Understanding the Foundation: The Remington 700
The world of firearms is filled with passions, and within that universe, the Remington 700 holds a place of legendary status. Known for its reliability, accuracy, and sheer adaptability, this bolt-action rifle has become a favorite for hunters, target shooters, and military and law enforcement professionals alike. However, the factory-made Remington 700, while excellent in its own right, is just the starting point for a journey of customization. This guide delves into the exciting world of the *Custom Remington 700 .308*, exploring how you can transform a solid rifle into a personalized precision instrument. We’ll look at the benefits, components, processes, and considerations involved in building your ultimate .308 Winchester rifle.
The Remington 700’s enduring popularity stems from a combination of factors. Launched in 1962, it quickly gained a reputation for accuracy. The design, featuring a strong receiver, a reliable bolt action, and a variety of chambering options, set the stage for widespread adoption. The Remington 700 has been chambered in numerous calibers, but one of the most versatile and widely enjoyed is the .308 Winchester. This cartridge offers a superb balance of power, accuracy, and readily available ammunition, making it an excellent choice for both hunting and target shooting.
The Remington 700’s platform naturally lends itself to modifications. The robust action is known for its inherent accuracy and ability to handle high pressures. Many gun owners understand that the factory model can be refined through several alterations. With a Custom Remington 700 .308, you are not merely buying a rifle; you are investing in a precision tool that is uniquely yours. It can be tailored to fit your shooting style, the specific demands of your chosen field, and your personal aesthetic preferences.
The Advantages of a Personalized .308
Building a Custom Remington 700 .308 provides a range of benefits, transforming the factory model into something truly special. These advantages stretch far beyond the standard rifle experience, elevating performance and offering a deeply rewarding experience.
Enhanced Accuracy is arguably the most significant benefit. Factory rifles often come with certain compromises to keep costs down. A custom build gives you control over every aspect of the rifle, enabling you to optimize it for pinpoint precision. This begins with a quality barrel, selected specifically for its accuracy potential. A custom barrel offers a better bore finish and tighter tolerances, leading to improved shot groupings. Match-grade barrels, which are often hand-lapped and made from premium materials, are standard for serious accuracy enthusiasts. Beyond the barrel, other components play a crucial role. A high-quality trigger with a crisp, predictable break is vital for consistent shot placement. Careful bedding of the action in the stock ensures that the barrel and receiver are perfectly aligned, eliminating stress and vibration that can negatively affect accuracy.
Improved Ergonomics is another key advantage. Factory stocks are designed to fit a wide range of shooters, but they may not be ideal for your body type or shooting style. Custom stocks are available in a huge range of materials, from classic walnut and composite to state-of-the-art carbon fiber. They can be tailored to fit you perfectly, with adjustable features such as cheek pieces and length-of-pull adjustments. A comfortable rifle leads to more consistent shooting and less fatigue. Beyond the stock, the bolt handle can be customized to offer better grip and easier operation, especially when wearing gloves.
Personalization and Aesthetics add a significant level of pride to the custom build. You can choose the perfect stock to match your taste, select custom finishes like Cerakote to protect the rifle and add a personal touch, or have it engraved with your initials or a special design. It’s about building a rifle that you are proud to own and enjoy. The .308 Winchester cartridge offers a vast range of bullet options, enabling you to tailor your loads for specific uses. A custom rifle allows you to extract maximum performance, whether for hunting or target shooting. The end result is a rifle that looks, feels, and performs exactly as you desire.
Key Building Blocks: Essential Components
Creating a Custom Remington 700 .308 involves choosing the right components. Each element plays a vital role in the rifle’s overall performance. Understanding the different types and options is the first step to building your dream rifle.
The Barrel is arguably the heart of the rifle’s accuracy. The selection must match your use case and budget. There are various options: Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability and resistance to corrosion. Carbon fiber-wrapped barrels are very light and offer excellent heat dissipation, ideal for long strings of fire. Fluted barrels can also help with heat management and reduce weight. The twist rate of the barrel, which dictates the bullet’s stability in flight, is critical and should be matched to the weight of the bullets you intend to use. The contour (shape) of the barrel affects weight and balance. Barrel makers like Bartlein, Krieger, and Proof Research are renowned for their quality.
The Stock provides the foundation for the rifle. This is where personal preferences meet functionality. From traditional wood stocks to modern composite and chassis systems, the choices are vast. Composite stocks are very durable and less susceptible to changes in weather and environmental factors than wood. Chassis systems, popular for their modularity and ease of accessory mounting, are typically made of aluminum and provide an extremely stable platform for the action. The proper stock fit is essential for comfortable shooting and accurate target placement. Adjustable cheek rests and butt pads enable you to perfectly align your eye with the scope and maintain a consistent shooting position. Manufacturers like McMillan, Manners, and MDT offer high-quality options.
The Trigger is vital for a clean, predictable shot. A quality trigger allows you to break the shot without disturbing the rifle’s alignment. Adjustable triggers allow you to fine-tune pull weight and travel. Single-stage triggers have a single, clean break. Two-stage triggers have an initial take-up before the final break, offering a different feel. Leading trigger makers such as Timney, TriggerTech, and Jewell, offer premium-grade options that contribute significantly to accuracy.
