Speaking of 8x57s.....

[gitano]

I've been investing some of my inheritance - and I mean that genuinely - and found something I simply could not let escape my grasp.
 
Some time ago, I'm not sure when, Remington started a marketing program in which they made a one-year's production of some "classic" chamberings on a Model 700 action. Surprisingly, they called it "The Classic". I didn't find out about it 'til the 8x57 Mauser "Classic" year had already passed. Since then, I haven't been able to find one that was in the condition I wanted, or at the price I wanted. I can no longer say that. I am now the pleased owner of a "New in Box" Remington Model 700 Classic chambered in 8x57 Mauser.
 
All you Remington haters do not feel inhibited from expressing your derision for Remington. I have no umbilical loyalty to Remingtons. I like 'em. You not liking them doesn't bother me one whit. So let fire if you feel the need, I will not be offended.
 
To me, this rifle represents an American classic - walnut and blue - in classic lines. And while not in an American classic chambering, it is without doubt my "favorite". That said, there was a .308 Win of the same description - NIB. It was touch and go whether I was going to get that one or not. In the end, I opted for other choices. So you can see, 8mm really IS my favorite caliber, and the 8x57 is my favorite cartridge.
 
Here are the pictures from the auction site. I'll post "real" ones when I get it in my hands. Oh yeah... With shipping to AK, I paid $535. If I could find 10 of them at that price I'd buy them all...
 
Paul

[Alboy]

I love those deep chocolate wood stocks, she is really pretty Paul

[gitano]

Wierd.... I said "Thanks, Al" about an hour ago and now it's gone...
 
Oh well... Thanks, AL.

[Jamie.270]

Nice, BDL bottom metal, but no cheesy black caps on the forend and pistol grip.
Kinda like an ADL with a hinged floorplate, but a better looking shape on the forend.

Nice gun Paul.  With little or no work it's accuracy will win you over the rest of the way!
I hope to try out an 8x57AI one of these days, and  I hope it'll be a M700 when I do.

[Brasco20]

Looks great.  Theres nothin wrong with m700's, they might not be the best gun on the planet, but man are they accurate, and they just work.  A huntin buddy of mine says that the bolt is too sloppy.  On mine, the bolt is smooth, sloppy or not, it fires everytime, and it is the most accurate rifle i own. So wheres the problem?

I couldnt tell ya

Brasco

[Nelsdou]

Pretty nice one there Paul.

I too have heard of the special edition 8's but never seen one.  Is the barrel twist one in ten?  Six groove?

The 8mm Husky I just got was advertised as an "excellent" condition bore and the seller was true to his word.  Surprisingly it has no freebore and the throat is tight.  Hornady 195s can't be seated out much past the cannelure before hitting the lands.

I'd be curious how Remington cuts their chamber throats for the 8.

Nels

[gitano]

Thanks Jamie and Brasco.
 
Nels - The twist is 1:10, but I don't yet know the number of lands/grooves. As soon as I get my hands on it - probably late next week - I'll let you know the chamber length and groove count.
 
I own a few Remington 700s, and they all shoot very well. I'll be greatly disappointed if this one doesn't shoot like it's predecessors.
 
Still, it's the looks of this rifle I like. It's lean without being austere. The lines are simple without being plain. There aren't any curliques or "seksy" curves. It's walnut and blued steel. To my eye, and with the exception of the Ruger M77, you gotta step WAY up in quality and price to best it.
 
Of course I will want to try the 125-grain bullets, but I'll be looking at the Hornady 195 for the 'heavy' end, and expecting it to shoot the straighter of the two. I just haven't been able to get that blasted 125 to shoot straight... yet. I really like the 220 Sierra in the 8mm SLT, but I think it may just be a bit too heavy for the Mauser case. We'll see.
 
More goodies to come...
 
Paul

[Brithunter]

Hi Gitano,

Now this might surprise you but I happen to think that particular rifle is the best of the Remington line up. If I was to weaken it would be the only Model 700 allowed in my home and I believe my distaste of the 700 is well known .

It even looks like there is some nice grain under that factory finish. If it was me I would have to be having a look and applying a hand oiled finish. Not original I know but I do find an oiled finsh is more tactile especially when wet. However if it's brought for investment purposes then that might hurt it's value. Your call I'm afraid on that one.

It's strange how Remington must have realised that the classic look is a seller :smiley: it make me wonder why they didn't or don't adopt the styling for their mainsteam production . Me I happen to like Horn fore end tips, not plastic .................. Horn. Rosewood looks good too both are traditional material used in this application and both have been used for well over 100 years for it.

