Remington Model 7 vs. 700 SA

[1tfl]

What is the difference between the Remington model 7 and model 700 short action rifle? I don't mean the cosmetics like different stock and slim barrel but the action and bolt. Are they in fact same?

[jmr40]

The 7 is a shorter lighter action, but the loading ejection port is larger making it easier to load and eject. The rear receiver bridge is very short and original 7's were only drilled with one scope mounting hole on the rear making a 1 piece base the only option. Newer guns have 2 holes drilled very close together.

The 7 action is the better choice if you are looking to build a lightweight hunting rifle. The SA 700 action is the better target rifle platform, and to be honest for the small weight difference I'd personally just as soon work with the SA 700 action for everything. That is just my preference though. Lots of model 7 fans like their rifles.

[steveNChunter]

Same trigger and safety, Model 7 is a shorter reciever/bolt. If you want to load heavy-for-caliber bullets seated out pretty far you will probably run into issues with the Model 7's magazine being too short. The other big thing to consider is if you want to put a different stock on the rifle there are ALOT more available for the 700 than the 7. But barrels and triggers should be interchangable.

For a hunting rifle, the 7 is every bit as good as the 700 provided you aren't shooting a cartridge longer than the .308 family, like a 6mm remington or .257 roberts.

For a target rifle, I'd pick the 700 for the bigger aftermarket and longer magazine.

There isn't a "better" action between the two IMO.

I've got a model 7 in .243 that I'm considering rebarreling to a 1:9 twist .220 swift and dropping in a Boyd's laminate stock. I have a model 700 varmint special in 6mm rem that simply shoots too good to mess with. So I'm going against my own advice, building the 7 and keeping the 700 factory.

[GeauxTide]

What they said. The 7 also has an 18-20" skinny barrel compared to 22" for the SA.

[1tfl]

Thank you for your replies.
One of my neighbor has one for sale and I picked it up today.
It's a stainless model 7 in .243 with black textured stock. The barrel is 20" in length but very skinny. It's about 15 y/o but looks great. The rifle is very light and the stock seems to feel a little shorter than my other hunting rifles (mostly Remington, Savage and Winchesters). I got it to use as my walking rifle where I'll appreciate the light weight. I'll get a 2-7 power scope for it and then get it sighted in.

[James K]

IIRC, the Model 7 is built on the old Model 600 action, while the 700SA is the short version of the 700 action, made for short cartridges. Remington has gotten a lot of mileage out of both actions. The 600 action began as the XP-100 pistol in 1963, then the action was used on the 600, 660 and Mohawk rifles, then on the Model 7. It is a shorter and lighter action than that of the 700 and was made only as a short action. The 700 action was made in two lengths, but the short 700 action has more in common with the long 700 than it does with the Model 7 action.

Both are fine actions, but I really like the Model 7 in 7mm-08, which I think would be an excellent choice for medium game. Someday, if I save my pennies, I might get one. (I would love a full length schnabel stock in solid walnut, but they don't make it that way.)

Jim

[Paul B.]

Jim has it right on the basis of the M7 action. The M600, 660 and 600 Mohawk are it's daddy. I still have my M660 in .308 and no way is it for sale.
Paul B.

[steveNChunter]

I have a Model 660 in 6mm rem, it's one of my favorite rifles.

Jim has it right on the basis of the M7 action. The M600, 660 and 600 Mohawk are it's daddy.

This is true, but they aren't exactly the same as the 7 is slightly shorter, different bolt handle and guard screw spacing. Also you can add the 40-X target action and XP-100 action to that kindred family of actions.