Understanding What Defines the Factory Magazine
What is a Factory Magazine?
A **Remington 700 factory magazine** is precisely what its name implies: a magazine manufactured by Remington Arms, the original maker of the Remington 700 rifle, specifically for use in their 700 series of rifles. Unlike aftermarket magazines, these are designed, manufactured, and tested to the same standards as the rifle itself. They are the direct result of Remington’s engineering expertise, designed to flawlessly interface with the rifle’s action and feeding system. The factory magazine is essentially the “stock” option, optimized for the specific nuances of the rifle it’s intended for.
The design and manufacturing process for a factory magazine are typically highly controlled. Remington aims to achieve a consistent level of quality, using materials and manufacturing processes that ensure durability and operational reliability. The components of the magazine, from the follower to the spring and body, are carefully selected and assembled to meet the demanding requirements of the rifle’s operation. This precision, coupled with strict quality control, is what sets a factory magazine apart and often gives it the edge in terms of performance and reliability.
Exploring the Diverse World of Remington 700 Magazines
Caliber Considerations
The landscape of **Remington 700 factory magazines** isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. The rifles themselves, and the rounds they fire, vary significantly. Consequently, Remington has produced a variety of magazines to accommodate different calibers, capacities, and even specific model variations of the 700.
The primary distinguishing factor in magazine variations is, of course, the caliber. Different calibers necessitate variations in the magazine’s dimensions, feed lips, and overall design to ensure proper feeding. Factory magazines are available in common chamberings such as .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and many others. Selecting the correct magazine for your specific caliber is paramount for avoiding malfunctions and ensuring the rifle functions as intended. Using a magazine designed for a different cartridge will inevitably cause problems, potentially leading to jams, failure to feed issues, or even damage to the firearm.
Magazine Capacity
Beyond caliber, the capacity of a magazine is another crucial factor. **Remington 700 factory magazines** are generally available in a range of capacities. Some models, particularly those intended for hunting, may come with a limited capacity of three or four rounds to comply with hunting regulations. Other magazines, designed for target shooting or tactical applications, might offer larger capacities of five rounds or more. The capacity choice is dependent on the purpose of the rifle and the user’s specific requirements.
Materials and Design
The materials used in the construction of a **Remington 700 factory magazine** also vary. The most common materials are steel and polymer. Steel magazines are often lauded for their robustness and durability, withstanding considerable wear and tear over time. However, they may be prone to rust if not properly maintained. Polymer magazines, on the other hand, are generally lighter, more resistant to corrosion, and sometimes feature enhanced ergonomic designs. Both materials offer benefits, and the best choice depends on the intended use and personal preference.
Another factor influencing magazine design is the rifle’s specific model and action. Some Remington 700 models utilize a hinged floorplate, allowing for rapid unloading. These rifles typically use magazines that fit flush with the bottom of the stock. Other models employ detachable box magazines, offering quick magazine changes and increased tactical flexibility. Ensuring the magazine is compatible with your specific Remington 700 model is essential for proper functionality.
Key Features and Characteristics of a Well-Designed Magazine
Construction and Durability
Several essential features contribute to the optimal performance of a **Remington 700 factory magazine**. Understanding these characteristics is vital for selecting the right magazine and maintaining its functionality.
The magazine’s construction plays a huge role in durability. The body of the magazine, the feed lips, and the baseplate must all be constructed from robust materials to withstand the stresses of repeated use, handling, and the occasional drop. A well-built magazine will exhibit minimal flex, even when fully loaded, and the components will fit together precisely. The materials used should resist corrosion and wear, allowing the magazine to function reliably for years.
Feed Reliability
Feed reliability is paramount. The design of the magazine must ensure that rounds are presented to the chamber at the correct angle and with the correct amount of force. This involves the shape and angle of the feed lips, the height of the follower, and the overall geometry of the magazine. Flawless feeding minimizes the risk of jams, stovepipes, and other malfunctions, enabling smooth and consistent operation.
Internal Components
The magazine spring and follower are also essential components. The spring provides the force needed to push the rounds up into the chamber. A strong and properly designed spring ensures reliable feeding even as the magazine empties. The follower, which sits atop the rounds, guides them upwards. A well-designed follower will smoothly and consistently guide each round without tilting or binding within the magazine body. It also minimizes friction within the magazine.
Ease of Use and Retention
Ease of loading and unloading is another significant factor. A well-designed **Remington 700 factory magazine** should allow the user to load rounds quickly and efficiently. The feed lips and the internal geometry should accommodate easy loading, minimizing the risk of damaging the ammunition. Similarly, the magazine should be easy to unload, either by pressing a release button or using the rifle’s bolt action to extract the rounds.
Finally, retention features are vital for ensuring the magazine stays securely in place during operation. The magazine latch or release mechanism must firmly secure the magazine within the rifle’s receiver. This prevents accidental magazine drops during firing or handling. A well-designed latch provides a positive engagement that can withstand recoil and other forces.