It's also a shame that you cannot get the S&B 196 SPCE bullet as I do believe you would like it :smiley: and I look forward to the range reports .

[Jorge in Oz]

It was love at first sight for me. Love the rifle and I love the caliber. Great find Paul. That is a gem. I'd nearly be tempted to keep it as a safe queen, but I like to shoot all my rifles.

[gitano]

I too am tempted to "coddle" it, Jorge. But I love to shoot 8mm too much. Still, I have to acknowledge that if it was purchased as an investment, maximizing the value of the investment would mean keeping it unfired. I'm not sure I'm capable of doing that....
 
BH, I think you may change your opinion of the finish when I post some "real" pictures. It's not the high-gloss plastic finish of yore. In may even be an oil finish. You'll be the second to know.

it make me wonder why they didn't or don't adopt the styling for their mainsteam production

[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Because that no longer appeals to the "30-something" and younger crowd. The younger shooters want plastic and "black" looking firearms. Firearms are no longer desirable because they're "classic"; they're only desirable if they're "cool". Unfortunately, "Gangstuhs" and ignorant idiots in Hollywood now decide what's "cool". The fact is, this "Classic" marketing experiment didn't sell as well as old fogies like us would have liked. Pretty much, the only people that bought them were old fogies like us.
 
But I digress...
 
Paul

[Brithunter]

Ahhh I think for the old fogies like us they should have not only gone classic style but classic action, Bring back the Model 30 and was it the 725 that followed it> Sorry but I am not up on Remington model numbers:shy:

[recoil junky]

I've got a 7mag in 700 Classic. I really like it. It hasn't been abused, but it also has a few "character" dings.

I don't think a could have a rifle I couldn't shoot. I have a couple I don't shoot much, but I still shoot them.

Nice rifle Paul. I have a feeling I'll get to see it here  in Colorado some day.

RJ

[Brasco20]

I have one gun that i have never shot, and will probably never shoot.  Its a springfield side by side 12 guage, given to me by my grandfather, which was his fathers.  Not for the investment, its just so old, and kind of a relic, i see no need to shoot it.  I just enjoy looking at it, and wondering what it has been through.

For the quote about 30 and under guys liking whats "cool",  ill agree with the statement, but i dont fall in that category, and im 25.  To be honest, im sick of the black gun hype.  I used to enjoy watching guns and ammo tv, but now every show their talking about AR evolution.  I dont care about AR's and all the stuff they can put on them.  I love wood stocks, the more grain the better.  You cant beat the look of a beautiful wood stock.  My granpa killed plenty of elk with his old model 70.

I guess i just like things the old way.  My sisters husband told me i was nuts to spend 2 grand on a wall tent, when i could put the money towards a trailor.  I shook my head and told him " you just dont understand".

I like wood, i like canvas, and i like bolt actions.  Just me i guess.

Brasco

[LLANOJOHN (deceased)]

Ahhh I think for the old fogies like us they should have not only gone classic style but classic action, Bring back the Model 30 and was it the 725 that followed it> Sorry but I am not up on Remington model numbers:shy:

BH,

After the Model 30 came the 721 and 722, then the 725 which was a 721 with better wood and fit/finish...the 700 BDL was introduced then and there was a 78 for a short time and then the 700 ADL.  Then Remington introduced the 700 Classic...30-06,270, 257 Roberts, 6.5x55 Swede, 8x57 Mauser...etc,etc.

Ol' John..

[Brithunter]

Cheers John,

   I feel Remington lost the plot with the tube steel Rem 700 so much so that I am going to be selling my most modern rifle that also has tube steel reciever. I like em made the proper way . Need to make room for other properly made rifles .

 I keep asking about a Rem Model 30  in 35 Rem that's in storage but no dice it seems .

[sakorick]

Just some musings for what it's worth.

I very much like the classic look

I think Kevin's idea of stripping off the poly and finishing with an oil finish is a good one.

I think Paul is fooling himself if he thinks for a military minute that he won't shoot his.:) I for one am looking forward to the range report and that little tiny one hole group.

As for value......they just cannot be beat period. The CZ's are close but no cigar and the Ruger trigger requires smithing.

The 700 drove Winchester into bankruptcy and put an end to the rifleman's rifle. the new FN Mod 70's are ridiculously overpriced and guaranteed to shoot groups somewhere on the target. Regards, Rick.

