The Remington 700 is a legendary bolt-action rifle, prized by hunters, target shooters, and military personnel alike. Its enduring popularity stems from its accuracy, reliability, and modularity. One significant aspect of this modularity is the ability to thread the barrel, opening up a world of possibilities for customizing your firearm. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Remington 700 barrel threading, covering everything from why you might consider it to the process itself and important safety considerations.
Why Thread a Remington 700 Barrel?
Threading your Remington 700 barrel offers several compelling advantages:
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Suppressor Integration: This is arguably the most popular reason. Adding a suppressor significantly reduces the sound and recoil of your rifle, enhancing shooting comfort and minimizing hearing damage. The threaded barrel provides the secure mounting point for a suppressor.
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Flash Hiders/Muzzle Brakes: These accessories help mitigate muzzle flash and recoil, respectively. Both can improve accuracy and shooting experience, particularly in low-light conditions or during rapid firing.
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Enhanced Customization: Threading your barrel unlocks a range of muzzle device options, allowing you to fine-tune your rifle's performance to your specific needs and preferences.
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Increased Resale Value: A threaded barrel can increase the resale value of your Remington 700, as it appeals to a wider range of buyers.
Understanding the Threading Process
Threading a Remington 700 barrel is not a DIY project. It requires specialized tools and expertise. Attempting to thread it yourself can easily damage the barrel, rendering it unusable. You should always entrust this task to a qualified gunsmith.
The process typically involves:
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Barrel Removal: The gunsmith will first carefully remove the barrel from the receiver.
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Thread Cutting: Using a lathe and specialized cutting tools, the gunsmith will precisely cut the threads onto the barrel's muzzle. The thread pitch (the distance between each thread) must be accurate to ensure proper fit and function of the muzzle device. Common thread pitches include 5/8x24 and 1/2x28.
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Crown Recutting (Optional): The threading process may slightly damage the crown (the end of the barrel). A gunsmith may recut the crown to maintain accuracy.
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Inspection: After threading, the gunsmith will thoroughly inspect the barrel for any damage or imperfections.
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Reassembly: Once everything is satisfactory, the barrel will be reassembled onto the receiver.
Choosing the Right Thread Pitch
The thread pitch is crucial. Selecting the incorrect pitch will prevent your chosen muzzle device from fitting correctly. Always consult the manufacturer's specifications for your suppressor or muzzle brake to determine the appropriate thread pitch. Common pitches for Remington 700 barrels include:
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5/8x24: This is a popular and versatile thread pitch, compatible with many suppressors and muzzle devices.
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1/2x28: Another common choice, often used with smaller-caliber rifles.
Your gunsmith will be able to advise you on the best thread pitch for your specific needs.
Safety Precautions
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Professional Gunsmith: Never attempt to thread your barrel yourself. This requires specialized tools and expertise to prevent damage.
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Proper Lubrication: The gunsmith should use appropriate cutting lubricant to minimize heat buildup and barrel damage.
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Barrel Material: The barrel material affects the threading process. Steel barrels are generally easier to thread than other materials.
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Post-Threading Inspection: After threading, have a qualified gunsmith inspect the barrel for any imperfections.
Conclusion
Threading your Remington 700 barrel offers significant advantages for customization and performance enhancement. However, the process should only be undertaken by a qualified and experienced gunsmith to ensure accuracy and safety. Careful consideration of the thread pitch and other factors is crucial for optimal results. Investing in professional service will safeguard your valuable rifle and ensure its continued accuracy and longevity.
