Remington 700 vs. 770: Which Rifle Reigns Supreme? A Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right rifle can be daunting, especially when faced with options from a legendary manufacturer like Remington. The Remington 700 and 770 are two popular choices, but understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the nuances of each rifle, providing the insights you need to select the best firearm for your needs and skill level. We’ll explore everything from action design and trigger mechanisms to accuracy, aftermarket support, and overall value, drawing upon expert opinions and simulated firsthand experiences to deliver unparalleled clarity.

Understanding the Remington 700: A Bolt-Action Benchmark

The Remington 700 isn’t just a rifle; it’s an institution. Introduced in 1962, it quickly became a standard for bolt-action rifles, renowned for its strength, accuracy, and modularity. Its cylindrical action, often described as ‘trued’ from the factory, provides a solid foundation for precision shooting. The 700’s design has been widely copied and adapted, solidifying its place in firearms history.

The core of the Remington 700’s appeal lies in its robust action. The ‘three rings of steel’ design, where the cartridge is enclosed by the bolt face, chamber, and receiver, provides exceptional strength and safety. This design, combined with precise machining, contributes to the rifle’s inherent accuracy potential. Furthermore, the Remington 700 boasts an extensive aftermarket. Shooters can find a vast array of stocks, triggers, barrels, and other components to customize their rifle to their exact specifications.

The Remington 770: A Budget-Friendly Option

The Remington 770 is designed as a more budget-conscious alternative to the venerable 700. Introduced as a ready-to-shoot package, it aims to provide a functional and reliable rifle at a more accessible price point. While it shares some similarities with the 700, significant differences in construction and features set it apart.

The Remington 770 utilizes a simplified action and a detachable magazine. Its barrel is permanently attached to the receiver, limiting customization options. While the 770 offers decent accuracy for its price, it typically doesn’t match the precision potential of the 700. It’s often marketed as an entry-level rifle suitable for hunting or recreational shooting.

Detailed Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of the key features of the Remington 700 and 770:

Action and Receiver

Remington 700: Features a cylindrical, machined-steel receiver known for its strength and rigidity. The bolt has dual opposed locking lugs, providing a secure lockup. The action is highly customizable and compatible with a wide range of aftermarket components.

Remington 770: Employs a simpler, less refined action. The receiver is often made with looser tolerances compared to the 700. The bolt design is also less robust, and the action is not as smooth. Customization options are limited due to the barrel being permanently attached to the receiver.

Trigger Mechanism

Remington 700: Historically, the 700 featured the X-Mark Pro trigger, which was subject to recalls due to potential safety issues. Newer models often come with updated trigger systems, and a vast aftermarket of high-quality triggers is available. Users can easily upgrade to a match-grade trigger for improved accuracy and consistency.

Remington 770: Comes with a basic, non-adjustable trigger. The trigger pull is often heavy and inconsistent, which can negatively impact accuracy. Upgrading the trigger on a 770 is possible but less common due to the rifle’s overall design and intended price point.

Barrel

Remington 700: Features a button-rifled barrel known for its accuracy potential. Barrels are typically free-floated, meaning they don’t contact the stock, which enhances accuracy. The 700’s barrel can be easily replaced or upgraded by a gunsmith.

Remington 770: Has a barrel that is permanently attached to the receiver, making barrel replacement difficult and costly. The barrel is not always free-floated, which can reduce accuracy potential. The overall quality of the barrel steel and manufacturing tolerances are generally lower than those of the 700.

Stock

Remington 700: Offers a wide variety of stock options, from basic synthetic stocks to high-end laminate and composite stocks. The stock is easily replaceable, allowing users to customize the rifle’s ergonomics and aesthetics. Aftermarket stocks can significantly improve accuracy and comfort.

Remington 770: Typically comes with a basic synthetic stock. The stock is often flimsy and lacks rigidity, which can negatively impact accuracy. While aftermarket stocks are available, the selection is limited compared to the 700.

Magazine

Remington 700: Can be configured with either an internal magazine with a hinged floorplate or a detachable magazine, depending on the model. Aftermarket detachable magazine conversions are widely available.

Remington 770: Uses a detachable magazine. The magazine is often made of plastic and can be prone to feeding issues. The magazine design is proprietary, limiting aftermarket options.

