Understanding the Heart of the Matter
Defining the Action
Before we dive into the specifics of each action length, it’s essential to understand what the “action” actually *is*. In the context of a bolt-action rifle, the action refers to the core mechanical mechanism responsible for loading, firing, and ejecting cartridges. Think of it as the engine of the rifle. The action houses the bolt, which is manually operated by the shooter to perform these crucial functions. The bolt itself contains the firing pin, which strikes the primer of the cartridge to ignite the powder and propel the bullet. The receiver, which encases the action, provides a platform for the barrel, stock, and other components. The quality and design of the action are fundamental to the rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and overall performance.
Action Length and its Importance
Within the world of the Remington 700, you’ll find primarily two action lengths: short and long. These lengths dictate the overall dimensions of the receiver and, consequently, the types of cartridges the rifle can accommodate. The receiver’s size, and thus the action length, are primarily determined by the cartridge’s overall length (OAL) and the required bolt travel for the cartridge to operate properly. Selecting the right action length is the first crucial step. Let’s investigate each, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each variation.
The Compact Powerhouse: Remington 700 Short Action
Defining the Boundaries of the Short
A short action Remington 700 is, as the name suggests, designed with a shorter receiver and bolt travel than its longer counterpart. This configuration is optimized for a specific range of cartridges, typically featuring shorter overall lengths. Understanding these nuances is essential to deciding if the Remington 700 Short Action is appropriate for your shooting needs.
What Cartridges Thrive in the Short Action?
The Remington 700 Short Action typically shines with a variety of popular, high-performing rounds. Some of the most common chamberings include:
- .223 Remington: A classic choice for varmint hunting and target practice, known for its relatively flat trajectory and low recoil.
- .308 Winchester: A versatile cartridge, frequently used for hunting medium-sized game, offering a good balance of power and accuracy.
- 6.5 Creedmoor: Increasingly popular for its excellent long-range performance, often considered a benchmark of modern precision rifle design.
- .243 Winchester: Well-suited for hunting deer and similar sized game, offering flat trajectories and low recoil.
The Advantages of a Streamlined Design
There are several compelling reasons to consider a Remington 700 Short Action. One of the most significant advantages is the faster cycling rate. The shorter bolt travel translates to quicker reloading and follow-up shots, which can be crucial in certain hunting scenarios or rapid-fire target competitions.
Moreover, the Remington 700 Short Action often results in a lighter rifle overall. The reduced amount of material in the receiver and bolt contribute to a lower weight, which can make the rifle easier to carry and handle in the field. This is particularly appreciated during extended hunting trips or when navigating challenging terrain.
Additionally, some shooters argue that the shorter bolt travel can contribute to enhanced accuracy. Because the bolt travels a shorter distance, there is arguably less opportunity for movement or deviation, potentially leading to tighter groups. While accuracy is influenced by many factors, the shorter action can contribute to the overall stability of the rifle.
Finally, a short action rifle often translates to a shorter overall length. This is highly desirable for navigating through dense brush. The easier handling can be a significant asset, whether you are moving in the field or taking a shot from an awkward position.
Potential Limitations of the Short Design
Despite its many advantages, the Remington 700 Short Action has limitations to be aware of. The most apparent is the restriction in cartridge selection. The shorter receiver dictates that the rifle can only accommodate cartridges with a specific, shorter overall length. This limits your choices to the cartridges designed to fit into the receiver.
The ability to accommodate a broader array of calibers is what separates the short action from its longer counterparts.
The Workhorse: Remington 700 Long Action
Unveiling the Long Action’s Attributes
A Remington 700 Long Action is characterized by a longer receiver and a correspondingly longer bolt. This extra length is necessary to accommodate longer cartridges with greater overall lengths. The longer bolt travel means that the bolt must move further back and forth when cycling. The long action receiver is designed to handle the pressure of more powerful cartridges.
Cartridges Best Suited to the Long Action
The Remington 700 Long Action is home to a family of cartridges known for their power and range. Some of the most common chamberings include:
- .30-06 Springfield: A legendary cartridge, known for its versatility, and effectiveness on a wide range of big game.
- .270 Winchester: Another popular choice for big game hunting, offering a flat trajectory and excellent accuracy.
