Remington 600 Mohawk Calibers: A Comprehensive Guide

The Remington 600 Mohawk is a rifle that evokes a sense of nostalgia for many shooting enthusiasts. Known for its lightweight design and handy size, it filled a unique niche in the hunting market. However, understanding the various calibers it was chambered in is crucial for appreciating its versatility and choosing the right model for your needs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Remington 600 Mohawk calibers, offering insights into their performance, suitability, and historical context. We aim to deliver a resource that goes beyond the basics, providing in-depth information that experienced shooters and newcomers alike will find valuable. This guide will explore the nuances of each caliber offered in the Remington 600 Mohawk, providing a detailed exploration of its features, benefits, and overall value.

Exploring the Range of Remington 600 Mohawk Calibers

The Remington 600 Mohawk was produced in a variety of calibers, each designed for different hunting applications. Understanding these calibers is essential for choosing the right rifle for your specific needs. The available calibers included:

• .222 Remington
• .223 Remington
• 6mm Remington

6. .243 Winchester

• .308 Winchester
• .35 Remington

Each of these calibers offers a unique blend of ballistics, recoil, and terminal performance. Let’s delve into each one to understand its characteristics and best-use scenarios.

.222 Remington: The Accurate Varmint Cartridge

The .222 Remington is a classic varmint cartridge known for its exceptional accuracy and mild recoil. It was one of the original chamberings for the Remington 600 and proved to be a popular choice for shooters targeting small game and predators at moderate ranges.

Key Features:

• Accuracy: The .222 Remington is renowned for its inherent accuracy, making it a favorite among target shooters and varmint hunters.
• Low Recoil: Its mild recoil makes it comfortable to shoot, even for extended periods, and suitable for younger or recoil-sensitive shooters.
• Flat Trajectory: The .222 Remington offers a relatively flat trajectory out to around 200 yards, making it easy to place shots accurately.

Best Uses: Varmint hunting (groundhogs, prairie dogs), small game hunting (rabbits, squirrels), target shooting.

.223 Remington: The Versatile All-Arounder

The .223 Remington is a widely popular cartridge known for its versatility and availability. It’s a slightly more powerful option than the .222 Remington, making it suitable for a wider range of varmint and small game hunting applications.

Key Features:

• Versatility: The .223 Remington is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of applications, from varmint hunting to target shooting.
• Availability: Ammunition and reloading components for the .223 Remington are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
• Moderate Recoil: While it has slightly more recoil than the .222 Remington, it is still considered a mild-recoiling cartridge.

Best Uses: Varmint hunting, small game hunting, target shooting, tactical applications.

6mm Remington: The Flat-Shooting Deer Cartridge

The 6mm Remington is a flat-shooting cartridge that is well-suited for deer hunting at moderate ranges. It offers a good balance of velocity, energy, and recoil, making it a popular choice for hunters who want a cartridge that is capable of taking deer-sized game without excessive recoil.

Key Features:

• Flat Trajectory: The 6mm Remington has a flat trajectory, making it easier to place shots accurately at longer ranges.
• Adequate Energy: It delivers sufficient energy for taking deer-sized game at moderate ranges.
• Moderate Recoil: The recoil is manageable for most shooters.

Best Uses: Deer hunting, antelope hunting, varmint hunting at longer ranges.

.243 Winchester: The Popular Deer and Varmint Cartridge

The .243 Winchester is an extremely popular cartridge known for its versatility and effectiveness on both deer and varmints. It’s a flat-shooting, accurate cartridge that delivers sufficient energy for taking deer-sized game at moderate ranges.

Key Features:

• Versatility: The .243 Winchester is a versatile cartridge that can be used for both deer and varmint hunting.
• Flat Trajectory: It offers a flat trajectory, making it easier to place shots accurately at longer ranges.
• Moderate Recoil: The recoil is manageable for most shooters, even those of smaller stature.

Best Uses: Deer hunting, antelope hunting, varmint hunting, target shooting.

.308 Winchester: The Powerful All-Around Cartridge

The .308 Winchester is a powerful and versatile cartridge that is suitable for a wide range of big game hunting applications. It’s a popular choice for hunters who want a cartridge that is capable of taking deer, elk, and even bear at moderate ranges.

Key Features:

• Power: The .308 Winchester delivers significant energy, making it suitable for taking large game.
• Versatility: It can be used for a variety of hunting applications, from deer to elk.
• Availability: Ammunition and reloading components are readily available.

Best Uses: Deer hunting, elk hunting, bear hunting, target shooting, tactical applications.

.35 Remington: The Brush Cartridge

The .35 Remington is a classic brush cartridge known for its ability to penetrate thick cover and deliver significant energy at close ranges. It’s a popular choice for hunters who hunt in dense forests or swamps where shots are typically taken at short distances.

Key Features:

• Penetration: The .35 Remington is known for its excellent penetration, making it suitable for hunting in thick cover.
• Energy: It delivers significant energy at close ranges.
• Moderate Recoil: The recoil is manageable for most experienced shooters.

