How To Disassemble A Remington Model 700

Ever feel like you're staring down the barrel of a complicated task? Like trying to assemble IKEA furniture after a particularly rough day? Or maybe figuring out your taxes without wanting to throw your laptop out the window? Well, taking apart a Remington Model 700 can feel a little like that at first. But trust me, it’s more like building with LEGOs – just a few key steps and you'll have it disassembled in no time. We're going to walk through how to disassemble it with some ease and humor, so you can learn some tricks and maybe even enjoy the process!

Safety First: More Important Than Finding Matching Socks

Okay, before we even think about touching tools, let's talk safety. Imagine walking into the kitchen to find your dog is getting into the cookie jar. You aren’t going to charge in there screaming. You take a breath and calmly move forward. Safety with firearms is the same way. This is paramount. Treat every firearm as if it's loaded, even if you just checked it. Double-check it. Triple-check it. Seriously. Pretend your grandma is watching you. Unload the rifle and remove the magazine (if applicable). Point the muzzle in a safe direction – somewhere where if it did go off, nobody would get hurt. A brick wall, maybe? Not towards your neighbor's prize-winning petunias.

Think of it this way: safety is like brushing your teeth. You might not want to do it, but you know it’s necessary to prevent a whole lot of pain and problems down the road.

Tools of the Trade: Your Disassembly Dream Team

Alright, now that we're all safe and sound, let's gather our tools. This isn't like needing every single gadget from a SkyMall catalog. We're going to keep it simple.

• Screwdrivers: A set of screwdrivers is your best friend. Get a set with various sizes. Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers will be your main tools. It is better to have some extras than realize you do not have the right one.
• Punch Set (optional): These are helpful for pushing out stubborn pins. They’re like little persuasive devices.
• Hammer (optional): Only for use with the punch set, and gently! We're not trying to demolish anything, just nudge it along. Use a rubber or nylon mallet to avoid scratches.
• Gun Cleaning Mat or Towel: This protects your rifle and your workspace. Think of it as a surgical table for your firearm. Plus, it catches any small parts that might try to escape. It is like a safety net for your tiny springs.
• Gun Oil: Because a happy rifle is a well-oiled rifle.

These are your core crew, like the starting lineup on your favorite sports team. If you have these, you're 90% of the way there.

The Disassembly Dance: Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, deep breath. We’re about to start the disassembly process. Remember, it's not a race. Take your time. If you get stuck, don't force anything. Go back, review the steps, and try again. It is like when you get stuck on a difficult level in a video game. You don't just throw the controller, you go back to the last checkpoint and try something new.

1. Removing the Bolt: The Key to the Castle

The bolt is like the king of the castle. You've got to remove it to get anywhere. First, make sure the rifle is unloaded. Seriously, check again. Then, locate the bolt release. It's usually on the left side of the receiver, near the rear. Press the bolt release while simultaneously pulling the bolt all the way back and out of the receiver. If it’s a little stiff, wiggle it gently. Don't use brute force! Just a little finesse.

That wasn’t so bad, right? You just dethroned the king! Now onto the next challenge.

2. Detaching the Stock: Separating Body and Soul

This is where the screwdrivers come into play. Look for the screws that hold the action (the metal part of the rifle) to the stock (the wooden or synthetic part). Typically, there are two screws: one near the front of the trigger guard and one near the rear. Carefully unscrew them. Be careful not to strip the screw heads. Apply steady pressure and turn slowly.

Once the screws are out, the action should lift away from the stock. Sometimes it's a little snug. A gentle wiggle can help, but don't force it. If it feels like it's stuck, double-check that you've removed all the screws. It is like trying to separate two LEGO bricks that have been stuck together for years. Patience is key.

3. Trigger Group Takedown: Proceed with Caution

Now we're getting into the trickier bits. The trigger group is a collection of springs, levers, and other small parts. It's like the inner workings of a clock – intricate and delicate. We need to be very careful here.

Look for any pins holding the trigger group in place. These are usually small, cylindrical pins that pass through the receiver. Using your punch set and a hammer (gently!), tap these pins out. Support the receiver on a solid surface and use a small hammer and punch to gently tap the pins out. Work from the non-domed side of the pin. Remember, gentle taps! We're not trying to send these pins into orbit.

As you remove each pin, pay close attention to the order in which the parts come out. Take pictures with your phone as you go. This will be a lifesaver when you're reassembling everything. It is like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs in the forest. If you get lost, you can always find your way back.

The trigger group should now be free from the receiver. Set it aside in a safe place. Do not disassemble the trigger group itself unless you are experienced. This is where things can get very tricky, very quickly. It's like trying to defuse a bomb – unless you know what you're doing, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

4. Bolt Disassembly: The Inner Sanctum

Now, let's tackle the bolt. The Model 700 bolt is a marvel of engineering, but it can be disassembled with a little care. The exact method varies depending on the specific model and age of your rifle, but the general principle is the same.

Typically, you'll need to depress the firing pin and rotate a portion of the bolt shroud to release the firing pin assembly. This can be a little tricky, as the firing pin spring is under tension. Be sure to keep control of the parts as you disassemble the bolt to prevent them from flying across the room. It is like trying to contain a jack-in-the-box. Always be prepared for a sudden spring.

Again, take pictures as you go. Note the orientation of each part. This is especially important for the firing pin spring and the bolt shroud. Once you have the bolt disassembled, clean each part thoroughly with a brush and solvent. Inspect them for any signs of wear or damage.

Once you have the bolt disassembled, be sure to clean each part thoroughly with a brush and solvent. Inspect them for any signs of wear or damage.

5. Cleaning and Inspection: The Spa Treatment

With everything disassembled, now's the time to give your rifle a good cleaning. Use a good quality gun solvent and a brush to remove any carbon buildup, dirt, or grime. Pay special attention to the barrel, the bolt face, and the trigger group (if you disassembled it – remember, proceed with caution!).

After cleaning, inspect all the parts for wear and tear. Look for cracks, chips, or excessive wear. Replace any parts that are damaged or worn. It is like giving your car a tune-up. A little maintenance now can prevent big problems later.

Reassembly: Putting the Puzzle Back Together

Okay, you've successfully disassembled your Remington Model 700. Congratulations! Now comes the fun part: putting it all back together. This is where those pictures you took earlier will come in handy. If you didn't take pictures, don't panic. There are plenty of online resources and videos that can help you.

Reassembly is essentially the reverse of disassembly. Start with the bolt, then the trigger group, then attach the action to the stock. Make sure all the screws are tightened securely, but don't over-tighten them.

Here are a few tips for successful reassembly:

• Take your time: Don't rush. If something doesn't fit, don't force it. Double-check your work and make sure you're doing it correctly.
• Use a gun oil: Lubricate all moving parts with a good quality gun oil. This will help to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
• Refer to your pictures: If you get stuck, refer to the pictures you took during disassembly. They will be invaluable.
• Test the function: Once you've reassembled the rifle, test the function to make sure everything is working correctly. Check the trigger pull, the safety, and the bolt operation.

If everything checks out, congratulations! You've successfully disassembled and reassembled your Remington Model 700. You've gone from feeling like you were staring down the barrel of a complicated task to feeling like a seasoned gunsmith. Give yourself a pat on the back!

Final Thoughts: You're a Gun-Disassembling Guru!

Disassembling a Remington Model 700 might seem daunting at first, but with a little patience, the right tools, and a good dose of humor, it's totally achievable. Remember, safety first, take your time, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Now go forth and conquer your firearms, one disassembly at a time!