The Remington 700 is a legendary bolt-action rifle, renowned for its accuracy and reliability. Adding a bull barrel significantly enhances these qualities, making it a popular choice for long-range shooting, target practice, and hunting applications demanding pinpoint precision. This comprehensive guide explores the benefits, considerations, and nuances of the Remington 700 bull barrel configuration.
Why Choose a Bull Barrel for Your Remington 700?
A bull barrel, characterized by its thicker, heavier profile compared to a standard barrel, offers several key advantages:
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Enhanced Accuracy: The increased mass of the bull barrel helps to dissipate heat more effectively. This reduces barrel harmonics and temperature fluctuations, leading to improved shot-to-shot consistency and enhanced accuracy. This is especially crucial during rapid fire or extended shooting sessions.
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Improved Stability: The heavier weight contributes to greater stability, minimizing recoil and improving follow-up shots. This is particularly beneficial for less experienced shooters who may struggle with recoil management.
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Greater Barrel Life: While the thicker barrel does add weight, it also increases the barrel's lifespan. The slower rate of heat buildup translates to less wear and tear on the rifling, extending the barrel's overall life before it requires re-barreling.
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Reduced Vibration: The added mass of the bull barrel significantly reduces barrel vibration, which can negatively affect accuracy. This results in tighter groups and more predictable shot placement.
Considerations When Choosing a Remington 700 Bull Barrel
While the benefits are significant, there are some factors to consider before opting for a bull barrel:
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Weight: The most noticeable drawback is the increased weight. This can make the rifle more cumbersome to carry and maneuver, especially during extended hunting trips or in challenging terrain.
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Cost: Bull barrels generally cost more than standard barrels due to the increased material and manufacturing processes involved.
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Balance: The added weight at the front of the rifle can alter its balance. Some shooters find this improvement, while others may need to adjust their shooting technique or add weight to the stock to counterbalance the heavier barrel.
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Caliber Compatibility: Ensure the bull barrel is compatible with your specific Remington 700's caliber. Incompatible barrels can lead to significant problems and unsafe conditions.
Different Bull Barrel Profiles
Bull barrels aren't all created equal. Several profiles exist, each offering slightly different characteristics:
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Heavy Varmint: A popular choice, offering a balance between accuracy, weight, and handling.
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Ultra-Heavy Varmint: Ideal for extreme long-range shooting, prioritizing accuracy above all else, but significantly increasing weight.
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Target Contour: Designed specifically for target shooting, emphasizing extreme accuracy with a slightly less extreme weight penalty than the ultra-heavy varmint.
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Tactical Contour: A compromise between weight and accuracy, offering better handling than pure target contours, but still maintaining superior accuracy compared to standard barrels.
Maintaining Your Remington 700 Bull Barrel
Proper maintenance is critical to maximize the lifespan and performance of your bull barrel:
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Regular Cleaning: Thorough and regular cleaning after each shooting session is vital to prevent fouling buildup, which can negatively impact accuracy.
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Proper Storage: Store the rifle in a cool, dry environment to prevent rust and corrosion.
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Professional Maintenance: Periodic professional inspection and maintenance are recommended to ensure the barrel remains in optimal condition.
Conclusion: Is a Bull Barrel Right for You?
The Remington 700 bull barrel offers significant advantages in accuracy and stability, making it an attractive upgrade for serious shooters. However, the increased weight and cost are important considerations. Whether or not a bull barrel is the right choice depends entirely on your shooting style, intended use, and individual preferences. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before making your decision to ensure you select the perfect setup for your needs.
