Remington 700 -- Any years to avoid?

I have a 2004ish lss mountain rifle in 30/06 thats a great gun.I did put a gretan bolt and McMillan stock on it.I love it and dont love many guns.
 
I made a lot of sub mos shooters out those sorry no good for nothing Remington 700's. I've done the same thing with some $68.00 Mauser 98's (no I can't buy them for that now) too back in the day not that long ago.
I bought the actions to build custom rifles for myself and kids. If I bought a Remington's and it shot really good I did not take them apart, instead I kept them as they were, except I like pretty wood grain thumbhole stocks so I'd put one on them.
I've never had one trued, not that I'm opposed to that I just like doing the work myself. (No one to blame but the guy in the mirror)
With that said I was not building long distance shooters then as I am now, but my current 300WM is on an older Remington 700 and I'm liking what I'm seeing. I just rebarreled one of those $68.00 Mauser 98 that I built early on in 300 WSM and it shoots quite impressive.
Try to avoid one made that had the timing issue with the bolt and go shoot.
 
I made a lot of sub mos shooters out those sorry no good for nothing Remington 700's. I've done the same thing with some $68.00 Mauser 98's (no I can't buy them for that now) too back in the day not that long ago.
I bought the actions to build custom rifles for myself and kids. If I bought a Remington's and it shot really good I did not take them apart, instead I kept them as they were, except I like pretty wood grain thumbhole stocks so I'd put one on them.
I've never had one trued, not that I'm opposed to that I just like doing the work myself. (No one to blame but the guy in the mirror)
With that said I was not building long distance shooters then as I am now, but my current 300WM is on an older Remington 700 and I'm liking what I'm seeing. I just rebarreled one of those $68.00 Mauser 98 that I built early on in 300 WSM and it shoots quite impressive.
Try to avoid one made that had the timing issue with the bolt and go shoot.
And if your bolt is properly timed it's best to have it welded, drilled and pinned, or drilled and tapped and a screw inserted to avoid the dreaded bolt handle flying off which has happened to quite a few guys over the years.
 
1991 Rem 280 BDL (Best 5 shot group at 100 yards was one hole just barely larger than a bullet). Decent factory trigger.
1994 Rem 223 BDL (Best 5 shot group at 200 yds was 3/4") Very nice factory trigger.
Both are fantastic shooters.

2007 SS Rem 700 SPS 7mm-08
1st barrel had chatter when cleaning with a wire brush. 1 1/4" - 5 shot groups when I let the barrel cool for at least 15 minutes between shots.
Remington installed a new barrel under warranty. New barrel will shoot 1" groups at 100 yards.
That first shot is usually high and left. The rest are "right there."
I enjoy shooting it but not a "shooter" like the earlier guns I have.
 
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74- about 2010 are pretty good bets usually with the exception of the J Lock Bolt.

The best model 700's have one less zero and are made by Winchester though.
the iss is remedied with a replacement assembly. I had to get the winchester out of my 7stw (some dolt put a 3 position on a remmy) and used a ptg assembly for that. I'm starting to do the same with the iss by simply replacing them.
 
I have a four digit (1962 I think) 700 that is now .243. Shoots like a dream. I also have a late 80s that was trued up and fitted with a Lilja (.308) that also shoots very well. Both have Jewel triggers. .308 is in a McMillan and the .243 is in a Remington BDL varmint stock.

If you are looking for a intro shooter, I would look at older models. If you want to use it for a budget build I would look at a Mack Brother's. They have a SA in stock that is $700 shipped. You can screw on a RemAge barrel from Northland or one of the other guys.

Either way, I would be far less disappointed with a $800-$900 Remington that needs work than a $3,000 Christensen Arms that I need to crank the bolt open like I am kick starting my knuckle head.
 
Maybe this is taking this thread on a hard left turn...
Is it a big deal to throw a better barrel on a 700? I do like my Rem SPS Stainless 7-08. Trigger is adjustable and is very light.
Would be great if it could be turned into a shooter. I would put a 24" barrel back on it. Has that now and handles well.
 
Maybe this is taking this thread on a hard left turn...
Is it a big deal to throw a better barrel on a 700? I do like my Rem SPS Stainless 7-08. Trigger is adjustable and is very light.
Would be great if it could be turned into a shooter. I would put a 24" barrel back on it. Has that now and handles well.
Not a big deal at all. Either have a smith cut and spin on...or, as Weaver 93 said, Get a Rem/Age barrel from one of the prefit companies and headspace it with a go guage and lock the nut down.
The latter being slightly cheaper and you can change barrels/calibers later if you wish as long as it uses the same bolt face.
 
Not a big deal at all. Either have a smith cut and spin on...or, as Weaver 93 said, Get a Rem/Age barrel from one of the prefit companies and headspace it with a go guage and lock the nut down.
The latter being slightly cheaper and you can change barrels/calibers later if you wish as long as it uses the same bolt face.
Thank you for the suggestion. Had a pm a few moments ago with the exact same advice.
I appreciate it very much!
 

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