I think I have narrowed down my choices to these three guns. The first is a 1968 Remington Model 700 BDL. It is a nice old gun. Aluminum buttplate. All original, but I would say is an honest 85-90% gun given its age. It has wear on the bluing, no rust, and a few dings in the stock. Asking price is $465. It is an unknown in terms of how it would shoot. The new model 70 looks like a very nice gun and is supposed to shoot great. Same with the CZ 550. The CZ's were a very good deal a few years ago, but the prices are a lot higher on them now. I have a CZ 527 Kevlar Varmint in 223 that I love and an 83, 75 and 85 pistol along with some .22 rifles. Really like the CZ's but feel the quality isn't quite what it was 10 years ago for their rifles. They probably still shoot great though. The 700 is the cheapest option, but is it worth taking a chance on an older gun? Wait for something else to come along? Not sure what 700's are selling for elsewhere. Prices on Gunbroker always seem high to me anyway.
Old Remington 700 or New Model 70 or CZ 550
- Thread starter makarov
- Start date
Depends on the caliber and if you plan on keeping it original or building. If you just want a shooter straight out of the box I'd go with the CZ. It's pretty much a sure thing. If you want to build a "shooter" I'd go with the Remington 700. May turn out to be shooter as is but definitely worthy of custom work and being a tack driver. Explanation.
My CZ .223 shoots 1/4 MOA for $700.00 + scope. MY old 1970 vintage 30-06 700 BDL shoots 1/4 MOA for "about" $600.00 + scope. That's original skinny barreled action in a Bell and Carson stock and Jewell trigger. My custom built 308. 700 BDL shoots 1/8 MOA for $1,200.00 + scope. That's custom stock, barrel, Jewell trigger and action truing.
CZ is nice. 700 in 06 is really nice. 700 in .308 is "superb".
My CZ .223 shoots 1/4 MOA for $700.00 + scope. MY old 1970 vintage 30-06 700 BDL shoots 1/4 MOA for "about" $600.00 + scope. That's original skinny barreled action in a Bell and Carson stock and Jewell trigger. My custom built 308. 700 BDL shoots 1/8 MOA for $1,200.00 + scope. That's custom stock, barrel, Jewell trigger and action truing.
CZ is nice. 700 in 06 is really nice. 700 in .308 is "superb".
The new production 70's are the best Winchesters ever made, and the best USA made rifle of the major manufactureres. Some of the smaller companies such as Kimber, Montana, and NULA might be a bit better, but with prices that reflect so.
I don't really care for Remingtons, especially the BDL's, but if price is a major concern the 700 will likely serve you well and save you a little money. I understand the appeal of having a gun made in the year of your birth. I have a Winchester 94 and Marlin 336 made in 1958 for the same reason.
I don't really care for Remingtons, especially the BDL's, but if price is a major concern the 700 will likely serve you well and save you a little money. I understand the appeal of having a gun made in the year of your birth. I have a Winchester 94 and Marlin 336 made in 1958 for the same reason.