in machining.
- Surface Preparation: Removing any imperfections and ensuring smooth surfaces for optimal function and consistent bolt operation.
- Action Bedding: Precisely bedding the action in the stock to eliminate any inconsistencies that might affect accuracy. This step is often crucial for achieving optimal results.
- Bolt Tuning: Refining the bolt's fit and function for smooth operation and reliable feeding and extraction. This often includes polishing and lapping.
- Trigger Work: Improving the trigger pull weight and feel for enhanced shooting precision and comfort.
Benefits of Remington 700 Action Blueprinting
The benefits of blueprinting a Remington 700 action are substantial and directly impact shooting performance:
- Improved Accuracy: By eliminating inconsistencies in the action and bedding, blueprinting dramatically increases shot-to-shot consistency and overall accuracy.
- Enhanced Reliability: A properly blueprinted action ensures smoother bolt operation, reliable feeding, and consistent extraction, contributing to greater reliability.
- Reduced Recoil: While not directly impacting recoil force, a smoother action can mitigate perceived recoil, leading to a more pleasant shooting experience.
- Customization: Blueprinting offers opportunities for customizing the action to individual preferences, such as trigger weight and bolt handle configuration.
The Blueprinting Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
The specific steps involved in blueprinting a Remington 700 action can vary slightly depending on the gunsmith and the specific requirements of the shooter. However, a typical process might look like this:
1. Disassembly and Inspection:
The action is meticulously disassembled, and each component is inspected for imperfections. This involves checking for burrs, uneven surfaces, and any issues that might compromise performance.
2. Surface Preparation and Refinement:
Any imperfections identified during the inspection are carefully addressed. This might involve smoothing surfaces, removing burrs, and lapping the bolt to ensure a perfect fit.
3. Action Bedding:
The action is carefully bedded in the stock to eliminate any flex or movement that might affect accuracy. This is a critical step and requires precise techniques and materials.
4. Bolt Tuning:
The bolt is tuned to ensure smooth, reliable operation. This involves lapping and polishing the bolt face and other critical surfaces.
5. Trigger Work:
The trigger is often adjusted or replaced to provide a lighter, crisper, and more consistent trigger pull.
6. Reassembly and Testing:
After all modifications are complete, the action is carefully reassembled, and the rifle is thoroughly tested to verify accuracy and reliability.
Finding a Qualified Gunsmith
Choosing a qualified gunsmith is crucial for successful Remington 700 action blueprinting. Look for a gunsmith with extensive experience in working on Remington 700 actions and a proven track record of delivering high-quality results. References and testimonials are invaluable resources when making your selection. Word-of-mouth recommendations from fellow shooters can be particularly helpful.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Potential of Your Remington 700
Remington 700 action blueprinting is a significant investment, but the rewards in terms of improved accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting experience are well worth the cost for serious shooters. By understanding the process and choosing a qualified gunsmith, you can unlock the true potential of your Remington 700 and elevate your shooting performance to new heights. Remember, proper maintenance and regular cleaning are still essential even after blueprinting to maintain the rifle's long-term performance.
