Remington 700 vs 770: A Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the right rifle can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular options like the Remington 700 and the Remington 770. The remington 700 vs 770 comparison is a frequent topic among firearm enthusiasts, hunters, and sport shooters alike. Both rifles offer distinct features and benefits, catering to different needs and budgets. This in-depth guide aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two iconic rifles, examining their key differences, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We’ll delve into the nuances of their design, performance, and overall value, drawing upon expert insights and practical considerations to present a clear and unbiased assessment. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a first-time buyer, understanding the remington 700 vs 770 comparison is crucial for selecting the rifle that best suits your needs.

Understanding the Remington 700: A Legacy of Precision

The Remington 700 is a bolt-action rifle renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and extensive customization options. Introduced in 1962, it quickly became a favorite among hunters, competitive shooters, and law enforcement agencies. Its robust design, combined with a crisp trigger and a wide range of available calibers, has solidified its place as one of the most popular and respected rifles in history. The Remington 700’s legacy extends beyond recreational shooting; it has served as the foundation for numerous military sniper rifles, further testament to its inherent accuracy and dependability.

Key Features of the Remington 700

• Bolt-Action Design: Known for its strength and reliability, the bolt-action mechanism provides a secure lockup and consistent accuracy.
• Adjustable Trigger: Many models feature an adjustable trigger, allowing shooters to fine-tune the trigger pull for enhanced precision.
• Wide Range of Calibers: Available in a vast array of calibers, from .223 Remington to .300 Winchester Magnum, catering to diverse shooting applications.
• Extensive Aftermarket Support: A massive aftermarket provides countless options for customization, including stocks, triggers, barrels, and more.
• Proven Accuracy: The Remington 700 is renowned for its out-of-the-box accuracy, making it a favorite among precision shooters.

Exploring the Remington 770: An Affordable Alternative

The Remington 770 is a bolt-action rifle designed as a budget-friendly option for hunters and recreational shooters. Introduced as a more affordable alternative to the Remington 700, the 770 aims to provide reliable performance without breaking the bank. While it shares some design similarities with the 700, it incorporates cost-saving measures that differentiate it in terms of features and overall quality. The Remington 770 is often marketed as a ready-to-hunt package, typically including a pre-mounted scope, making it an attractive option for beginners.

Key Features of the Remington 770

• Bolt-Action Design: Similar to the 700, the 770 utilizes a bolt-action mechanism for reliable operation.
• Pre-Mounted Scope: Many models come with a pre-mounted scope, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for new shooters.
• Limited Caliber Options: Compared to the 700, the 770 is available in a smaller selection of calibers, focusing on popular hunting cartridges.
• Synthetic Stock: Typically features a synthetic stock for durability and weather resistance.
• Affordable Price Point: The primary advantage of the 770 is its lower price, making it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.

Remington 700 vs 770: A Detailed Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Let’s dissect the key differences between the Remington 700 and 770, examining their features side-by-side to highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

Action and Bolt Design

Remington 700: The Remington 700 boasts a cylindrical action known for its strength and rigidity. The bolt features dual opposing locking lugs, providing a secure lockup and contributing to its accuracy. The bolt face is recessed, fully enclosing the cartridge head for added safety. An integral recoil lug enhances stability and reduces stress on the stock.

Remington 770: The Remington 770 utilizes a similar bolt-action design, but with some cost-saving modifications. The bolt handle is permanently attached to the bolt body, which some users find less desirable than the 700’s detachable bolt handle. While it still offers a reliable lockup, the overall finish and machining quality are generally considered inferior to the 700.

Trigger Mechanism

Remington 700: The Remington 700 is often equipped with the X-Mark Pro adjustable trigger (though older models may have different trigger mechanisms). This trigger allows users to adjust the pull weight to their preference, enhancing accuracy and control. The X-Mark Pro trigger has faced some scrutiny over the years, and many shooters opt to replace it with an aftermarket trigger for improved reliability and performance. Our extensive testing shows that aftermarket triggers consistently outperform the factory X-Mark Pro in terms of consistency and feel.

Remington 770: The Remington 770 typically features a non-adjustable trigger. This can be a drawback for shooters who prefer a lighter or more customized trigger pull. The trigger pull on the 770 is often heavier and less refined than that of the 700.

Stock and Ergonomics

Remington 700: The Remington 700 is available with a variety of stock options, including wood and synthetic. The stock design is generally well-regarded for its ergonomics and comfortable handling. The extensive aftermarket support allows users to easily upgrade or customize the stock to their liking.

Remington 770: The Remington 770 typically comes with a synthetic stock. While durable and weather-resistant, the stock often feels less refined than those found on the 700. The ergonomics may not be as comfortable for all shooters, and aftermarket options are limited.

Accuracy and Performance

Remington 700: The Remington 700 is renowned for its accuracy potential. Its robust action, combined with a quality barrel and adjustable trigger, allows for consistent and precise shooting. Many shooters achieve sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy with the 700, making it a favorite among competitive shooters and hunters alike. In our experience, the Remington 700 consistently delivers exceptional accuracy when paired with quality ammunition.

Remington 770: The Remington 770 can provide acceptable accuracy for hunting and recreational shooting, but it generally does not match the precision of the 700. The non-adjustable trigger and less refined barrel contribute to its lower accuracy potential. While it can still be effective at typical hunting ranges, it may not be the best choice for long-range shooting or competitive applications.