[gitano]

Brasco20 - The "30-something and below" comment was "painting with a broad brush" and there are a lot of fellows that fit the age category but not the 'likes' one. It's just that there are more of them than not, because what sells drives what's made, and "black" is what's being made. That said, old fogies like RockinBBar that speak highly of the performance new semi-auto "black" (actually camo ) .223s have gotten me to seriously consider putting my hands on one.
 
So RJ, you've got one in 7mm Mag, eh? How's that finish? Is it a high polish or something else? I've actually held one of these things, but it's been so long I can't remember what the finish was. I know it wasn't bad enough to 'put me off' the beauty of the rifle. Of course the next chambering I would get would be .308 Win, but the 7mm RM would probably follow that. I'm done with 7mm Mausers unless I'm looking at a combination gun or a gun at least 60 years old. .257 Roberts would be next. I might get a .270 Win. I still have a bad taste in my mouth about O'Connor and I can't separate a .270 from him even though I do actually like the cartridge. I think they made one in .35 Whelen didn't they? I know, I'd buy an 8mm Rem Mag in a military minute (to quote Rick). I wonder if they made one in 350 Remington Mag?
 
Since I collect rifles for investment, I have many that I haven't shot. I would shoot them, I just haven't gotten around to shooting them. For example, I've got about a dozen M-95 Steyrs. I have two that I shoot. The rest are collecting dust and money. But I'd shoot them if I needed to. The 03-A4 won't get shot. Being an '06, it's definitely going to stay in near unfired condition. Besides, I've got a Belgian Browning that is absolutely gorgeous, chambered in '06 if I ever 'feel the need' to shoot an '06'.
 
As far as "tube steel" goes, there is a certain 'elegance' with simplicity as long as it isn't crude. To me the Mosin Nagant is a good example. It's a very simple design, but it's also so 'plain' that to my eye, it's vulgar. The Finns dressed that pig up pretty well but to me the M-39s are still a pig with lipstick (and maybe a tutu :) ) on. The M-95 Steyr is teetering on the edge of vulgar to me also. The primary reason is the nickle or chrome plating of the bolt. Sure it "works" to keep the bolt from rusting, but it's ugly. Ditto for me for stainless steel. Especially matt stainless steel. Sure it 'work's', but it insults my eye.
 
On the other end of the spectrum is "too complicated". The Brits seem to hold the lead in this area, be it machinery of any sort, including BOLT rifles. (Don't even get me started on Triumphs, MGs and Jags). The "pinnacle" of this in my opinion is the Enfield. If that rifle wasn't designed by committee, it certainly looks like it was. The British military action that is both simple and elegant, is the Martini and its variants. Of course I will be the first one to stand up and put British single shot rifles at the absolute pinnacle of hunting rifle beauty and elegance. Nothin geven comes close to an H&H or a Purdy side by side. Simply nothing. I might say the same thing for Rolls or a Bently. "Elegant" the British most certainly know.
 
The 700 action is pretty darn 'plain', and by itself, without any wood or sights, it approaches 'vulgar' in it's simplicity. But the bolt, and when proper wood and sights are added, combine to make it a 'classic' to me.
 
As for the "rifleman's rifle", you'll get no argument from me. It broke my heart when Winchester quit making the 'real' model 70. For bolt guns, there's nothing better in my opinion except the 98 Mauser, and I could probably be talked outta that point of view on any given day.
 
Of course all of the above is just personal opinion. Some small part of it might be corroborated on an objective level, but that's irrelevant. We're all individuals, and we can, and will, like what we want.
 
Paul

[Jamie.270]

The beauty I see in the M700 action is in the simplicity.  It is difficult to tweak it like one can easily do with a flat bottomed receiver, with an under/over-torqued screw, or a slightly warped stock.  Not that we would do that, but all but one of my rifles was purchased used!  They take glass bedding very well, even by an amateur.  Ask me how I know.

For an article on what chambers these rifles have been offered in, I found this.
Hey, I know it's a gunwriter (ptooey!) piece, but the info is there :  Through 2004 at least.
http://www.rifleshootermag.com/featured_rifles/classic_062804/

Happy reading

[gitano]

