The Remington 700 is a legendary rifle platform, prized for its accuracy and adaptability. One of its greatest strengths lies in its relative ease of barrel swapping, allowing shooters to customize their rifles for different calibers, applications, and performance enhancements. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of a Remington 700 barrel swap, covering everything from necessary tools and safety precautions to troubleshooting potential issues.
Understanding the Process: Why Swap a Barrel?
Before diving into the specifics, let's explore why someone might choose to swap a Remington 700 barrel. The reasons are numerous and often intertwined:
- Caliber Change: Switching to a different cartridge opens up new possibilities for hunting, target shooting, or long-range precision.
- Barrel Wear: After thousands of rounds, barrel wear can affect accuracy. Replacing a worn barrel restores the rifle's precision.
- Customization: Different barrel profiles (e.g., heavy, sporter, varmint) impact accuracy, balance, and handling. Swapping allows for optimal configuration.
- Material Upgrade: Upgrading to a higher-quality barrel material (e.g., stainless steel, carbon fiber) can significantly improve accuracy and longevity.
Essential Tools and Materials: Preparing for the Swap
A successful barrel swap requires the right tools. Improper tools can lead to damage to the rifle action or a poorly fitted barrel. Here’s what you'll need:
- Action Wrench: Specifically designed for your Remington 700 action (depending on the model, you might need a specific size). This is the most crucial tool.
- Barrel Vise: A quality barrel vise is critical to safely and securely hold the barrel during the process. Avoid using makeshift solutions.
- Headspace Gauge: Absolutely necessary to ensure the new barrel is properly headspaced. Incorrect headspace is a serious safety hazard.
- Action Rods: These help to support the receiver and minimize stress during barrel removal and installation.
- Torque Wrench: Precise torque is essential for proper barrel installation and to prevent damage.
- Cleaning Supplies: Thorough cleaning of the action and barrel is vital for a smooth and accurate process.
- New Barrel: Of course, you'll need the new barrel, ideally one specifically fitted for your Remington 700 action.
- Thread Lubricant: Using a quality thread lubricant prevents damage and ensures proper seating.
Step-by-Step Barrel Swap: A Detailed Procedure
Warning: Always prioritize safety. Failure to follow proper procedures can result in serious injury or damage to your firearm. If you are not comfortable performing this task, seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith.
- Safety First: Unload the rifle, visually inspect it to ensure it’s clear, and double-check.
- Disassembly: Carefully remove any existing scope mounts and accessories.
- Secure the Action: Mount the action securely in the barrel vise, protecting the receiver finish with soft material.
- Remove the Old Barrel: Using the action wrench, carefully loosen and remove the barrel nut. The old barrel can then be removed.
- Clean the Action: Thoroughly clean the action threads and receiver face.
- Prepare the New Barrel: Apply thread lubricant to the threads of the new barrel.
- Install the New Barrel: Carefully screw the new barrel onto the action, ensuring it's straight and properly aligned.
- Torque the Barrel: Use the torque wrench to tighten the barrel nut to the manufacturer's specified torque.
- Headspace Check: Use the headspace gauge to verify that the headspace is correct. This is crucial for safety and accuracy. Improper headspace requires immediate attention from a gunsmith.
- Reassembly: Reinstall any accessories and scope mounts.
- Function Test: Before shooting, ensure the action functions smoothly and safely.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced shooters might encounter problems during a barrel swap. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Barrel won't screw on: Check for debris or damage to the threads.
- Incorrect Headspace: This is a safety hazard! Seek professional assistance immediately.
- Inconsistent Accuracy: This could indicate improper barrel installation, bedding issues, or other factors.
Conclusion: Empowering the Remington 700 Owner
Swapping a barrel on a Remington 700 is a rewarding process that allows for customization and performance enhancement. While it requires careful attention to detail and proper tools, the results can significantly improve your shooting experience. Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If you have any doubts or encounter difficulties, consult a qualified gunsmith. They can provide expert guidance and ensure the safety and accuracy of your modified firearm.
