The Remington 700 has long been a favorite among shooters, and its Long Range variants are no exception. This in-depth review will explore the Remington 700 Long Range's strengths and weaknesses, examining its accuracy, features, and overall suitability for long-range precision shooting. We'll delve into real-world performance data and consider its value compared to competing rifles.
Understanding the Remington 700 Long Range's Design
The Remington 700 Long Range isn't just a standard 700 with a longer barrel. It's engineered for accuracy at extended distances, incorporating several key features:
Heavy Barrel Profile for Enhanced Accuracy
The most striking feature is its heavy barrel. This provides superior heat dissipation, crucial for maintaining accuracy during rapid fire. The heavier barrel also minimizes vibrations, leading to tighter groups. The specific barrel profile can vary by model (e.g., a fluted barrel offers further weight reduction without sacrificing stiffness), but the overall emphasis is on stability.
Precision-Made Action for Consistent Performance
The action itself is meticulously crafted for precise locking and smooth cycling. The action's design contributes directly to the rifle's ability to consistently deliver rounds on target, even at extreme ranges. This precision translates to reduced shot-to-shot variability and improved accuracy.
Adjustable Stock for Customized Fit
The adjustable stock allows shooters to perfectly tailor the rifle to their individual body dimensions. This is vital for consistent cheek weld and proper sight alignment, both of which directly impact accuracy. The ability to adjust length of pull and comb height significantly improves ergonomics and shooting comfort during extended shooting sessions.
Performance and Accuracy: Real-World Results
Numerous online reviews and independent tests highlight the Remington 700 Long Range's impressive accuracy. While results can vary depending on ammunition, barrel break-in, and shooter skill, consistently sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups are achievable. This means, at 100 yards, groups should measure less than 1 inch. However, reaching its full potential demands high-quality ammunition and careful load development.
Example Test Results (Illustrative - Actual results may vary):
| Ammunition Type | Average Group Size (3-shot groups at 100 yards) | Standard Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Gold Medal Match | 0.75 inches | 0.12 inches |
| Hornady ELD-X | 0.8 inches | 0.15 inches |
| Sierra MatchKing | 0.65 inches | 0.09 inches |
(Note: These are illustrative results. Actual performance varies with factors like ammunition, barrel break-in, environmental conditions, and shooter skill.)
Factors Affecting Accuracy
Several factors can influence the accuracy of the Remington 700 Long Range:
- Ammunition: High-quality, match-grade ammunition is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy.
- Barrel Break-in: Proper barrel break-in procedures are necessary to achieve consistent performance.
- Environmental Conditions: Wind, temperature, and humidity all impact projectile trajectory.
- Shooter Skill: Proper shooting technique and consistent form are vital for achieving accuracy.
Key Features and Considerations
- Caliber Options: The Remington 700 Long Range is available in several popular long-range calibers, such as .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and 6.5 Creedmoor. The choice of caliber impacts range, recoil, and ammunition cost.
- Scope Mounting: A solid scope base and rings are essential for maintaining zero and ensuring consistent point of impact. The rifle is usually equipped with a Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting.
- Trigger: The trigger can be adjusted for pull weight and overtravel, allowing for customization to the shooter's preferences.
- Recoil: The heavy barrel helps mitigate recoil, but longer range calibers will still produce significant recoil. Proper shooting technique and recoil mitigation strategies are important.
Comparing the Remington 700 Long Range to Competitors
The Remington 700 Long Range faces competition from other high-quality long-range rifles, such as those from Surgeon Rifles, GA Precision, and Bergara. While these competitors often feature advanced features and higher price tags, the Remington 700 Long Range offers a strong balance of performance and affordability. Its accuracy is comparable to much more expensive rifles, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious long-range shooters.
Conclusion: Is the Remington 700 Long Range Right for You?
The Remington 700 Long Range is a capable and reliable long-range rifle. Its accuracy, adjustable features, and relative affordability make it an excellent choice for serious long-range shooters on a budget. However, achieving its full potential requires careful attention to detail, including ammunition selection, proper barrel break-in, and consistent shooting technique. If you're looking for a high-performance rifle that won't break the bank, the Remington 700 Long Range is definitely worth considering.