Remington-700

[brinker]

I am looking for some info on a recent purchase. I've been in the market for a 700/243 Winchester, and I found one at my local pawn shop. I visited the shop several times to look at the weapon, and decited to arrange a purchase. The Serial number is B6411542 made in Ilion New York. I would like to know the date of manufacture. If any member can give me this info. It would be greatly appreciated. The 700 is nice to average shape. and sports a 4X Redfield scope.I plan to deer hunt with this 243. Thanks Sunny

[reynolds357]

I dont know about the age of the Rifle, but dont count on the scope being very good. All my old Redfields look like crap. I was told it is due to aging coatings, but who knows?

[hoghunting]

Remington uses a barrel code for manufacturer's date, see if this helps:

http://remingtonsociety.com/rsa/questions/barrelcodes

[steveNChunter]

That barrel code only works if you are sure thats the original barrel. Its two letters on the left side that translate to a certain month and year, and repeats itself eventually. For example if your second letter is an "A" it could either be an '80, or an '06 model, but other differences should help you figure out between that many years apart.

[mach1.3]

It narrows it down somewhat. My 700/.22-250s code indicated 1976 or 1988.
I'm pretty sure the rifle isn't a 1976 model but not 100% certain so 1988 it is.

[Rmart30]

I just picked up a new 700/243 for the GF a few weeks ago..... if your not wanting wood stocked Academy sports and outdoors has them with synthetic black stocks (every day price) of $379 . I couldnt even find one around here worth looking at in a pawn shop for under $425 used.

[brinker]

Hello hog hunting: Thank you very much that Remington web site did the trick She was made in November 1960. I removed the butt plate and the previous owner placed some information I apparently am the 3rd owner, not counting the pawn shop. Morris pawned her and never picked her up. and man was she dirty. I've been cleaning all day, and right now I am working on the 3rd coat linceed oil on the stock. I am very happy with the purchase, I traded for my-6 revolver S/W model 10, I haden't used it sense I retired from the SO. It was in average shape, I felt it was an even trade, all considered, the 700 was 14 years older than my S/W. and I assumed that from all the info, Speaking to Morris really confermed alot of info, Knowing where a gun has been is really neat. Be safe and shoot clean Sunny

[brinker]

I just wanted to thank everyone for there reply to my 700 build date question: I wanted something original and old and that redfield 4X is Okay, I will go to the range when it warms up, I've been working on her all day, and I like what I see. This web site is great, Thanks again youall be safe and shoot clean Sunny

[alex0535]

I would want a bit more than a 4x scope for a .243, but I really like both of the redfield scopes that I own.

[brinker]

Hi Alex: In the last 45 years I had one other Red Field Scope I don't recall its power, it's been a while. I did own a Winchester 243 Bolt action I installed a peep thru scope mount on a Weaver Scope, and I could never get that scope to completely zero. I had the Red Field mounted on a Ruger Mini 14, I liked it. I think that 4X will work fine for me. I very seldom have to take a shot over 125 yards. I hunt in a very heavy wooded area, in Texas. I previously hunted, and used a 30-30 Winchester its a model 94, no scope but it hits right on. I've even used my 1903 Springfield. Its also open sights. I have a friend that hunts in Abilene, all his shots are in the 100 to 145 yard range ,and he also has a Red Field Scope 4X: That 700 I've been talking about came with the Red Field, and I really can't afford another scope now. Good talking to ya. Be careful and shoot clean Sunny

[alex0535]

I can't speak much for the older redfields, but they were purchased by leupold and from what I understand their level of quality and their warranty has greatly improved since. All of their newer products carry a lifetime warranty i believe. The two I own are a 3-9x and a 4-12x and they are both quality optics, paid around 200 and 250 for them and have been very happy with both.

[brinker]

Moring Alex: Ya this scope was purchased in Oklahoma by the second owner, Morris. He thought in mid 70's. I don't think leopold had aquired Red Field. But the scope was professionally mounted and bore sighted, and it looks it the scope is in real nice shape and very clear. I did get her cleaned up, and it will be off to the range. Be careful and shoot clean Sunny

[reynolds357]

The old and new Redfields are nothing alike. Redfield was top of the line at one time. It was junk before going out of business. Now its about a VX1 1/2.

[math teacher]

I have two Redfield Bear Cubs four powers from the fifties. They were top of the line then and are still excellent optically.

[kilotanker22]

Hey brother remington did not introduce the model 700 until 1962. Not trying to call you out but just thought i would let you know.

[oneoldsap]

True there ! The 700 was introduced in 1962 . The 7mm Rem. mag. was intruduced along with it !

[reynolds357]

Math teacher, I think you had Redfields that pre-dated their use of lens coating.

[brinker]

Hey shooters: No offence taken, But the 60's may be ball park, and close enough for me. The other date was 1997, according to the code date, it has a short barrel, I think 22 inches. Maybe it was changed, If it was, the code could be right. the butt info made it impossible and Morris owned it long before 1997. and only hunted with it in Oklahoma. The previous owner, the Fellow Morris purchased it from, was at a farm liquidation, in the 70's. That's really all I know. I fired 100 grain in it and did a little adjustment, on the Red field 4X. She is loud.Had to nick name her Bessy. Thanks for all the replys Shoot safe and Clean Sunny