Advice for avoiding a lemon

brmfan · December 25, 2010, 02:07 PM

I would like to find a beater Rem 700 short action at a pawn shop so I can refinish & rebarrel for a custom build. I plan a full action/ bolt truing job when I get the barrel installed (probably a Mike Rock .260 in 5R). Are there any specifics I should look for and avoid when checking used receivers?
Thanks and Merry Christmas!

James K · December 25, 2010, 07:07 PM

I would look for any signs of tampering, especially in the trigger area. Look for filing or grinding on the trigger parts, on the cocking piece or on the bolt. You are not really concerned about neglect; your concern is with damage or amateur gunsmithing that would reduce safety.

I don't know if they still do, but Remington used to sell actions to gunsmiths, and you might explore that route; that way the action would be new and at least some of the extra cost would be made up for by the gunsmith not having to strip an old gun down to the action.

Jim

brmfan · December 25, 2010, 11:25 PM

Jim- Great info, thanks! I probably would never have scrutinized those areas.

December 25, 2010, 02:07 PM	#1
brmfan Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2008 Posts: 557	Advice for avoiding a lemon I would like to find a beater Rem 700 short action at a pawn shop so I can refinish & rebarrel for a custom build. I plan a full action/ bolt truing job when I get the barrel installed (probably a Mike Rock .260 in 5R). Are there any specifics I should look for and avoid when checking used receivers? Thanks and Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2010, 07:07 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I would look for any signs of tampering, especially in the trigger area. Look for filing or grinding on the trigger parts, on the cocking piece or on the bolt. You are not really concerned about neglect; your concern is with damage or amateur gunsmithing that would reduce safety. I don't know if they still do, but Remington used to sell actions to gunsmiths, and you might explore that route; that way the action would be new and at least some of the extra cost would be made up for by the gunsmith not having to strip an old gun down to the action. Jim

December 25, 2010, 11:25 PM	#3
brmfan Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2008 Posts: 557	Jim- Great info, thanks! I probably would never have scrutinized those areas.