A Legend Born: The History of the Remington 700
The air crackles with anticipation. The scent of gunpowder lingers in the breeze. Your heart pounds in your chest as you settle behind the scope, focusing on your target. The Remington 700 has been a silent partner in countless moments like these, a trusted companion for generations of hunters and shooters. This iconic bolt-action rifle is more than just a firearm; it’s a symbol of American ingenuity and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic design. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the Remington 700 CDL, exploring its features, performance, and legacy.
The Remington 700’s story begins in the mid-1960s. Remington, a company with a rich history in firearms, saw an opportunity to revolutionize the bolt-action rifle market. They weren’t just aiming for another rifle; they were after a weapon that was both supremely accurate and relatively affordable. The result was the Model 700, a rifle that quickly gained a devoted following. Its innovative design, featuring a cylindrical receiver and a controlled-round-feed bolt, set a new standard for accuracy and reliability.
The Remington 700’s impact on the shooting world was immediate and profound. Its accuracy, due in part to the way the barrel was designed and the action was bedded, allowed shooters to consistently hit targets at impressive distances. Its popularity quickly spread, transforming it from a hunting rifle into a favored choice for military and law enforcement applications. Over the years, the Remington 700 has undergone refinements and variations, adapting to the changing needs of shooters, but its core principles have remained the same: accuracy, reliability, and a user-friendly experience.
The rifle’s success wasn’t simply a matter of innovation; it was also driven by clever marketing and catering to the demands of its dedicated user base. Remington offered the Model 700 in a wide variety of calibers, from smaller rounds suitable for varmint hunting to powerful options for big game. This versatility, coupled with the rifle’s inherent accuracy, cemented its position as a market leader. The legacy of the Remington 700 is undeniable, and it continues to be a benchmark by which other bolt-action rifles are judged.
The CDL’s Allure: Examining Its Design
The Classic Deluxe, or CDL, represents the upper echelon of the Remington 700 line. It’s a rifle that doesn’t just perform well; it looks beautiful while doing it. The defining characteristic of the CDL is its elegant, classic design, a departure from the more tactical and utilitarian aesthetics of some other models. The CDL is designed to appeal to the shooter who appreciates craftsmanship and traditional appeal.
The most striking feature of the CDL is undoubtedly its stock. Typically crafted from walnut, the stock is beautifully finished, showcasing the natural grain of the wood. The stock design prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics. Its classic lines, with a subtly contoured cheekpiece, provide a comfortable and secure cheek weld, aiding in consistent shot placement. The stock often features a contrasting grip cap and forend tip, adding a touch of elegance. The checkering, expertly cut into the forend and pistol grip, ensures a secure grip, even in wet conditions, improving handling and providing excellent control. The CDL stock is more than just a support system; it’s an integral part of the rifle’s appeal.
The barrel, typically made of carbon steel, is precision-rifled to exacting tolerances. The barrel length varies depending on the specific caliber, but regardless of the chosen chambering, the CDL is designed to deliver exceptional accuracy. The barrel profile is often a sporter contour, striking a balance between weight and rigidity. This contour helps to minimize barrel whip during firing, contributing to tighter shot groups. The barrel’s blued finish adds to the rifle’s classic appeal, offering protection against corrosion and the elements.
The bolt action itself is a hallmark of the Remington 700. It’s known for its smooth operation and reliability. The bolt features a cylindrical receiver design, which provides excellent strength and rigidity, contributing to the rifle’s accuracy. The bolt cycles easily, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. The bolt handle is typically a sleek, streamlined design, adding to the rifle’s overall aesthetic. The action is engineered for exceptional lockup, ensuring consistent performance and safety.
The trigger mechanism is often a key point of interest for shooters. The Remington 700 CDL generally features a user-adjustable trigger. The trigger pull weight can be adjusted to suit the individual shooter’s preference, ranging from a few pounds to a higher weight for increased safety in the field. A crisp, clean break is essential for accurate shooting, and the CDL’s trigger system is designed to deliver just that.
The magazine capacity varies depending on the caliber. It typically holds a standard number of cartridges and allows for a smooth loading process. The CDL’s magazine is usually an internal magazine, which helps to keep the rifle’s lines clean and classic.
The CDL is usually designed to accept scope mounts with pre-drilled and tapped holes on the receiver. This makes mounting a scope a straightforward process. Some models may offer iron sights, but the scope-ready design of the receiver gives shooters the flexibility to customize their setup to their specific needs.