Compatibility and Variations: Making the Right Choice
Model Compatibility
Ensuring compatibility is fundamental to selecting the correct **Remington 700 factory magazine**. Understanding how magazine choices align with your specific rifle model, caliber, and intended application is critical.
Compatibility across the various Remington 700 models is not always uniform. Some models share common magazine designs, while others have distinct variations. For instance, the Model 700 ADL (Adl, or “Attached Door Loading”) typically utilizes a hinged floorplate, while the BDL (Better Deluxe Loading) has a hinged floorplate. Models with detachable box magazines require different magazine designs altogether. Always carefully check the specifications and manual for your particular Remington 700 model to determine the correct magazine type.
Caliber Compatibility
Caliber compatibility is a hard requirement. A **Remington 700 factory magazine** is specifically engineered to handle rounds of a certain diameter and length. The dimensions of the magazine’s feed lips, and the internal geometry, are configured to accommodate specific cartridge designs. Using a magazine designed for a different caliber will almost certainly lead to feeding problems, and it could potentially damage the rifle. Always verify the correct caliber for your magazine.
Factory vs. Aftermarket
When comparing **Remington 700 factory magazines** to aftermarket options, the core differences center on design and quality control. Factory magazines, designed to match the rifle’s engineering specifications, are developed with the exact fit and reliability that ensures the rifle performs as expected. Aftermarket magazines, while offering potential advantages in terms of cost, capacity, or features, might sacrifice some level of precision. This is not a rule; there are very high-quality aftermarket magazines. However, for those seeking guaranteed performance, the factory magazine frequently remains the best bet. Whether you should choose one over the other depends on the intended use of the rifle, the user’s budget, and the specific characteristics of the aftermarket magazine.
Caring for Your Magazine: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are vital for extending the lifespan and maximizing the performance of your **Remington 700 factory magazine**. This includes regular cleaning, proper storage, and troubleshooting common issues.
Cleaning and maintenance are relatively simple but essential. After each shooting session, or at least regularly, disassemble the magazine and remove any debris. Use a soft brush and solvent, if needed, to remove any buildup from the inside of the magazine body, feed lips, and the follower. Pay particular attention to the spring, ensuring it is free of dirt and debris. Lubricate the magazine sparingly with a light oil designed for firearms. This helps to prevent corrosion and ensures smooth feeding.
Storage
Proper storage is just as critical. When storing the magazine, do not store it fully loaded for extended periods. This can weaken the spring over time. Store the magazine in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Protecting your magazines from impact and damage is also critical. It’s wise to ensure they are stored in a safe manner.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Although **Remington 700 factory magazines** are generally very reliable, occasional issues may arise. Knowing how to troubleshoot these problems can save time and frustration. Feeding problems are very common. If the rifle experiences failures to feed, check the magazine. Inspect the feed lips for damage or deformation. Ensure the follower is moving freely and not binding. Check the spring for adequate tension. Another common issue is the magazine not locking into the rifle. Inspect the magazine latch and receiver for any damage or obstructions. If you are not capable of diagnosing these issues, seek professional gunsmith help.
Purchasing Guide and Important Considerations
Where to Purchase
Acquiring the right **Remington 700 factory magazine** involves understanding where to purchase, the price range, and other essential considerations.
Purchasing a factory magazine is generally straightforward. You can get them from authorized Remington dealers, reputable online retailers specializing in firearms, and at gun shows. Ensure you buy from a trusted source to ensure you are receiving a genuine factory magazine.
Price and Value
The price range for a **Remington 700 factory magazine** can vary depending on the specific model, capacity, and the seller. However, factory magazines are generally competitively priced relative to aftermarket options. The price reflects the quality of materials, precision manufacturing, and the overall reliability they offer.
Legal and Practical Considerations
When purchasing, consider factors such as the legal regulations regarding magazine capacity in your area. Also, think about the intended use of the rifle. Are you hunting, target shooting, or using the rifle for defensive purposes? The magazine’s capacity and design should match the application. Always ensure you comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms and magazines.
Conclusion: The Enduring Value of Factory Magazines
The **Remington 700 factory magazine** is a vital component, crucial to the rifle’s performance. By choosing the correct magazine, maintaining it properly, and understanding its features, you can ensure your Remington 700 operates reliably and consistently. The factory magazine embodies a commitment to quality, designed to integrate seamlessly with the rifle’s action.
Investing in genuine factory magazines offers long-term value, assuring the user that the performance of their iconic rifle will stay at its best. If you are new to owning a Remington 700, or are experiencing feeding issues, replacing or maintaining your factory magazine is likely the first step to consider. It is an investment in reliability, accuracy, and the longevity of your rifle.
Remember to maintain your magazines properly, and if you are in doubt, seek professional help! Ensure you understand the legal requirements around firearms and magazines in your area and always practice firearm safety!