Best Uses: Deer hunting in thick cover, bear hunting at close ranges.

The Remington 600 Mohawk: A Closer Look

The Remington 600 Mohawk was a short-action, bolt-action rifle known for its lightweight and compact design. It was intended as a handy rifle for hunting in dense cover or for carrying over long distances. Its distinguishing features included a vent rib barrel, a unique dog-leg bolt handle, and a checkered Monte Carlo stock. These rifles were produced from 1972-1979 and are considered by some to be a budget friendly option.

Key Features of the Remington 600 Mohawk:

• Lightweight Design: The Remington 600 Mohawk was designed to be lightweight and easy to carry.
• Compact Size: Its short barrel and overall length made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Vent Rib Barrel: The vent rib barrel helped to dissipate heat and reduce mirage.
• Dog-Leg Bolt Handle: The unique dog-leg bolt handle provided ample clearance for scopes.
• Checkered Monte Carlo Stock: The checkered Monte Carlo stock provided a comfortable and secure grip.

Advantages of the Remington 600 Mohawk Calibers

The Remington 600 Mohawk, chambered in its various calibers, offered several advantages to hunters and shooters. These advantages stemmed from its design, its cartridge options, and its overall suitability for specific hunting scenarios.

• Lightweight and Maneuverable: The Remington 600 Mohawk was significantly lighter and more compact than many other rifles of its time. This made it ideal for hunters who needed to cover a lot of ground or navigate dense terrain.
• Versatile Caliber Options: The availability of multiple calibers allowed hunters to choose the right cartridge for their specific needs, whether it was varmint hunting, deer hunting, or even larger game hunting.
• Accuracy: The Remington 600 Mohawk was known for its accuracy, especially in calibers like the .222 Remington and the .243 Winchester. This made it a reliable choice for hunters who needed to make precise shots.
• Manageable Recoil: Even in the larger calibers like the .308 Winchester and .35 Remington, the Remington 600 Mohawk offered manageable recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
• Classic Design: The Remington 600 Mohawk had a classic design that appealed to many hunters. Its checkered stock, vent rib barrel, and dog-leg bolt handle gave it a distinctive look that set it apart from other rifles.

A Balanced Review of the Remington 600 Mohawk

The Remington 600 Mohawk, while a popular rifle in its time, also had its drawbacks. A balanced review will help potential buyers understand its strengths and weaknesses.

User Experience and Usability:

The Remington 600 Mohawk is generally considered easy to use, with a smooth bolt action and a comfortable stock. However, the dog-leg bolt handle can take some getting used to. The rifle’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry and handle in the field.

Performance and Effectiveness:

The Remington 600 Mohawk delivers excellent performance in its intended role as a lightweight hunting rifle. Its accuracy is generally very good, and its various caliber options make it suitable for a wide range of game. However, its short barrel can result in slightly reduced velocities compared to rifles with longer barrels.

Pros:

• Lightweight and Compact: Easy to carry and maneuver in the field.
• Versatile Caliber Options: Suitable for a variety of game.
• Good Accuracy: Capable of making precise shots.
• Manageable Recoil: Comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
• Classic Design: Aesthetically pleasing and distinctive.

Cons/Limitations:

• Dog-Leg Bolt Handle: Can be awkward for some users.
• Short Barrel: Can result in slightly reduced velocities.
• Safety Concerns: Early models had a trigger mechanism prone to accidental discharge.
• Limited Availability: No longer in production, so finding one in good condition can be challenging.

Ideal User Profile:

The Remington 600 Mohawk is best suited for hunters who appreciate a lightweight, compact rifle and who prioritize maneuverability over long-range performance. It’s a good choice for those who hunt in dense cover or who need to carry their rifle over long distances. It’s also a good option for recoil-sensitive shooters.

Key Alternatives:

Some alternatives to the Remington 600 Mohawk include the Remington Model 7, the Ruger American, and the Savage Axis. These rifles offer similar features and performance, but they are still in production and are easier to find in good condition.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:

The Remington 600 Mohawk is a classic rifle that offers a unique blend of lightweight design, versatile caliber options, and good accuracy. However, its age and potential safety concerns make it important to inspect any used model carefully before purchasing. If you’re looking for a lightweight, compact hunting rifle with a classic design, the Remington 600 Mohawk is a good option, but be sure to do your research and choose a model in good condition. We suggest having any vintage rifle inspected by a qualified gunsmith before use.

Understanding the Legacy and Continuing Value

The Remington 600 Mohawk, chambered in its various calibers, represents a fascinating piece of firearms history. Its lightweight design and versatile caliber options made it a popular choice for hunters in its time, and it continues to be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts today. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking for a classic rifle or a newcomer interested in learning about firearms history, the Remington 600 Mohawk offers a unique and rewarding experience. Consider the information provided in this guide to make an informed decision and appreciate the enduring legacy of this iconic rifle. Share your experiences with the Remington 600 Mohawk in the comments below.