The Remington 700 is a legendary rifle platform, known for its accuracy and adaptability. A crucial, often overlooked component contributing to its smooth operation and customization is the floor plate. This in-depth guide explores Remington 700 floor plates, examining their various types, benefits of upgrading, and the process of installation. Understanding your floor plate options can significantly enhance your shooting experience.
Understanding the Remington 700 Floor Plate
The floor plate, located at the bottom of the receiver, houses the ammunition magazine. It's more than just a container; its design impacts feeding reliability, ease of loading, and overall rifle aesthetics. Different floor plate designs cater to various shooting styles and preferences. The factory floor plate often represents a starting point, and many shooters opt for upgrades to enhance functionality.
Types of Remington 700 Floor Plates
Several types of floor plates exist for the Remington 700, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
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Standard Detachable Box Magazine Floor Plate: This is the most common type, typically included with factory rifles. It's simple, reliable, and readily available. However, it can sometimes be slow to load, especially with a full magazine.
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Large Capacity Detachable Box Magazine Floor Plates: For hunters and long-range shooters needing more rounds, extended capacity magazines with corresponding floor plates are available. These offer increased capacity but may slightly alter the rifle's balance.
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Bottom Metal Systems: These replace the entire floor plate assembly with a more robust and often customized unit. They typically offer improved ergonomics, enhanced magazine release mechanisms, and often compatibility with various magazine types. Popular brands include Badger Ordnance, McMillan, and several others.
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Custom Floor Plates: High-end options are frequently made from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, providing a lighter weight and often a more aesthetically pleasing look. These often involve significant expense.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Remington 700 Floor Plate
While the factory floor plate functions adequately, upgrading offers several advantages:
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Increased Loading Speed: Some aftermarket floor plates feature larger openings or improved magazine release mechanisms, speeding up reloading during a hunting scenario or competition.
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Enhanced Ergonomics: Larger floor plates can offer a more comfortable grip, making it easier to load the magazine from various positions.
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Improved Reliability: Upgraded bottom metal systems often enhance magazine feeding reliability, reducing malfunctions.
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Customizability: Custom floor plates allow for personalization and aesthetic upgrades, matching the rifle to the shooter's style.
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Increased Magazine Capacity: Switching to a higher capacity magazine with a compatible floor plate increases your ammunition storage.
Installing a Remington 700 Floor Plate
Installing a new floor plate varies based on the model and type of floor plate. Generally, it involves these steps:
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Safety First: Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and the action is open before beginning any work.
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Remove the Old Floor Plate: This usually requires removing the action screws, carefully separating the components, and removing the old floor plate.
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Install the New Floor Plate: Carefully install the new floor plate, aligning it correctly with the receiver and magazine well. This often involves re-installing action screws and carefully tightening them.
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Test Functionality: After installation, check magazine function to ensure it sits correctly and loads smoothly.
Note: Some installations might require specialized tools or gunsmithing experience. If you're unfamiliar with firearm disassembly and reassembly, seeking a professional gunsmith's assistance is highly recommended.
Case Study: Comparing Standard vs. Upgraded Floor Plates
Let's compare a standard Remington 700 factory floor plate to a high-quality aftermarket bottom metal system from Badger Ordnance:
| Feature | Standard Factory Floor Plate | Badger Ordnance Bottom Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel | Aluminum |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Loading Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Ergonomics | Less Comfortable | More Comfortable |
| Reliability | Adequate | Improved |
| Cost | Low | High |
This case study highlights the trade-offs between cost and performance. While the standard floor plate suffices, the Badger Ordnance system offers improved performance at a higher price point.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Remington 700 Floor Plate
The choice of Remington 700 floor plate depends on individual needs and preferences. While the factory floor plate works fine, upgrading can significantly enhance the shooting experience through improved speed, ergonomics, reliability, and customization. Careful consideration of budget, shooting style, and the desired level of customization will guide you to the right option for your rifle. Remember to always prioritize safety and seek professional assistance if needed during the installation process.