Caliber Options

Remington 700: The Remington 700 is available in a vast array of calibers, catering to diverse shooting needs. From varmint hunting with .223 Remington to big game hunting with .300 Winchester Magnum, the 700 offers a caliber for virtually any application.

Remington 770: The Remington 770 is offered in a more limited selection of calibers, typically focusing on popular hunting cartridges such as .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and 7mm Remington Magnum. While these calibers are suitable for many hunting situations, the limited options may not appeal to shooters with specific needs or preferences.

Aftermarket Support and Customization

Remington 700: The Remington 700 boasts unparalleled aftermarket support. Countless manufacturers offer a wide range of accessories and upgrades, including stocks, triggers, barrels, scope mounts, and more. This allows users to fully customize their 700 to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Remington 770: The Remington 770 has limited aftermarket support. Due to its lower price point and less refined design, fewer manufacturers produce aftermarket accessories for the 770. This can restrict customization options and limit the ability to upgrade its performance.

Advantages of the Remington 700: Precision and Versatility

The Remington 700 offers several significant advantages over the 770, primarily in terms of accuracy, customization, and overall quality. Its robust action, adjustable trigger, and extensive aftermarket support make it a top choice for shooters who demand precision and versatility. Users consistently report that the 700 provides a more refined shooting experience and greater long-term value.

• Superior Accuracy: The 700’s rigid action and quality barrel contribute to exceptional accuracy, making it suitable for competitive shooting and long-range hunting.
• Extensive Customization: The vast aftermarket allows users to fully customize their 700 to meet their specific needs and preferences.
• Wider Caliber Selection: The 700 is available in a greater variety of calibers, catering to diverse shooting applications.
• Higher Resale Value: The 700 typically holds its value better than the 770, making it a better long-term investment.
• Proven Reliability: The 700 has a long and established track record of reliability, making it a trusted choice among experienced shooters.

Benefits of the Remington 770: Affordability and Convenience

The Remington 770’s primary benefit lies in its affordability and convenience. It offers a budget-friendly option for shooters who want a reliable rifle without breaking the bank. The pre-mounted scope on many models makes it a convenient choice for beginners who are just starting out.

• Lower Price Point: The 770 is significantly less expensive than the 700, making it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
• Ready-to-Hunt Package: Many models come with a pre-mounted scope, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for new shooters.
• Acceptable Accuracy for Hunting: The 770 can provide sufficient accuracy for typical hunting ranges.
• Durable Synthetic Stock: The synthetic stock is resistant to weather and wear, making it suitable for harsh hunting conditions.

A Comprehensive Review: Remington 700 vs 770

This review provides a balanced perspective on the Remington 700 and 770, drawing upon expert insights and practical experience. Our analysis reveals these key benefits for each rifle.

Remington 700: The Gold Standard

The Remington 700 remains a gold standard in the bolt-action rifle world. Its accuracy, reliability, and customization options are unmatched. The user experience is generally excellent, with smooth bolt operation and a comfortable stock design. Performance is consistently impressive, with many shooters achieving sub-MOA accuracy with proper ammunition and technique. However, the factory trigger may require replacement for optimal performance, and the higher price point can be a barrier for some buyers.

Pros:

• Exceptional accuracy potential
• Extensive aftermarket support
• Wide range of caliber options
• Proven reliability and durability
• Higher resale value

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Factory trigger may require replacement
• Can be overwhelming for beginners due to customization options

Ideal User Profile:

The Remington 700 is best suited for experienced shooters who demand precision and versatility. It is an excellent choice for competitive shooting, long-range hunting, and anyone who appreciates a high-quality rifle with extensive customization options.

Remington 770: The Budget-Friendly Option

The Remington 770 offers a more affordable entry point into the world of bolt-action rifles. While it may not match the accuracy or refinement of the 700, it can still be a reliable and effective hunting rifle. The pre-mounted scope and durable synthetic stock make it a convenient choice for beginners. However, the non-adjustable trigger and limited aftermarket support can be drawbacks for experienced shooters.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Ready-to-hunt package with pre-mounted scope
• Durable synthetic stock
• Acceptable accuracy for typical hunting ranges

Cons:

• Lower accuracy potential compared to the 700
• Non-adjustable trigger
• Limited aftermarket support
• Less refined fit and finish

Ideal User Profile:

The Remington 770 is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who are new to shooting or hunting. It is a good option for those who want a reliable rifle for occasional use without investing a significant amount of money.

Key Alternatives:

Alternatives to the Remington 700 include the Savage 110 and the Tikka T3x, both of which offer excellent accuracy and value. Alternatives to the Remington 770 include the Ruger American and the Mossberg Patriot, which provide similar features and performance at a comparable price point.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation

In conclusion, the Remington 700 is the superior rifle in terms of accuracy, customization, and overall quality. However, the Remington 770 offers a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. The best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. If accuracy and customization are paramount, the Remington 700 is the clear winner. If affordability is the primary concern, the Remington 770 can be a viable option.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, the decision between the Remington 700 and 770 hinges on your specific needs and budget. The 700 represents a significant investment in quality and performance, while the 770 offers a more economical alternative. Consider your intended use, shooting experience, and budget to determine which rifle best aligns with your requirements. Share your experiences with the remington 700 vs 770 comparison in the comments below.