Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman
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The Remington 700 is one of the most popular models of rifles in the entire world. With them so widespread, many might assume that the bolts on all of these guns are the same and can be used with other rifles. So are Remington 700 bolts actually interchangeable?
Remington 700 bolts are not interchangeable with each other. This is due to several different reasons, such as headspace requirements, safety concerns, and the fact there are many different models of the Remington 700.
This article will cover why Remington 700 bolts are not interchangeable, what could happen if you do swap them, and how you can safely replace the bolt in your Remington 700. Keep on reading to learn why this critical piece of the rifle cannot be simply swapped.
In this post, we'll cover:
Are All Remington 700 Rifles the Same?
One of the biggest reasons why you cannot simply swap bolts between two different Remington 700 rifles is due to the fact that there are many different models of the Remington 700. Each of these models has slight differences between each other, meaning that what works in one rifle might not work in the other.
As of right now, there are currently over 17 different models of the Remington 700 being produced. These all come in a wide variety of different styles, lengths, calibers, weights, and specifications. While they all use the same design of bolt and action, they are all still very different.
Why Remington 700 Rifles are Different One From Another
For example, a Remington 700 SPS might have very different tolerances and measurements when compared to a Remington 700 Varmint SF, even if they are both chambered for the same exact caliber. The results could be catastrophic, resulting in ruining your rifle or injuries to yourself due to a gun that is functioning improperly.
Overall, it is never a good idea to use parts or equipment for a gun that they were not designed for. If you have a specific Remington 700, you should only be using parts designed for the particular make and model of rifle.
Why Can’t You Swap Bolts In The Same Rifles?
I am sure someone is probably wondering, “what if I have two of the same model of Remington 700 in the same exact caliber?” While yes, it would make sense that you could swap the two bolts and have the guns work, it is still not a great idea. Even though the gun would most likely successfully fire and not cause any serious damage to you or the firearm, your accuracy will most likely suffer.
Headspacing in the Remington 700
This is due to head spacing. In firearms, headspace refers to the distance from a closed chamber’s breach face to the chamber stop that controls the depth of a cartridge that is placed inside it. In simpler terms, headspace is how far or deep a cartridge can be inserted into a gun.
Different bolts will have slightly different measurements and tolerances, changing the headspace. A headspace that is too short will most often have a cartridge fail to feed properly. Too long, and you will lose pressure and decrease the weapon’s accuracy. Even if you have two identical rifles in the same caliber, both guns will be slightly different, and the bolts are not exactly interchangeable.
Can You Change the Bolt in a Remington 700?
With all of that being said, is there any way to successfully change out a bolt from a Remington 700? Yes, there is! A gunsmith can order replacement bolts and adapt them to fit your rifle. They will properly take all of the necessary measurements (including the headspace) in order to ensure a proper fit. If any changes or tweaks need to be made, they have all of the necessary tools required to make them.
While you can buy your own bolt and insert it yourself, it is a good idea to have a gunsmith do it so that they can check the headspace first. As we mentioned, it may work fine, but if the headspace is not correct, you will have feeding issues or accuracy problems. A gunsmith will be able to quickly check and verify different headspace measurements and other important measurements to ensure that the bolt can be safely used.
If you are experiencing any problems with your bolt and want to swap it out, be sure to visit a gunsmith as well. They can often modify your existing bolt to fix whatever problem you may be experiencing. For example, if it is sticking or jamming, they have plenty of different ways to fix it. If you want a new bolt handle or knob, this can also be changed out without having to buy or use an entirely new bolt as well.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem logical to be able to swap bolts out in the same line of rifles, this is not always the case. Due to very small and important measurements, Remington 700 bolts are definitely not interchangeable like most would believe. If you ever have any concerns or problems with your current rifle bolt, do not be afraid of consulting your local gunsmith for help.
From accuracy problems to major safety issues, it is never a good idea to experiment with different gun parts if you do not know what you are doing. We hope this article was able to shed some light on some popular questions regarding the popular Remington 700 and the bolts they use.
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.
Sources
- https://www.huntingretailer.com/gear/rifles/rifle-headspace-important
- https://gundigest.com/headspace-101-what-happens-inside-your-rifles-chamber
- http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2008/01/rem-700-replacement-bolts/