Remington 700 vs 770: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Shooters

Choosing the right rifle can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. For decades, Remington has been a trusted name in firearms, and two of their most popular models, the Remington 700 and the Remington 770, often find themselves in direct competition. This comprehensive remington 700 vs 770 comparison will delve deep into the nuances of each rifle, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and shooting preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a first-time rifle owner, understanding the differences between these two rifles is crucial. We’ll explore everything from their actions and triggers to their accuracy and overall reliability, providing you with the knowledge to confidently choose the best option for your specific applications. We aim to provide a detailed and trustworthy analysis based on expert knowledge and practical experience.

Understanding the Legacy: The Remington 700

The Remington 700 is a bolt-action rifle that has been a staple in the shooting community since its introduction in 1962. Its reputation for accuracy, reliability, and versatility has made it a favorite among hunters, target shooters, and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The 700’s design is based on a cylindrical action, which provides a strong and rigid platform for consistent accuracy. Over the years, the Remington 700 has been offered in a wide variety of calibers, stock options, and configurations, making it adaptable to a wide range of shooting disciplines. The 700’s popularity has also led to a robust aftermarket, with numerous manufacturers offering upgrades and accessories to further enhance its performance and customization.

The Remington 700’s enduring appeal lies in its combination of proven design, reliable performance, and widespread availability. It’s a rifle that has stood the test of time and continues to be a top choice for shooters of all levels. Its simple, yet effective design allows for easy maintenance and repair, contributing to its long-term value. Many consider the Remington 700 to be the gold standard for bolt-action rifles, and its influence can be seen in many other rifle designs.

The Modern Contender: The Remington 770

The Remington 770 is a bolt-action rifle designed as a more budget-friendly alternative to the venerable Remington 700. Introduced later, it aims to provide a reliable and accurate shooting platform at a lower price point. The Remington 770 is often marketed as a ready-to-hunt package, typically including a pre-mounted scope, which makes it an attractive option for beginners or those looking for an affordable and complete setup. While it shares some similarities with the 700, there are key differences in its design, construction, and features that set it apart.

The Remington 770 utilizes a different action design than the 700, which contributes to its lower cost. It also features a detachable magazine, which some shooters find more convenient than the internal magazine of the standard 700. The 770 is generally available in a more limited range of calibers and configurations compared to the 700. While it may not offer the same level of customization or aftermarket support as the 700, the Remington 770 provides a viable option for shooters on a budget who are looking for a functional and reliable rifle for hunting or recreational shooting.

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

To truly understand the differences between these two rifles, let’s break down their key features and compare them side-by-side:

Action Design

The Remington 700 features a cylindrical action that is renowned for its strength and rigidity. This design provides a stable platform for the bolt and contributes to the rifle’s inherent accuracy. The bolt locks into the receiver with two opposing lugs, providing a secure and consistent lockup. The Remington 770, on the other hand, utilizes a different action design that is simpler and less expensive to manufacture. While it is still a functional and reliable action, it may not offer the same level of strength or rigidity as the 700’s action.

Trigger Mechanism

The Remington 700 has seen several trigger designs over its lifespan, including the older style triggers and the X-Mark Pro trigger. While the X-Mark Pro trigger was intended to be an improvement, it faced some criticism and led to recalls. Many 700 owners opt for aftermarket triggers to achieve a lighter, crisper, and more consistent trigger pull. The Remington 770 typically comes with a factory trigger that is generally considered to be adequate for hunting purposes, but it may not offer the same level of precision or adjustability as the aftermarket triggers available for the 700.

Magazine System

The standard Remington 700 typically features an internal magazine with a hinged floorplate for unloading. Some 700 variants are available with detachable magazines, but these are less common. The Remington 770 comes standard with a detachable magazine, which many shooters find to be more convenient for loading and unloading, especially in the field. The detachable magazine also allows for faster reloading compared to the internal magazine of the standard 700.

Stock Options

The Remington 700 is available with a wide variety of stock options, ranging from traditional wood stocks to modern synthetic stocks. The 700’s popularity has also led to a large aftermarket of stock upgrades, allowing shooters to customize the fit and feel of their rifle to their individual preferences. The Remington 770 is typically offered with a synthetic stock, which is durable and weather-resistant. While the 770’s stock may not offer the same level of aesthetic appeal or customization options as the 700’s stock, it is a functional and practical choice for most hunting applications.

Accuracy Potential

The Remington 700 is widely known for its accuracy potential, and it has been used in competitive shooting disciplines for decades. The 700’s strong action, precise barrel, and aftermarket support contribute to its ability to deliver consistent and accurate shots. The Remington 770 can also be accurate, especially for hunting purposes. While it may not be able to achieve the same level of precision as a finely tuned 700, the 770 is capable of delivering accurate shots at typical hunting ranges.

Caliber Availability

The Remington 700 is available in a vast array of calibers, ranging from small varmint calibers to large magnum calibers suitable for big game hunting. This wide range of caliber options makes the 700 a versatile choice for a wide range of shooting applications. The Remington 770 is typically offered in a more limited range of calibers, focusing on the most popular hunting calibers. While the 770’s caliber selection may not be as extensive as the 700’s, it still provides adequate options for most hunting needs.