- .300 Winchester Magnum: A powerful magnum cartridge, well-suited for long-range hunting and capable of taking down large game animals.
- 7mm Remington Magnum: A well-balanced magnum option, offering good ballistics and versatility.
Benefits of the Extended Design
The most significant benefit of a Remington 700 Long Action is the expanded selection of cartridge choices. The longer receiver allows for the use of magnum cartridges and other rounds with larger overall lengths. This opens up possibilities for hunting larger game, reaching out to further distances, and achieving greater muzzle energy.
The ability to chamber a wide variety of calibers is often a decisive factor in choosing a long action. If you foresee the need for a more powerful or longer-range cartridge, the long action is the clear winner. The larger cartridges often carry more kinetic energy and can lead to more decisive performance.
While not always the case, long action rifles are often favored for long-range shooting due to the availability of cartridges with better ballistic performance at extended distances. You may find the cartridge choices for the long action are more suitable for those who are looking to reach out to farther distances.
Potential Drawbacks of the Long Action
The Remington 700 Long Action, while powerful, presents some considerations. One is the overall weight. The longer receiver and bolt contribute to a heavier rifle.
The longer bolt travel can lead to a slightly slower cycling rate, especially in rapid-fire situations. This may not be a critical concern for all shooters, but it’s worth noting.
The longer overall length of the rifle can make it less maneuverable in close quarters or dense brush. This factor is worth considering if you primarily hunt in a forested environment.
Considering the Caliber Conundrum
Caliber Availability
When selecting your Remington 700 Short Action vs Long Action, the choice of caliber will frequently be a deciding factor. The caliber you choose plays a huge role in your shooting experience.
Caliber availability is often the primary factor that determines the choice. As previously mentioned, the short action will accommodate cartridges like the .308 Winchester, while the long action gives you access to cartridges like .30-06 Springfield.
The Importance of Cartridge Choice
The cartridges themselves determine the rifle’s performance. Heavier bullets, often found in the long action calibers, tend to retain their velocity and energy over longer distances, making them a top choice for certain long-range and big game hunting situations.
A hunter intending to harvest elk or bear may find the long action, with its more powerful magnum cartridges, to be the better choice. A varmint hunter, on the other hand, may find the short action with calibers like the .223 Remington to be the better match.
The Selection and Performance
If you are comparing the Remington 700 Short Action vs Long Action from the vantage point of the different shooting environments, both offer benefits. It all hinges on where you plan to utilize your rifle.
For hunting, you’ll want to match your rifle to the game you’re after and the terrain you’ll be hunting in. The Remington 700 Short Action can be an excellent choice for deer hunting, as the rifles chambered for the .308 Winchester round provide the necessary power while not adding excessive weight. It is well suited for environments with dense trees and foliage.
The Remington 700 Long Action would be ideally suited for big game hunting where long shots are common. The magnum cartridges are generally capable of carrying greater energy at long distances.
Both the short action and long action are popular choices for target shooting and various competition disciplines. For Precision Rifle Series (PRS) style competitions, the Remington 700 Short Action is often used with 6.5 Creedmoor, which offers excellent long-range accuracy. The long action might be preferred in certain ultra-long-range shooting events.
The Decision: Finding the Right Fit
Your Needs and Priorities
Choosing between the Remington 700 Short Action vs Long Action is a personal decision, contingent on your specific needs and priorities.
First, assess your shooting goals. What game do you intend to hunt, if any? What is the maximum range you anticipate shooting? What type of shooting are you most interested in? Consider your personal preferences. Some shooters prefer the lighter weight and faster cycling of a short action, while others prioritize the versatility and power of a long action.
Information and Research
Second, gather information. Research the ballistics of different cartridges and compare their trajectories, muzzle energy, and effective ranges. Read reviews of different rifles and cartridges and talk to experienced shooters for their insights.
Don’t Forget Other Factors
Third, don’t forget other factors. Aftermarket support, the availability of ammunition, and recoil are all important elements to consider. Recoil is usually more pronounced in the long action chambered for magnum cartridges. You should always evaluate your own comfort level with each round before committing to a purchase.
The choice between the Remington 700 Short Action vs Long Action is an important step in selecting your rifle. The rifle you choose will ultimately become an extension of yourself. Consider each attribute, and select the action that fits your needs the best.
