1962 Remington 700: better than new?

[BigFatGuy]

I've got a chance to buy a 1962 Remington 700 30-06.

Price-wise, it's between the $450 ADL and the $700-and-up "nicer" models.

I know Remington has not exactly been knocking it out of the park lately quality wise... but I also know such problems are likely very rare in terms of how many rifles they build.

So, am I better off with modern mfg. methods but questionable QA, or something made 55 years ago?

If I buy new scope mounts/stock/trigger/etc... is it likely to fit?

[Varg Vikernes]

Yea if you compare an ADL to 60s manufacture the fit and finish won't be as good.

I would think scope mounts, stocks and triggers should work fine.

[Jimmy's]

A 1962 remington is a $500 rifle scope or not.

[John Browning]

Remington's problems are not rare. Get the old rifle.

[djc1965]

I'd say it's worth looking at for sure. My 1965 vintage 22-250 BDL shoots tiny groups and still looks great, even with the pressed checkering. Still has the original trigger which is light and crisp just like it was designed. It is a concern for some but I figure if you practice safe handling should never be a problem. Post a picture when you buy it. Love that 30-06 still the standard.

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[ar15barrels]

I know Remington has not exactly been knocking it out of the park lately quality wise... but I also know such problems are likely very rare in terms of how many rifles they build.

So, am I better off with modern mfg. methods but questionable QA, or something made 55 years ago?

The current production receivers are straighter/squarer/truer than the old guns.
The old guns had much more time spent polishing before bluing.

If you want a technically superior gun, get a new one.
If you want a cosmetically superior gun, get an old one.

[ar15barrels]

Remington's problems are not rare. Get the old rifle.

Actual problems with 700's (not caused by owners/users) are so uncommon that they generally can't be quantified by individuals.

If you think otherwise, tell us exactly what these supposed "problems" are that you have personally run into.
I'm not talking about the "I heard on the internet..." or "my buddy said..." type problems.
Please list the ACTUAL problems YOU have run into.

[BigFatGuy]

The current production receivers are straighter/squarer/truer than the old guns.
The old guns had much more time spent polishing before bluing.

If you want a technically superior gun, get a new one.
If you want a cosmetically superior gun, get an old one.

http://www.retting.com

retting@retting.com
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[John Browning]

Here you go Randall.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1351951

The quality of Remington is pathetic. I still haven't been able to fire a new Remington rifle that bought in July. Their customer service is absolutely horrendous. They are simply not competent.

[ar15barrels]

Here you go Randall.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1351951

Not a 700.
Not even a Remington.

[John Browning]

Made at the same plant in Ilion,NY. The warranty work all says Remington at the top, too.

Looks like you're a little out of touch.

[Bullets&Whitewalls]

I thought the 700 was the rifle of topic? I have both an adl and an sps which aren’t really too much different. I am pretty happy with them both. I have compared them both to my nieghbors and co workers early versions and I kind of felt that they early ones were sloppier but were definitely prettier. That said they all shoot pretty good.

[ar15barrels]

I thought the 700 was the rifle of topic?

It is, which is why I don't care about how well marlin lever guns are made.
I have Browning and Winchester lever guns because marlins have been crappy for 40+ years.

[TMB 1]

It is, which is why I don't care about how well marlin lever guns are made.
I have Browning and Winchester lever guns because marlins have been crappy for 40+ years.

I have a couple Marlin 94s that were made in the 80s that are pretty nice.

[LynnJr]

The gun is over 50 years old so you should consider the number of rounds likely down the barrel.
If it needs a new barrel which is highly likely you might as well get a new gun with a new barrel for the same price.
The Remington 700 is the 350 Chevy of the gun world.