Advantages and Benefits: Why Choose One Over the Other?

The choice between the Remington 700 and the Remington 770 ultimately comes down to your individual needs, budget, and shooting preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and benefits of each rifle:

Remington 700: Advantages

• Superior Accuracy: The 700’s strong action, precise barrel, and aftermarket support contribute to its exceptional accuracy potential.
• Vast Customization Options: The 700’s popularity has led to a huge aftermarket of upgrades and accessories, allowing shooters to customize their rifle to their exact specifications.
• Wide Caliber Selection: The 700 is available in a vast array of calibers, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting applications.
• Proven Reliability: The 700 has been a trusted rifle for decades, and its reputation for reliability is well-deserved.
• Higher Resale Value: Due to its reputation and demand, the Remington 700 typically holds its value better than the 770.

Remington 770: Advantages

• Affordability: The 770 is significantly less expensive than the 700, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters.
• Ready-to-Hunt Package: The 770 is often sold as a complete package with a pre-mounted scope, making it a convenient option for beginners.
• Detachable Magazine: The 770’s detachable magazine is easier to load and unload than the internal magazine of the standard 700.
• Adequate Accuracy for Hunting: The 770 is capable of delivering accurate shots at typical hunting ranges.
• Simple and Functional Design: The 770’s simple design makes it easy to maintain and operate.

Consider your primary shooting needs and budget when making your decision. If accuracy, customization, and caliber selection are your top priorities, the Remington 700 is the clear choice. If you’re on a budget and looking for a reliable and functional rifle for hunting, the Remington 770 is a viable option.

In-Depth Review: A Closer Look at Each Rifle

Remington 700: A Time-Tested Classic

The Remington 700 has earned its reputation as a top-tier bolt-action rifle through decades of consistent performance and innovation. The action is smooth and reliable, and the trigger (especially with aftermarket upgrades) can be tuned to provide a crisp and consistent pull. The wide range of stock options allows shooters to find the perfect fit for their body type and shooting style. Our extensive experience shows that the 700 is capable of delivering exceptional accuracy, especially when paired with quality ammunition and a skilled shooter. The aftermarket support for the 700 is unparalleled, with countless options for barrels, triggers, stocks, and other upgrades. The 700 is a versatile platform that can be adapted to a wide range of shooting disciplines, from hunting to target shooting to competitive shooting.

Pros:

• Exceptional accuracy potential
• Extensive customization options
• Wide range of caliber options
• Proven reliability and durability
• High resale value

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to the 770
• Factory trigger may require replacement for optimal performance
• Internal magazine can be less convenient than a detachable magazine
• Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the vast array of options
• Some older models may have trigger issues requiring gunsmithing

Ideal User Profile: The Remington 700 is best suited for experienced shooters who demand the highest level of accuracy and customization. It’s also a good choice for those who are willing to invest in aftermarket upgrades to optimize performance. The 700 is a versatile platform that can be adapted to a wide range of shooting disciplines.

Remington 770: A Budget-Friendly Option

The Remington 770 offers a more affordable entry point into the world of bolt-action rifles. While it may not offer the same level of refinement or customization as the 700, it provides a functional and reliable shooting platform for hunting and recreational shooting. The detachable magazine is a convenient feature, and the synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant. In our testing, the 770 delivered adequate accuracy for typical hunting ranges, making it a viable option for budget-conscious hunters. The pre-mounted scope is a nice bonus for beginners, allowing them to get started without having to purchase additional accessories.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Ready-to-hunt package with pre-mounted scope
• Detachable magazine for easy loading and unloading
• Durable and weather-resistant synthetic stock
• Simple and easy to use

Cons:

• Lower accuracy potential compared to the 700
• Limited customization options
• Smaller caliber selection
• Factory trigger may not be as crisp or consistent as desired
• May not hold its value as well as the 700

Ideal User Profile: The Remington 770 is best suited for beginners or budget-conscious shooters who are looking for a reliable and functional rifle for hunting or recreational shooting. It’s a good choice for those who don’t require a high level of accuracy or customization.

Key Alternatives: Other rifles in this price range include the Savage Axis and the Ruger American. These rifles offer similar features and performance to the Remington 770.

Making the Right Choice

In summary, both the Remington 700 and 770 offer distinct advantages. The 700 stands out with its superior accuracy, extensive customization options, and proven track record, making it a favorite among experienced shooters and those seeking a versatile platform. On the other hand, the 770 provides an affordable and practical solution for beginners or those with budget constraints, offering a reliable hunting rifle in a convenient package. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider your budget, intended use, and desired level of customization when making your decision. Whether you opt for the time-tested Remington 700 or the budget-friendly Remington 770, you can be confident that you’re choosing a rifle from a reputable manufacturer with a long history of producing quality firearms. We encourage you to consider your shooting needs to make the best decision.