Picatinny rail for Remington 700
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The Remington 700 is one of the most common bolt-action rifles, and therefore many Picatinny rails and mounting solutions are available for the platform. The wide selection is an advantage, but it also means you need to choose a rail based on the specific rifle, not just the model name.
The most important thing is to check the action length, model variant, and hole spacing before ordering. Picatinny rails for Remington 700 Short Action and Long Action must be selected separately and cannot be easily interchanged.
What to check before purchase
Before choosing a Picatinny rail for your Remington 700, you should check:
- Whether the rifle is Short Action or Long Action
- The precise model designation and any variants
- Whether the rifle is original, modified, or built on an aftermarket receiver
- Whether the A/B/C measurements match the rail you intend to order
- Which MOA variants are available for that specific rail
- If the product page states any special conditions regarding screws, torque, or mounting
Action length is often related to cartridge length, but caliber should not be the sole basis for choosing a rail. Always check the specific rifle and compare it with the measurements provided on the product page. If in doubt, you can use the guide for A/B/C measurements.
Guide to Remington 700 system lengths
The Remington 700 primarily comes in two system lengths. The table can be used as a quick reference, but it does not replace checking the specific rifle and the A/B/C measurements provided on the product page.
In the shop, we use Short Action and Long Action as selection names for the two physical system lengths of the Remington 700. It is therefore the receiver's measurements and hole spacing that are crucial, not just the caliber.
| System Length | Typical Calibers |
|---|---|
| Short Action (SA) | .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win |
| Long Action (LA) | .270 Win, .30-06 Springfield, 6.5x55 SE, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag |
Caliber can indicate an action length, but practical verification always involves A/B/C measurements and product page compatibility. There are special models, older vintages, and custom-built rifles where the receiver and caliber do not necessarily follow the expected division. Therefore, always check the physical measurements of your own rifle before ordering.
Typical errors and pitfalls
The most common mistake is choosing a rail based on caliber alone. A caliber can provide an indication of the action length, but it is not a foolproof method. There can be differences in model variants, older rifles, and rifles that have been modified or rebuilt.
Another mistake is mixing Short Action and Long Action. The two systems have different measurements, and a rail for one action length should not be chosen for the other. If in doubt, the measurements on the rifle must be checked before ordering.
It can also cause problems to assume that all Remington 700-based solutions are identical. Choose a rail based on the specific model and the compatibilities stated on the product page. If a rail also fits other models, it should be clearly indicated there.
Finally, you should be aware of used or modified rifles. If the rifle has previously been to a gunsmith, the threads, holes, or mounting surface may deviate from what is expected. If the screws do not fit naturally, or if the rail does not lie flat, mounting should be stopped and checked.
Material, MOA, and use
Choose MOA and material based on the specific Remington 700 rail, the optics, and the rifle's use. Read more about MOA cant in the knowledge center.
Mounting and inspection
The rail must lie flat, and the screws should not be forced. Always follow the instructions for the specific rail: HG indicates oil on contact surfaces/screws and 3.5 Nm; Nieload indicates oil on contact surfaces, threadlocker on screws, 2.8 Nm, and removal of adhesive residue. See the guide to mounting a Picatinny rail for the basic steps.
Find the right rail
Browse the selection of Picatinny rails for Remington, and choose the rail that matches your specific Remington 700 model, action length, and the measurements provided on the product page.
FAQ
Are Remington 700 Short Action and Long Action compatible?
No. Short Action and Long Action have different dimensions, and Picatinny rails for the two action lengths must be chosen separately.
Can I choose a Picatinny rail based on caliber?
Not as the sole basis. Caliber can provide an indication, but action length and hole spacing must be checked on the specific rifle.
What if my Remington 700 has been modified or rebuilt?
Then you should check the measurements, threads, and mounting surface extra thoroughly. If the screws do not fit naturally, or if the rail does not lie flat, mounting should be stopped and checked.