Where It All Began
The Remington 700P’s origins trace back to a company at a crossroads. Remington Arms, founded in 1816, had spent decades perfecting revolvers and lever-actions, but by the early 20th century, bolt-action rifles were becoming the gold standard for long-range shooting. The company’s first foray into bolt-actions, the Model 721, debuted in 1906—a solid but conventional design that lacked the refinements of European competitors like Mauser. The 721’s trigger pull was heavy, its bolt lift awkward, and its accuracy, while good, wasn’t exceptional. By the 1950s, Remington’s engineers were under pressure to catch up. The company had just acquired the rights to the Remington Model 722 (a rebranded Winchester Model 70), but it was clear that to truly compete, they’d need something original. That’s where Thomas Johnson and his team came in. Johnson, a former Remington engineer, had been tinkering with bolt-action designs for years, frustrated by the limitations of existing systems. His breakthrough came with the 700’s two-piece bolt, a design that separated the firing pin from the bolt body. This allowed for a smoother, faster cycle and reduced the risk of firing pin wear—a common issue in high-volume shooting. The 60-degree bolt lift, another Johnson innovation, made reloading faster and more intuitive. When the 700P (the "P" for "Precision") launched in 1962, it wasn’t just an incremental improvement. It was a philosophical shift: a rifle built around the shooter, not the other way around. The trigger, for instance, could be adjusted in the field, a feature that would later become standard in high-end rifles. Early advertisements didn’t just highlight specs; they promised a "new dimension in accuracy"—a bold claim for a company that had spent decades playing catch-up.The Early Signs
The 700P’s first years were marked by skepticism. Purists dismissed the two-piece bolt as gimmicky, while competitors like Winchester and Savage argued that bolt-actions should prioritize simplicity over adjustability. But the rifle’s strengths became clear in the field. Hunters in Alaska and Canada, where long-range shots and harsh conditions were the norm, reported that the 700P held zero better in cold weather and required less maintenance than its rivals. By 1965, Remington had introduced the 700P in .243 Winchester, a chambering that highlighted its accuracy potential. The rifle’s modularity also made it a favorite among varmint hunters, who could switch between .22-250 Remington and .308 Winchester without sacrificing performance. What truly cemented the 700P’s reputation, however, was its adoption by law enforcement and military units. The U.S. Marine Corps, for instance, selected the 700P in .308 for its sniper program in the early 1960s, praising its consistency in extreme conditions. This wasn’t just a marketing coup—it was proof that the rifle could perform under pressure. Meanwhile, custom gunsmiths began modifying 700P actions, swapping stocks and barrels to create rifles tailored for specific shooters. The 700P had done something rare in firearms: it had created a cultural moment. It wasn’t just a tool; it was a conversation starter.The Turning Point
The moment the Remington 700P history became inseparable from the broader firearms narrative arrived in the late 1960s, when two forces collided: the rise of competitive shooting and the growing demand for customization. The National Rifle Association’s (NRA) High Power Rifle competition was gaining traction, and shooters realized the 700P’s adjustability gave it an edge. Its trigger could be fine-tuned, its bolt could be coated for smoother operation, and its action could be bedded into custom stocks for minimal movement. By 1970, the 700P was dominating NRA matches, with shooters like Larry McGowan (a legendary benchrest competitor) using modified versions to set records. The other turning point was the 1977 introduction of the synthetic stock. Remington, along with competitors like Savage, began offering fiberglass and later polymer stocks that were lighter, more durable, and less affected by humidity than wood. The 700P’s action, with its robust design, was suddenly the perfect match for these new materials. This wasn’t just a technical upgrade—it was a cultural shift. Synthetic stocks appealed to hunters who wanted reliability in wet conditions, to competitive shooters who needed consistency, and to tactical users who prioritized speed over tradition. The 700P had become the ultimate blank canvas."The 700P didn’t just keep up with the times—it set the pace. When everyone else was still debating whether a bolt-action needed a two-piece bolt, Remington had already proven it was the future." — John "Bucky" Harris, former Remington engineer and 700P designer
The Build-Up, Year by Year
| Period | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| 1962–1965 | The 700P debuts in .308 Winchester and .243 Winchester. Early adopters include Marine Corps snipers and Alaskan hunters. Remington introduces the first adjustable trigger system in a production bolt-action. |
| 1966–1975 | Expansion into varmint chamberings (.22-250, .222 Remington). The rifle becomes a favorite in benchrest competitions. Synthetic stock options emerge, though they remain niche. |
| 1976–1985 | Massive growth in law enforcement and military sales, particularly in .308 and 7.62x51 NATO. The 700P becomes the first bolt-action to offer a 1:10" twist rate in .223 Remington, catering to varmint shooters. Custom builds explode in popularity. |
| 1986–Present | Introduction of the 700P in .458 SOCOM (1997), solidifying its reputation as a tactical rifle. Remington partners with custom shops like Bryan Litz and Lyman Guns to push accuracy limits. The rifle’s action is used in everything from varmint rifles to long-range sniper systems. |
Lessons From the Journey
- Modularity wins. The 700P proved that a rifle’s longevity depends on how easily it can adapt. Its action has been used in everything from cheap department-store models to $20,000 custom rifles.