Accuracy

Remington 700: Known for its inherent accuracy. With a quality barrel, trigger, and stock, the 700 can consistently achieve sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy. Its robust action and precise machining contribute to its accuracy potential.

Remington 770: Offers decent accuracy for its price point, typically around 1.5-2 MOA. However, its accuracy is limited by its less refined action, non-adjustable trigger, and lower-quality barrel. It’s suitable for hunting at moderate ranges but not ideal for precision shooting.

Advantages and Benefits: Where Each Rifle Shines

Both the Remington 700 and 770 offer distinct advantages, catering to different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of their respective strengths:

Remington 700 Advantages:

Superior Accuracy: The 700’s robust action, precision barrel, and customizable trigger contribute to exceptional accuracy potential.
Extensive Customization: The vast aftermarket support allows shooters to tailor the 700 to their exact specifications, improving performance and ergonomics.
Proven Reliability: The 700’s durable design and long history of service have earned it a reputation for reliability.
Higher Resale Value: The 700’s reputation and popularity ensure a higher resale value compared to the 770.
Prestige and Legacy: Owning a Remington 700 means owning a piece of firearms history, a rifle respected by generations of shooters.

Remington 770 Advantages:

Affordability: The 770’s lower price point makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious shooters.
Ready-to-Shoot Package: The 770 typically comes with a scope and is ready to use right out of the box.
Lightweight Design: The 770’s synthetic stock and simplified action make it a relatively lightweight rifle, easy to carry in the field.
Suitable for Beginners: The 770’s simple design and ease of use make it a good option for novice shooters.

Comprehensive Review: A Balanced Assessment

The Remington 700 and 770 cater to different segments of the shooting market. The 700 is a premium rifle offering exceptional accuracy, customization, and reliability. The 770 is a budget-friendly option providing basic functionality at a lower price.

User Experience and Usability

The Remington 700 offers a superior user experience due to its smooth action, crisp trigger, and customizable ergonomics. The 770’s action can feel rough, and its trigger pull is often heavy and inconsistent. However, the 770 is simpler to use for beginners due to its ready-to-shoot package.

Performance and Effectiveness

The Remington 700 consistently outperforms the 770 in terms of accuracy and reliability. The 700’s robust action and precision barrel allow for consistent sub-MOA accuracy, while the 770 typically achieves 1.5-2 MOA. The 700 is also more durable and less prone to malfunctions.

Pros of the Remington 700:

Unmatched accuracy potential
Extensive customization options
Proven reliability and durability
Higher resale value
Superior build quality

Cons/Limitations of the Remington 700:

Higher price point
Requires more maintenance
Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its complexity
Trigger issues in older models (resolved in newer models)

Pros of the Remington 770:

Affordable price
Ready-to-shoot package
Lightweight design
Simple to use

Cons/Limitations of the Remington 770:

Lower accuracy potential
Limited customization options
Less refined action and trigger
Lower build quality
Plastic parts prone to breakage

Ideal User Profile

The Remington 700 is best suited for experienced shooters who demand high accuracy, reliability, and customization options. It’s ideal for precision shooting, hunting, and competitive shooting. The Remington 770 is best suited for novice shooters on a tight budget who want a simple, ready-to-shoot rifle for hunting or recreational shooting.

Key Alternatives

Alternatives to the Remington 700 include the Tikka T3x and the Savage 110. The Tikka T3x is known for its smooth action and exceptional accuracy, while the Savage 110 offers a wide range of features at a competitive price. An alternative to the Remington 770 could be a used Savage Axis; while also a budget rifle, the Axis has a reputation for slightly better accuracy and build quality for the price.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation

While the Remington 770 serves a purpose as an entry-level, budget-friendly option, the Remington 700 remains the superior rifle. Its accuracy, reliability, and customization options make it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters. We recommend the Remington 700 for anyone seeking a high-performance bolt-action rifle that will last a lifetime.

Choosing the Right Rifle for Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between the Remington 700 and 770 depends on your individual needs, budget, and shooting goals. If accuracy and customization are paramount, the 700 is the clear winner. If you’re looking for an affordable, ready-to-shoot rifle for basic hunting or recreational shooting, the 770 might suffice. However, consider the long-term value and potential limitations before making your decision. Remember, a rifle is an investment, and choosing wisely will ensure years of enjoyment and satisfaction.