The Remington Model 783 rifle
Charles Smith-Jones says you won’t go far wrong with the Remington Model 783, a well-made and dependable rifle that bears comparison with more expensive brands
An affordable, no-nonsense rifle that is popular in its native USA, the Remington Model 783 has never achieved the regard in this country that the flagship Model 700 did. This is surprising as it is solid, shoots exceptionally well and comes with a good reputation for reliability and robust build. In fact, it is a rather better rifle than the Model 770, which it preceded it by about 10 years and upon which it is based. It shoots better, looks attractive without resorting to unnecessary frills and is easy on the pocket.
Since its introduction in 2013, a number of variants have been offered in a mixture of synthetic, laminate or walnut stocks, and sporting, compact or heavy barrels. One package comes with a factory-mounted and already bore-sighted 3-9 x 40 scope set up to zero and use. While the optics don’t compare to those from high-end manufacturers, they are functional and match the rifle well enough. You get what you pay for, which is a budget outfit that you can rely on.
Costs
The fully floated, carbon-steel barrel is button forged, a fast and economical process well suited to mass production. It keeps costs down while producing an accurate barrel with consistent bore and groove dimensions. A heavier profile than is normal for many rifles adds little to overall weight but helps to dampen barrel harmonics with a positive effect on accuracy. The bolt is considered by many to be a great improvement on that of the Model 700, working with a smooth and positive action and locking solidly on two large lugs. A small lever to the left of the action allows it to be removed.
Standard rifles are pre-drilled and tapped to accept Weaver-style bases, while some versions come with a fitted Picatinny rail. In keeping with most modern hunting rifles, there are no iron sights and the barrel leaves the factory screw cut with a removable protective sleeve, permitting the use of a moderator without any need for extra machining. In the magnum calibres, a muzzle brake is available as an option.
The trigger unit is of a surprisingly high quality for a budget rifle and features Remington’s CrossFire system. It includes a slim internal blade within the main flat trigger blade, held in by finger pressure before the latter can be depressed – a great safeguard against firing through an accidental pull or caught-up twig. The trigger is crisp, definite, has no creep and comes factory set at around 3½lb, which will suit most firers, although it is fully user-adjustable if any change is desired. The safety catch is in line with the ‘no frills’ approach to the build and is a functional on/off sliding mechanism behind the bolt. The detachable magazine is steel with a polymer base and has a release catch built in. It holds four cartridges in standard calibres, three for magnums and, as with all recent Remington products, spares are readily available.
Solid
All of the synthetic stock options are attractively moulded with a textured finish and extra emphasis at the holding points at the pistol grip and fore-end to assist grip. A gel-filled pad at the butt end ensures a secure mount and effectively reduces felt recoil. The overall feel is solid and, as there is no cheekpiece, the lack of a left-handed version is not such a major issue as ambidextrous use is simple enough. Aluminium pillars within the stock ensure that it cannot be crushed against the action when the two are joined, ensuring snug bedding without any warping and another enhancement to accuracy. For those who prefer a more traditional look and feel, a wooden stock of black American walnut is also available.
The Model 783 is a very pleasant surprise that offers outstanding value for money along with considerable levels of accuracy. For a budget price it represents a rifle that will perform just as well as, and in some cases better than, a similar offering from a competitor costing twice as much.
Many thanks to The Country Sports Shop for its help with Blast From the Past features. Call the shop on 01626 367171 or visit: thecountrysportshop.co.uk
CHARLES SMITH-JONES SAYS:
“The trigger unit is of a surprisingly high quality for a budget rifle”