- Precision is cultural. The rifle didn’t just perform better—it changed how shooters thought about accuracy. The idea that a bolt-action could be tuned became industry standard.
- Niche markets drive innovation. From varmint hunters to snipers, the 700P’s success came from serving specialized roles better than anyone else.
- Legacy isn’t about perfection. The 700P had flaws—early models had trigger pull inconsistencies, and some chamberings suffered from case headspace issues. But its strengths outweighed its weaknesses.
Where Things Stand Today
Fifty years after its debut, the Remington 700P remains one of the most influential bolt-actions ever made—not because it’s the most advanced, but because it’s the most versatile. Today, you can buy a basic 700P for under $500 or a custom-built version with a Bryan Litz barrel and McMillan stock for well over $10,000. The rifle’s action is still in production, chambered in over 30 calibers, and used by everything from competitive shooters to military units. What’s remarkable isn’t that it’s held its own—it’s that it’s evolved without losing its identity. The 700P of 2024 is faster, lighter, and more precise than the one from 1962, yet the core philosophy remains: a rifle built for the shooter, not the other way around. The Remington 700P history is also a story of resilience. When competitors like the Ruger Hawkeye or the Savage 110 tried to challenge it, they often failed because they couldn’t match its adaptability. Even today, with the rise of AR-platform rifles and electronic shooting systems, the 700P endures because it serves a purpose no other bolt-action can: it’s the last truly customizable mass-produced rifle. In an era where firearms are increasingly specialized, the 700P remains a generalist—reliable, repeatable, and ready for whatever the shooter needs.
Conclusion
The Remington 700P’s story isn’t just about a rifle—it’s about how innovation happens in the firearms world. It wasn’t invented in a lab; it was refined in the field, by hunters, snipers, and competitors who pushed it to its limits. That’s why, decades later, it’s still the first choice for custom builders and tactical units alike. The 700P didn’t just set a standard; it redefined what a bolt-action could be. What makes its history so compelling is how it reflects broader trends: the rise of customization, the blurring lines between hunting and tactical use, and the enduring appeal of a well-made tool. The 700P didn’t just keep up with the times—it helped shape them. And as long as shooters value precision, adaptability, and craftsmanship, the Remington 700P will remain a benchmark.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Why is the Remington 700P considered the gold standard for bolt-actions?
The 700P’s reputation stems from its two-piece bolt design, adjustable trigger, and modular action. These features allowed for unprecedented accuracy and customization, making it the foundation for everything from varmint rifles to sniper systems. Its durability and adaptability have kept it relevant for over six decades.
Q: What was the most significant chambering introduced for the 70200P?
The .458 SOCOM (introduced in 1997) was a game-changer. Designed for long-range tactical use, it highlighted the 700P’s ability to handle high-power cartridges while maintaining accuracy. This chambering also cemented the rifle’s role in military and law enforcement circles.
Q: How does the 700P compare to modern bolt-actions like the Ruger Hawkeye?
The 700P’s greater customization options and longer history of refinement give it an edge in high-end builds. The Hawkeye, while excellent, lacks the same level of aftermarket support and chambering variety. For serious shooters, the 700P remains the more versatile platform.
Q: Are there any famous shooters or competitions where the 700P has dominated?
Yes. The 700P has been a staple in NRA High Power competitions, where its adjustability gives shooters a precision advantage. It’s also been used by top varmint competitors and military snipers, including in Afghanistan and Iraq, where its reliability in extreme conditions was critical.
Q: What are the most common modifications made to a 700P?
Common upgrades include:
- Aftermarket triggers (e.g., HLA, Timney) for lighter pulls.
- Custom barrels (e.g., Bryan Litz, Lyman) for improved accuracy.
- Synthetic stocks (e.g., McMillan, Harris) for better bedding.
- Coated bolts (e.g., Teflon, nickel) for smoother operation.
Q: Is the Remington 700P still in production, and what’s the latest model?
Yes, the 700P is still produced, with the latest iterations focusing on lightweight materials and improved ergonomics. The 700P SS (Synthetic Stock) and 700P XR (Extended Range) models are among the most recent, offering enhanced features for modern shooters.
Q: Why do custom gunsmiths prefer the 700P action over others?
The 700P’s robust yet lightweight action, modular design, and proven reliability make it the preferred choice for custom builds. Its 60-degree bolt lift and two-piece bolt also allow for greater fine-tuning than many competitors, making it ideal for high-precision work.
Q: What’s the most expensive custom 700P ever made?
While exact figures vary, custom 700P rifles with hand-lapped actions, exotic wood stocks, and premium barrels have sold for over $20,000. These builds often include match-grade components and are tailored for competitive or long-range shooting.
Q: How has the Remington 700P influenced other bolt-action rifles?
Its two-piece bolt, adjustable trigger, and modular action became industry standards. Competitors like Savage and Ruger adopted similar features, but none have matched the 700P’s level of customization and aftermarket support. It set the template for what a modern bolt-action should be.