The Action itself can also be upgraded. While the Remington 700 action is a sturdy base, blueprinting and truing the action can further improve accuracy. This process involves machining the receiver and bolt to ensure perfect alignment and precise tolerances. Bolt upgrades include changing the bolt handle for a better grip, as well as installing ejector and extractor upgrades for enhanced reliability.
Scope and Mounting is the eyes of the rifle. The scope you choose must be suitable for the range and conditions you intend to shoot in. For hunting, a scope with a lower magnification range is often preferred, while for long-range target shooting, higher magnification is common. Quality scope rings and bases are also essential.
Other Accessories can complete your Custom Remington 700 .308. A bipod provides a stable platform for shooting. Muzzle brakes reduce recoil and allow for faster follow-up shots.
Crafting the Rifle: The Customization Process
Bringing your vision to life involves a structured approach. Whether you’re an experienced gunsmith or a first-time builder, the process can be broken down into manageable steps.
Research and Planning are the first and most critical steps. Define your intended use: hunting, long-range, tactical, or a combination of these. Set a realistic budget, accounting for the costs of components, gunsmithing labor, and accessories. Research different manufacturers and component options. Examine reviews and solicit advice from other shooters.
Choosing Your Approach: DIY, Gunsmith, or Builder.
DIY: Purchasing the components yourself and assembling the rifle can be a rewarding, but it requires knowledge and experience, and specialized tools.
Hiring a gunsmith offers professional assembly. They can also provide advice and guidance on component selection. Research reputable gunsmiths with a good reputation and consider their lead times.
A custom rifle builder will build your entire rifle, making it simple and effective.
Assembly: If you choose to assemble the rifle yourself, carefully follow all safety precautions and manufacturer’s instructions. This process might involve action preparation (if needed), installing the barrel, bedding the action in the stock, installing the trigger, mounting the scope, and performing a final fitting.
Break-in and Maintenance are necessary to take care of your rifle. Barrel break-in procedures involve cleaning the barrel after each shot or several shots to remove any imperfections. Proper cleaning and maintenance are critical for accuracy and longevity.
Matching the Build to the Purpose: Tailoring the .308
The .308 Winchester cartridge is wonderfully versatile, suitable for a range of applications. Your choice of components will depend on your primary use.
For Hunting, focus on a balance of weight, durability, and accuracy. Choose a lightweight stock, a moderate-contour barrel, and a scope with sufficient magnification for the anticipated ranges. Select ammunition suitable for the game you intend to hunt.
For Long-Range Shooting, prioritize accuracy. Consider a heavy-contour barrel, an adjustable stock for proper fit, and a high-magnification scope with a precise reticle.
For Tactical and Competition applications, focus on durability, ergonomics, and rapid target acquisition. A chassis system offers excellent stability and accessory mounting options. Choose a fast-adjust scope with a reticle that enables quick ranging and holdovers.
Important Considerations: Cost and Legalities
Budgeting is an essential part of the custom build. The cost of the components, the gunsmithing services, and the accessories can quickly add up. Carefully consider your priorities and set a realistic budget to manage your expectations.
Legal considerations are very important. Familiarize yourself with all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to firearms modifications, accessories, and the possession of the .308 Winchester rifle. Ensure all your modifications are compliant.
Sourcing components and parts is often the hardest part of the build. Find reputable vendors and retailers, both online and local. Pay attention to availability and lead times, especially for custom-made items.
Time Commitment, be patient, especially if you’re working with a gunsmith or ordering custom parts. Lead times vary widely, so plan ahead and be prepared for potential delays.
Fine-Tuning Your Weapon: Testing and Beyond
After assembling your Custom Remington 700 .308, the journey is not over. You’ll need to refine your build.
Zeroing the Scope is the first step. Test various shots, adjusting your scope’s settings until the bullet impacts consistently at your point of aim.
Load Development can greatly impact accuracy. Testing various bullet weights, powders, and primers will help you to find the optimal combination. Careful record-keeping is important, as you gather data, refine your loads, and improve your rifle’s consistency.
Adjustments and Ongoing Improvement are necessary. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Evaluate your rifle’s performance, look for areas for improvement, and be prepared to make adjustments as you gain experience.
Conclusion: The Journey to Precision
The Custom Remington 700 .308 is more than just a rifle; it’s a testament to your dedication to precision and your personal shooting preferences. With care, thoughtful planning, and the selection of the right components, you can create a rifle that will deliver exceptional accuracy, enhanced ergonomics, and a lasting sense of accomplishment. Embrace the challenge, seek guidance from experts, and enjoy the rewarding experience of creating a truly personalized shooting instrument.
Remember, the Custom Remington 700 .308 represents an investment in your shooting future. It opens doors to enhanced accuracy, greater enjoyment, and a deeper connection to the sport. Go forth, research, plan, and build the rifle of your dreams.
