I finally wrapped up a 4+ year project on my Remington Model Seven chambered in 7mm-08.
My dad bought my brother and I twin rifles in the early 90s and I’ve killed piles of deer and a handful of pronghorn with it, but I was never able to get it to shoot as tight as I’d like it too so I decided to try and improve it.
First step was dedicated ammo testing. I tried 11 or 12 different rounds and never could get anything better than about 1-1/2” groups @ 100 so I decided to start adding some components. It liked a couple different brands and bullets, but it liked Nosler 140g Accubonds and Remington 140g Core Lokts the best. I grew up shooting mostly Core Lokt bullets.
A while later I came across a deal online and just like that the gun got a new Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm. Also picked up a new set of Leupold rings and bases. And upgrade from a Vortex Diamondback I bought as a college student.
Next I decided I wanted to go with an aftermarket stock. There aren’t a ton of options for Model Seven stocks, and I liked the look and feel of a few other Bell and Carlson stocks I’ve held in the past, so the search ended there. After the stock showed up I removed the old wood stock and dropped it into the new stock. Fit like a glove and I really liked the feel and overall look.
The gun sat in the safe for about a year until I started looking at triggers. I went with the Timney Model Seven trigger over the Trigger Tech. Mostly based off of price, if I’m being honest. I removed the old trigger and installed the new Timney. Pretty easy deal although I did have a bit of work with the dremel to open up enough clearance on the stock for the safety to operate properly. After the install I took it to the range and fired a few rounds to make sure it was operating correctly and cycling fine and what not, but didn’t have time to actually sight the gun in properly.
After I got done with the trigger work the gun went back to the safe for another extended stay. We moved houses and had a couple more kids. Bought a few different guns and tinkered with those, but never got around to shooting this one to see if/how much my upgrades improved it
On Saturday I finally got the gun out to the range for a proper session. After a few scope adjustments the gun was dialed in.
I enjoy tinkering with guns and making little enhancements and modifications, but I am by no means a gunsmith. That being said, I am extremely satisfied with how much I’ve been able to improve the gun by myself. This was off bags @ 100 yards with Norma Whitetail 150g. Also shot Accubond 140g sub-MOA, but I’m impressed by the Normas, considering the price point.
Maybe naive of me, but I could not have imagined this rifle was capable shooting clovers before this project started.
I’ve been contemplating swapping the barrel out for a little heavier contour that I could have threaded for my suppressor, but it’s hard to justify that now.
I really enjoy shooting my Tikka, but the Model Seven is batting leadoff this fall.
My dad bought my brother and I twin rifles in the early 90s and I’ve killed piles of deer and a handful of pronghorn with it, but I was never able to get it to shoot as tight as I’d like it too so I decided to try and improve it.
First step was dedicated ammo testing. I tried 11 or 12 different rounds and never could get anything better than about 1-1/2” groups @ 100 so I decided to start adding some components. It liked a couple different brands and bullets, but it liked Nosler 140g Accubonds and Remington 140g Core Lokts the best. I grew up shooting mostly Core Lokt bullets.
A while later I came across a deal online and just like that the gun got a new Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm. Also picked up a new set of Leupold rings and bases. And upgrade from a Vortex Diamondback I bought as a college student.
Next I decided I wanted to go with an aftermarket stock. There aren’t a ton of options for Model Seven stocks, and I liked the look and feel of a few other Bell and Carlson stocks I’ve held in the past, so the search ended there. After the stock showed up I removed the old wood stock and dropped it into the new stock. Fit like a glove and I really liked the feel and overall look.
The gun sat in the safe for about a year until I started looking at triggers. I went with the Timney Model Seven trigger over the Trigger Tech. Mostly based off of price, if I’m being honest. I removed the old trigger and installed the new Timney. Pretty easy deal although I did have a bit of work with the dremel to open up enough clearance on the stock for the safety to operate properly. After the install I took it to the range and fired a few rounds to make sure it was operating correctly and cycling fine and what not, but didn’t have time to actually sight the gun in properly.
After I got done with the trigger work the gun went back to the safe for another extended stay. We moved houses and had a couple more kids. Bought a few different guns and tinkered with those, but never got around to shooting this one to see if/how much my upgrades improved it
On Saturday I finally got the gun out to the range for a proper session. After a few scope adjustments the gun was dialed in.
I enjoy tinkering with guns and making little enhancements and modifications, but I am by no means a gunsmith. That being said, I am extremely satisfied with how much I’ve been able to improve the gun by myself. This was off bags @ 100 yards with Norma Whitetail 150g. Also shot Accubond 140g sub-MOA, but I’m impressed by the Normas, considering the price point.
Maybe naive of me, but I could not have imagined this rifle was capable shooting clovers before this project started.
I’ve been contemplating swapping the barrel out for a little heavier contour that I could have threaded for my suppressor, but it’s hard to justify that now.
I really enjoy shooting my Tikka, but the Model Seven is batting leadoff this fall.
