The Remington 700 is a legendary bolt-action rifle, renowned for its accuracy and reliability. A critical component contributing to its performance is the magazine box. Understanding its functionality, potential upgrades, and troubleshooting common issues is key for any Remington 700 owner. This guide dives deep into the Remington 700 magazine box, providing valuable insights for both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike.
Understanding the Remington 700 Magazine Box
The magazine box serves as the housing and feeding mechanism for your rifle's cartridges. It's typically constructed from durable steel, although some aftermarket options utilize lighter materials like aluminum. The design interacts directly with the bolt and the magazine itself, ensuring smooth feeding and reliable cycling. Different Remington 700 models might utilize slightly different magazine box designs, particularly regarding capacity and compatibility with various magazine types (e.g., detachable box magazines, internal magazines).
Key Components & Functionality:
- Magazine Well: The opening where the magazine is inserted and removed. The fit should be snug but not overly tight.
- Magazine Catch: The mechanism that secures the magazine in place. Proper function is crucial for preventing magazine slippage during firing.
- Follower: A spring-loaded component inside the magazine box that pushes cartridges upward towards the bolt face. A malfunctioning follower can lead to feeding problems.
- Floorplate (if applicable): On rifles with internal magazines, this is the bottom plate that allows access to the cartridges.
Upgrading Your Remington 700 Magazine Box
While the factory Remington 700 magazine box is reliable, several aftermarket options provide enhancements, often focused on increased capacity, improved materials, or enhanced aesthetics.
Popular Upgrades & Considerations:
- Increased Capacity Magazines: Aftermarket magazines frequently offer greater cartridge capacity than the factory standard. Always verify compatibility with your specific Remington 700 model before purchasing.
- Material Upgrades: Some aftermarket boxes utilize lighter-weight yet durable materials like aluminum, reducing the overall weight of the rifle.
- Enhanced Durability: Certain aftermarket options boast reinforced designs, providing superior resistance to wear and tear.
- Custom Aesthetics: A wide variety of finishes and colors are available, allowing for customization to match personal preferences.
Important Note: Always ensure that any aftermarket magazine box is compatible with your specific Remington 700 model. Using incompatible parts can lead to malfunction and potential safety hazards.
Troubleshooting Common Remington 700 Magazine Box Problems
Issues with the magazine box can often manifest as feeding problems, jamming, or difficulty inserting/removing the magazine.
Common Problems and Solutions:
- Magazine Doesn't Insert Smoothly: This could be due to debris in the magazine well, a bent magazine, or a damaged magazine catch. Clean the magazine well thoroughly and inspect both the magazine and the catch for damage.
- Magazine Falls Out: A malfunctioning magazine catch is the likely culprit. This requires either repair or replacement.
- Feeding Problems: Issues like failure to feed or double feeds can be caused by a damaged follower, bent feed lips on the magazine, or insufficient lubrication. Inspect the follower and magazine for damage and ensure proper lubrication.
- Rough Operation: This can stem from debris in the magazine well, wear and tear, or a lack of lubrication. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for smooth operation.
Maintaining Your Remington 700 Magazine Box
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliable performance of your Remington 700 magazine box.
Maintenance Tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the magazine well and the magazine itself regularly to remove any debris or dirt that might impede functionality.
- Lubrication: Apply a small amount of gun oil to the magazine components to ensure smooth operation.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the magazine box, magazine, and follower for any signs of wear or damage.
By understanding the intricacies of your Remington 700 magazine box, performing regular maintenance, and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues, you can ensure years of reliable and accurate shooting. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a qualified gunsmith if you are unsure about any repair or modification.
