Remington Brings Back the C Grade Custom Rifle

One of the great things about the gun industry is that we have plenty of choices. There are production guns, custom guns and what I call “factory” custom guns. All the major rifle makers have them: Weatherby, Browning, Winchester, Remington. Most of the time these specialized shops are tucked away in some corner of the plant turning out rifles that are highly refined, finely finished and custom made for an individual who likes the standard factory production action but wants something more to his personal taste.

One of the most popular of all factory actions is the Remington Model 700. Although it’s available in just about any cartridge or stock configuration you might desire, those who want something different can turn to the Remington Custom Shop. Here at Ilion, New York, men toil in a well-equipped shop that has been tuned to modern-day standards set in a high-tech workplace.

With this model year the shop has reintroduced the C grade custom Model 700 rifle. My first custom rifle was a C grade .25-06 Remington. Back then the shop started with the C grade, and with ascending qualities, like very select wood or fancy engraving, one could move into the D or E grade very easily. It has obviously been missed by the masses, and with the economy in a state of flux it makes good sense to bring out this rifle for those without deep pockets but with a strong desire to have a one-of-a-kind hunting rifle.

The barreled action is completely gone over in the custom shop, highly polished then richly deep blued. The barrel is strictly custom shop as they get the blank right from the forging department and refine it from there. The barrel is clean (without sights) and available in all standard and magnum chamberings, including the newer Ultra Mags. Barrel length is 24 inches with standard calibers and 26 inches with the magnums; it is glass bedded to the stock. This C grade comes with the standard BDL-styled trigger guard and hinged floorplate.

The rifle is extremely attractive thanks to a fancy American walnut stock complete with a monte carlo and cheekpiece. The exterior is finished in satin, and there is a rosewood forend tip and grip cap. The checkering is machine cut in a very traditional point pattern.

In a recent phone conversation with custom shop supervisor Tim McCormack, he told me, “We (Remington) wanted a very handsome custom rifle made within limitations, yet affordable by all sportsmen out there.” Looking at this C grade rifle, I think they hit the mark with no reservations.    

For more information, drop a line to Remington Arms, Custom Shop, 870 Remington Drive, Madison NC 27025.