LIMITED-EDITION REMINGTON Model 700 Classic
Chamberings By Year
Year . . Chambering
1981. . . . . 7x57mm Mauser
1982. . . . .257 Roberts
1983. . . . .300 H&H Magnum
1984. . . . .250-3000 Savage
1985. . . . .350 Remington Magnum
1986. . . . .264 Winchester
1987. . . . .338 Winchester
1988. . . . .35 Whelen
1989. . . . .300 Weatherby Magnum
1990. . . . .25-06 Remington
1991. . . . . 7mm Weatherby Magnum
1992. . . . .220 Swift
1993. . . . .222 Remington
1994. . . . . 6.5x55mm Swedish
1995. . . . .300 Winchester Magnum
1996. . . . .375 H&H Magnum
1997. . . . .280 Remington
1998. . . . . 8mm Remington Magnum
1999. . . . .17 Remington
2000. . . . .223 Remington
2001. . . . . 7mm-08 Remington
2002. . . . .221 Remington Fireball
2003. . . . .300 Savage
2004. . . . . 8x57mm Mauser
 
Thanks again Jamie. I didn't realize they started this way back in '81. I also thought the 8x57 was older than 2004, but I was confusing it with the 8mm Rem Mag.
 
I probably should be upset with you for exposing yet another "set" of "things" I could be collecting. I see several chamberings that I would very much like to have. .17 Remington pops right out there. 6.5 Swede, .257 Roberts, 8mm RM, .257 Roberts, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H are high on the list of those to seek out first.
 
Armed with this info, I did a "Remington Classic" search on GunBroker. Appears I got a good price for mine. I see a few more NIB 8x57s. If I can talk them off the $900 price tags, I may own more than one. Then I can put one in the closet, and shoot the other.
 
Thanks, I think,
Paul

[Brithunter]

Hmmmm now I see that we need to somehow get a BSA Majestic or 1st Pattern Monarch in Gitano's grubby little Mitts as I rather have this feeling that once we do we might have an awful job prying the same Mitts off it .

Let's see machined reciever with integral dovetails for scope mounting, improved Mauser bolt with shortened lock time and side safety, neither the Majestic or Monarch have the full length Mauser extractor so are push feed, sorry if you want controlled round feed then we need to find a Hunter model . The cartridge head is supported by "three rings of steel" the bolt face is recessed and the barrel has a recess for the bolt to fit into then of course you have the reciever all this back in 1953 :smiley: . The barrels of the Hunter, Majestic and Monarchs were cut rifled then lapped and whilst I have only ever seen one outstanding piece of walnut on a factory BSA (it was a special presentation piece for the accountants retirement present) the used fairly plain but straight grained walnut which seems to be strong and stable. BSA made their own stocks in their stocking shop which is now the home to BSA Guns Ltd who make the BSA pre charged air rifles.

[Jamie.270]

I probably should be upset with you for exposing yet another "set" of "things" I could be collecting. I see several chamberings that I would very much like to have. .17 Remington pops right out there. 6.5 Swede, .257 Roberts, .338 Win Mag are high on the list of those to seek out first.

Paul, don't get me started,... You don't want to have that conversation with me, (but it's all good I assure you)
Between you, and Rick and Daryl and Ol' John, (and a few others here) I am spending time and $$$ I don't really have!!
I have NEVER been so interested in ballistics,  I started with ONE rifle build (the .260AAR) and now i'm seeking a way to play for pay, so I can continue my pursuits.

And we are currently looking for a lathe, so I can play with some bullet/cartridge combinations!  Just making space in the garage for workspace is creating trouble.

Darn these expensive hobbies!!

[gitano]

we need to somehow get a BSA Majestic or 1st Pattern Monarch in Gitano's grubby little Mitts as I rather have this feeling that once we do we might have an awful job prying the same Mitts off it

[/COLOR][/SIZE]

That could very well be true...

Paul

[sakorick]

Actually I found golf to be much more expensive.....Titanium drivers, magic putters, carts, Titleist balls, club dues, loss of 10 dollar Nassaus, waste of a day, potential lightening strikes, shoes, gloves and expensive shirts......finally my biggest handicap....my honesty.

At least shooting provides you with something much more valuable than a worn out scorecard with your double eagle circled. Regards, Rick.

[gitano]

Here's an interesting chart Simpson produced using a 29" barreled Mauser Persian milsurp rifle. Note the Partition.
 
I was willing to start reading the article because Simpson is not as bad as some and way better than a few. Nonetheless, I had to take a break about half way through and go punch on a heavy bag for a while. When you get past the balderdash in the first half and he starts posting reloading info, it's reasonable information.
 
Paul

[gitano]

Ain't that the truth, Rick! Especially "magic putters". Hard to image that there's any past-time more filled with voodoo than shooting, but golf exceeds it by leaps and bounds.

Paul

[Jamie.270]

Golf,...
Now there's a PTOOEY!! for ya.

