Remington's Model 700 BDL 50th Anniversary Edition

My Remington Model 700 BDL in 7mm Remington Magnum was received as a Christmas gift from my wife and children in 1980. That was roughly thirty two years ago, or eighteen years after the model and cartridge combination had been introduced.

Remington has offered over 900 configurations of the Model 700, each varying in details such as: caliber, stock type, barrel type and weight, material used in hardware and stock, trigger types, magazine type, etc. Since 1962, over five million Remington Model 700 rifles have found their way into the hands of consumers and there seems to be no end to demand. The premium grade Model 700 BDL, chambered for the 7mm Remington Magnum, is iconic and the configuration Remington chose to commemorate the success and longevity of the Model 700. Which takes us to the Remington Model 700 BDL 50th Anniversary model, pictured left.

All Model 700s have a number of elements that contribute to their appeal. The one most often touted is the safety and strength of the “three rings of steel” design. A cartridge is enclosed in the gun’s chamber, a recessed bolt face surrounds the cartridge case head and closes on lock up into a counter-bored breech and the cylindrical receiver encloses both.

Additionally, the cylindrical receiver is easy to bed, which contributes to the Model 700’s well earned reputation for accuracy. The current X-Mark Pro adjustable trigger exhibits no creep, has minimal over travel and releases the sear consistently. Quality materials are used throughout and process finish assures durability. Finally, regardless the Model 700 variation, they are all good looking rifles.

The 50th Anniversary Model 700 BDL has some fancy touches added to the equation in the form of a “B” grade, nicely figured, satin finished walnut stock. The anniversary model also features more elaborate checkering panels that are punctuated with Fleur-Di-Lis and satin bluing. This differs from the standard BDL which still closely follows early models, above right; skip line checkering, a gloss finished stock and straight grain walnut.

The standard BDL has a jeweled bolt body, where the anniversary model’s bolt is blued to match the barrel and receiver. My early BDL is still wearing its original OmniVision Tasco Scope with its range estimator set to “Elk”. Great expectations. Three decades old, it was a very inexpensive scope, yet it has crystal clear, bright optics thanks to something can SuperCon Coating. That was the best $80 I ever spent at Service Merchandise… before they went out of business.

More than appearance work, the Anniversary stock also has different geometry. Below, the Anniversary uses the slim lines of the newer CDL model from the pistol grip forward with a narrow more angular forearm and rounded forend. The early model has a wide forearm and an angular forend.

Below – Both rifles have the same Monte Carlo comb and cheek piece. The Anniversary model’s pistol grip extends downward a bit and had a more gentle radius. It’s trigger guard is formed in a larger loop to better accommodate gloved hands.

The 7mm Remington Magnum – another success story

In 1962, a time when the 270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield were considered heavy deer rifles and the 243 Winchester and 30-30 WCF were often considered the norm, the 7mm Remington Magnum was a flat shooting, heavy hitter that helped usher in the then new Remington Model 700. It remains a heavy hitter today and the cartridge is currently seeing another resurgence in popularity.

The little 7mm-08 Remington, far left, has done a great job as a deer, black bear and hog rifle. The 7mm Remington Magnum does the same at a distance and adds moose, elk and antelope at an even greater distance. I’ve hand loaded the 7mm Remington Magnum up and down the performance and bullet weight scale, from 120 grains to 175 grains with 160 grain my favorite. 120 grains can push 3,500 fps and 175 a bit over 2,900 fps. Accurate loads are easy to assemble, there is a myriad of bullet types available and handloads are easy on brass. I don’t get much more out of the 7mm Ultra Mag, pictured far right.

Recoil and muzzle blast are relatively tame. Range sessions aren’t punishing and follow up shots are easy. Don’t get me wrong, the 7mm Remington Magnum brings a lot of authority to hunting situations, but it isn’t difficult to handle.

Gertrude Stein said it best when she said, “A Model 700 is a Model 700 is a Model 700”

All Model 700’s are the same at the core, which is why a $700 Model 700 SPS will shoot as accurately as a $1,000 Model 700 CDL and both are very accurate. What varies from one price tag to the next is generally types of materials and degree of finish so a shooter with a tight budget can still own a Remington and get the practical benefits, then come back at a later date and go for the  Remington custom shop and all it has to offer. 

If you’ve not had the pleasure of owning a classic Remington Model 700 BDL, chambered for the 7mm Remington Magnum, this is probably a good opportunity to get one that is a little bit special.