Converting the Remington Model 700 to Single-Shot

Many competition shooters have come to understand that the full accuracy potential of the Remington Model 700 can only be realized by making its action more rigid near its center. As a result, many of these shooters are opting to have the magazine-fed M700 converted to a single-shot rifle. This requires making up a special bedding block to replace the magazine assembly. This bedding block also serves as a cartridge-loading ramp.

At the same time, some of these shooters will also want to change to a custom stock that has the magazine cutout filled in, or they may choose to switch to a Remington Model ADL stock that has a blind magazine. Either way, the conversion can benefit the shooter in many ways; and, of course, any such custom work can benefit the creative gunsmith who’s prepared to do the work. I find that aluminum works well for making the combination beddingblock/cartridge ramp.

Aluminum machines well and is sufficiently durable in this application when shaped and bedded into position. Making the Bedding-Block/ Cartridge Ramp To make the block, first make a pattern by pressing apiece of paper against the milled cutout from which the original magazine housing has been removed. Use the pattern to mark the aluminum block for cutting and milling.

The pillar block should fit squarely against the flat, milled surfaces inside the magazine cutout, and thus must be milled perfectly flat to mate with these precision surfaces. I used a standard 1/2-inch mill to shape the part. The upper configuration of the pillar must have a matching taper where it enters the machined receiver cutout. Here, a bit of creativity can be helpful in shaping the part. Having shaped the major dimensions, the bolt race is cut where it

The screw is later removed to release the action from the pillar bed. The two parts form a very solid bed for the action, completing the single-shot conversion. passes over the ramp. A ball-end mill does the job here. Mill the bolt race a few thousandths of an inch below the bolt for clearance. The inclined cartridge ramp is then milled into the block. I use a 9/16-inch end mill and carefully make a few passes at a time.

The cartridge groove is cut at about a 7-degree slant, half way along the length of the top surface of the pillar.

Bedding the Pillar into the Stock A recess must be cut into the stock for the bedding block, and adequate depth and side clearance for the glass bedding material must be allowed for. (If the Remington ADL-style stock is used, the cutout is already provided.) For this project, I had a stock made up by Bell & Carlson Gunstocks Dodge City, KS 67801; without the magazine cutout, so all I had to do was mill out the recess for the bedding block.

This was done with a 1/4-inch end mill, which formed the perfect radius for the corners of the bedding block. I allowed about 1/8 inch of clearance below the block for the Brownells Steel Bedding material. Before bedding the block in place, it should be temporarily attached to the action in the exact position it will assume when permanently bedded. This can be done by fastening a metal clip across the receiver rails, held in place by a short screw tapped into the top center of the bedding block.

This part is about the size of a postage stamp with a center hole. I used an 8-32 screw to hold it squarely The angled cartridge ramp is clearly shown here. onto the receiver. Before the part is bonded permanently in place, carefully lower the action into the stock to test for clearance between the stock and bedding block. At this time, try to make a close estimate of the amount of bedding material you’ll need.

Release agent and/or masking tape should be applied to any surfaces of the stock or action where glass bedding material should not bond to the parts. With the action set squarely into the soft bedding material, the front and rear action screws only are put in place and tightened to normal torque. This is important because the new pillar bed is attached squarely against the action where it will later remain permanently in place as a precision fit against the receiver.

I usually remove the action from the stock after the bedding material becomes hard to the touch. Dimensional stability won’t be affected at this point, and cleanup is easier before the epoxy becomes fully cured. Be sure to remove the temporary screw from the clip before trying to lift the stock from the action. Conclusions Because it adds strength and rigidity to the action, a properly applied pillar-bed/cartridge ramp will contribute to better accuracy in a Model 700 rifle.

This is accomplished by utilizing the central action screw, thereby anchoring the action to the stock through a solid pillar. The cartridge ramp also provides a smooth and positive cartridge feed that any shooter would appreciate.

AMGFW09 AG DBI Spread Ad, NEW (coming directly from Belvoir)

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