[Alboy]

Golf,...
Now there's a PTOOEY!! for ya.

 
Nay Nay
 
Not a total PTOOEY!! When I need an uninterrupted nap there is absolutely nothing better than golf on the TV, no loud crowd cheering or any thing.

[sakorick]

All this talk about the Remington 700 classic and 8-57 Mauser jibberish just sent me over the edge......I found one. Quit drooling, Paul....I'll shoot it way before you get a chance!:biggthumpup:

Why do I read things on this forum.....it never fails. I am a sick puppy. I'll be eating dog food the rest of the month and hitchhiking to town. I may even have to sell something but it won't be a rifle. Anybody looking for a vintage Lawnboy self propelled? Regards, Rick.

[22hornet]

All you need now is a matched pair of classics, one in .257 Roberts to go with your 8x57mm.  .

And I thought I was the only one who didn't buy plastic / stainless rifles these days....:undecided:

[gitano]

All this talk about the Remington 700 classic and 8-57 Mauser jibberish just sent me over the edge

My work is done... :D
 
Paul[/SIZE]

[22hornet]

I may even have to sell something but it won't be a rifle. quote]
 
How about a kidney and half of your liver, that should raise a few dollars. :)

[Jamie.270]

All this talk about the Remington 700 classic and 8-57 Mauser jibberish just sent me over the edge......I found one. Quit drooling, Paul....I'll shoot it way before you get a chance!:biggthumpup:

Why do I read things on this forum.....it never fails. I am a sick puppy. I'll be eating dog food the rest of the month and hitchhiking to town. I may even have to sell something but it won't be a rifle. Anybody looking for a vintage Lawnboy self propelled? Regards, Rick.

See! SEE? See what happens?!?
I'm glad I'm not the only one!!

[gitano]

MMWWWHHHAAAAHAAAHAAAHAAA!!!
 
Paul

[Brithunter]

Oh dear ........................... oh deary me   Nice one Rick we await the shooting report with baited breathe .

Now I am having a clear out and will be becoming an e-bay seller unlike Rick I will be selling a couple of rifles, not on e-bay of course, going will be the Mauser M96 Slide Bolt in 6.5x55 and the Martini Artillery Carbine 2 or AC11 in .303. It's the last military rifle I have so it does not fit in the collection really. The replacements will fit into the collection very well them being:-

BSA Hunter .222 Rem 1956 vintage
P-H Model 1000 .243
Midland .243

 Yep I am finally getting a Midland to make up for the lack of one .

 Selling also will be some scopes:-

Nikko Sterling 4.5-14x50AO Gold crown
Hawke 4-19x40 IR Nite-Eye
Tasco 3-9x40E

Meanwhile I have to decide on which scopes to fit to the Midland and the BSA Hunter, the Model 1000 has an 8x56 already on it :) then I need to get the sound moderator for the Model 1000 .................................. Oh well it never stops does it

[gitano]

With shipping to AK, I paid $535. If I could find 10 of them at that price I'd buy them all...

Well, It's gonna cost me $100 more, but I'm buying another one. That makes three.

Are you setting down?

I found a collection of ALL of the Remington Classics except the .280 (1997) for $20,125 delivered. They're ALL new -in-the-box. I'm seriously considering getting  a loan. I have to look at interest rate vs appreciation. If the numbers 'pencil out', I'm gonna get it. For those 'doing the math' that's $839 each. Not great, but not bad either. Now, how much do you think I like the Remington Classic?

Paul

[sakorick]

I would offer the guy $17,500 and I bet he takes it. I believe that's around $700 each. It will cost a small fortune to ship them to AK.....at least 1K. It sure would be a great investment at that price....even when you consider the two Weatherby's in the lot.:angry: Regards, Rick.  

[gitano]

It will cost a small fortune to ship them to AK.....at least 1K

.
Without making other arrangements, if they send them one-at-a-time at $38 each for 24 rifles, the total would be $912. Pretty close to your $1K. I think I can get them here for $300 or less.

This WILL be a 'tough sell' to my wife.

Paul

PS - Now I gotta find a .280... :D

Paul

[sakorick]

Shouldn't be so hard....she's used to it. Just look at it this way......there are hundreds of rifles in the Cabelas' gun library that are way over 20K each! Regards, Rick.

[gitano]

I'll try that:stars:

[LvrLover]

Shouldn't be so hard....she's used to it. Just look at it this way......there are hundreds of rifles in the Cabelas' gun library that are way over 20K each! Regards, Rick.

 
I like the way you think, Rick.