The Remington 700 action is a cornerstone of the precision shooting world, and pairing it with a high-quality benchrest stock is crucial for achieving exceptional accuracy. Choosing the right stock significantly impacts your rifle's stability, consistency, and overall performance. This guide explores the key considerations when selecting a benchrest stock for your Remington 700, helping you make an informed decision that enhances your shooting experience.
Understanding Benchrest Stock Features
Benchrest stocks are meticulously designed for unparalleled stability and repeatable accuracy. Key features to look for include:
1. Material:
- Aluminum: Offers superior rigidity and dimensional stability, minimizing flex and vibrations that can affect accuracy. Aluminum stocks are often preferred by serious benchrest shooters.
- Fiberglass/Carbon Fiber: Lighter than aluminum, yet still provide excellent rigidity. These materials offer a good balance of stiffness and weight.
- Wood (e.g., Walnut, Maple): Though less commonly used in high-end benchrest rifles, some shooters appreciate the aesthetic appeal and feel of wood stocks. However, wood stocks may be less dimensionally stable than aluminum or composite options.
2. Adjustable Features:
- Adjustable Cheek Rest: Allows for proper eye alignment with the scope, crucial for consistent shooting form.
- Adjustable Length of Pull (LOP): Ensures comfortable and repeatable shooting position for different shooters.
- Forend Adjustment: Some stocks feature adjustable forend components to fine-tune the rifle's position on the bench. This can be invaluable for optimizing stability.
3. Bedding System:
Proper bedding is essential for consistent accuracy. Consider stocks with:
- Inlet Bedding: The stock's action inlet is precisely machined to fit the Remington 700 action. High-quality inlets minimize stress points and ensure optimal action contact.
- External Bedding: Allows for additional bedding compound to be applied, further enhancing the action's stability and reducing stress.
Top Benchrest Stock Manufacturers for Remington 700
Several reputable manufacturers produce high-quality benchrest stocks compatible with the Remington 700. Researching individual models within these brands is key to finding the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Remember to consider the specific features and adjustability options offered by each model. Some of the more popular brands include (but are not limited to):
- McMillan: Known for their high-quality fiberglass and carbon fiber stocks, offering various levels of adjustability and customization.
- Manners: Produces stocks known for their precision and attention to detail, often favored by competitive benchrest shooters.
- KMW Stocks: Offers a range of options, including aluminum stocks, catering to various budgets and preferences.
- Grayboe: Provides a good balance of performance and price, often featuring features found in more expensive stocks.
Choosing the Right Stock: Considerations
Selecting the optimal benchrest stock depends on several factors:
- Budget: Prices can vary significantly depending on the material, features, and manufacturer.
- Shooting Discipline: The specific demands of different benchrest shooting disciplines (e.g., F-Class, Palma) might influence stock selection.
- Personal Preferences: Factors like ergonomics, weight, and aesthetic appeal play a role in choosing the best stock for your comfort and shooting style.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality benchrest stock for your Remington 700 represents a significant step towards improving accuracy and consistency. By carefully considering the material, features, bedding system, and your individual needs, you can select a stock that transforms your shooting experience. Remember that research and careful selection are crucial for maximizing the potential of your precision rifle. Consulting with experienced benchrest shooters or contacting stock manufacturers directly can provide invaluable insights before making your purchase.