On the Range: Assessing Accuracy and Reliability
The Remington 700 CDL’s reputation for accuracy is well-earned. When paired with quality ammunition, the rifle is capable of producing impressive groupings. The specific accuracy will depend on several factors, including the caliber, the shooter’s skill, the scope used, and the ammunition. However, with careful selection and a solid setup, it’s common to see groups that measure less than an inch at one hundred yards.
Recoil characteristics vary depending on the caliber. Larger calibers, such as those designed for big game hunting, will naturally produce more recoil than smaller calibers. The CDL’s stock design, and specifically the way it’s designed for good shoulder contact, helps to mitigate recoil, making the shooting experience more comfortable. The design, combined with the overall weight of the rifle, helps in managing the recoil impulse.
Reliability is another hallmark of the Remington 700 CDL. The rifle’s bolt-action design is inherently reliable, with few moving parts and a robust construction. The action has been proven in various conditions, from cold weather hunting to demanding field use. Proper maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, will further ensure the rifle’s reliable operation for years to come.
The overall shooting experience with a CDL is a satisfying one. The smooth bolt action, the crisp trigger, and the comfortable stock all combine to create a rifle that’s a pleasure to shoot. Its balance and handling are excellent, making it easy to get on target quickly. The solid construction gives you confidence that it will perform reliably when you need it most.
The Good, the Bad, and the In-Between: Weighing Pros and Cons
Let’s consider the advantages of the Remington 700 CDL:
Accuracy: The Remington 700 CDL is renowned for its accuracy, allowing hunters and shooters to consistently hit their targets.
Classic Design: The CDL’s classic walnut stock and blued finish give it an appealing aesthetic, making it a pleasure to own and shoot.
Wide Range of Calibers: The Remington 700 is offered in a diverse range of calibers, making it versatile for different hunting applications.
Aftermarket Support: A robust aftermarket support system provides countless possibilities for customization and upgrades.
Reliability: Its reputation for reliability is built on a proven bolt-action design.
However, there are a few considerations:
Potential Trigger Issues: Some earlier Remington 700 models experienced trigger-related issues. Although these were addressed with updated trigger designs, it’s important to be aware of these potential historical issues. Always be sure to properly adjust your trigger.
Cost: Compared to some other rifles on the market, the CDL may be priced higher.
Quality Control Concerns: There have been some reports of inconsistencies in quality control. While not a widespread issue, it’s worth being aware of.
Comparing the CDL to the Competition
When considering rifles in the same class, the Remington 700 CDL faces competition from various well-respected manufacturers. Rifles like the Savage 110 often offer excellent accuracy at a competitive price, while the Tikka T3x is known for its smooth action and lightweight design. The Weatherby Vanguard provides a good balance of value and performance, and the Ruger American is known for its affordability.
While these rifles each have their strengths, the Remington 700 CDL often stands apart because of its combination of a timeless aesthetic with a proven track record. The Savage 110 might edge out the CDL in terms of sheer affordability, while the Tikka T3x is renowned for its smoothness. However, the CDL offers a classic appeal that resonates with many shooters, something these competitors might not always offer. The CDL provides a blend of aesthetics, accuracy, and reliability.
Who is the Right Owner?
The Remington 700 CDL appeals to a particular type of shooter. It’s an excellent choice for hunters who appreciate a traditional design and who demand reliable performance. The CDL is also a good fit for shooters who enjoy the feel of a classic bolt-action rifle. It offers a level of precision and build quality that should satisfy even the most discerning shooter.
It may not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers. The CDL, with its walnut stock, and meticulous attention to detail, comes at a premium price. It’s also not necessarily designed with the latest tactical features. However, for someone wanting a beautiful, accurate rifle that is also very reliable, the CDL is a very solid choice.
Customization and Modification
One of the major strengths of the Remington 700 platform is the wide range of aftermarket parts available. Shooters can customize their rifle to fit their exact needs and preferences. From upgraded triggers and stocks to different barrels and scope mounts, the options are virtually endless. This makes the CDL a platform for creating a rifle that is perfectly tailored to your shooting style.
Gunsmithing is also a common option for CDL owners. Professional gunsmiths can make specialized adjustments to the rifle, which can significantly improve performance and accuracy.
Final Thoughts
The Remington 700 CDL is a classic for a reason. Its accuracy, reliability, and timeless design have made it a favorite of hunters and shooters for decades. While other rifles may offer certain advantages in specific areas, the CDL provides a combination of features that’s difficult to beat. It’s a rifle that’s built to last, and one that will bring joy for generations.
Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a new shooter, the Remington 700 CDL deserves serious consideration. The CDL is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Remington 700, which still holds a special place in the hearts of many who appreciate a fine firearm. This is a rifle that combines beauty, function, and performance. It is a worthy investment for the serious shooter.
