What could it be?

[mobow]

My dad has given me a rifle. I haven't seen it yet, and he doesn't know much about it other than it isa Remington bolt action chambered in 30-06. He bought it new in 1973. I think it to be a model 700, does that sound right?
Also, it has only had about 1 box of bullets shot out of it, and he says he hasn't even taken it out of the case in 10 years. I am concerned about corrosion, what do you think?

[DM]

Great rifle, and an excelent big game caliber. As for rust, maybe or maybe not? All depends onwhere he kept it.

Drilling Man

[RedAllison]

yep MO more than likely it is a 700 Rem and obviously the ol 06 is a warhorse and THE sentimental favorite big game caliber in this country. As for the condition, as long as it was put away clean, dry and the case was kept inside an air conditioned home that saw little variation in average temps and low humidity I doubt there will be any problems with the gun. For cleanliness and safety's sake (from the "keepin an heirloom in good condition" perspective) I would throughly clean the rifle inside and out, properly lube it (notice I said PROPERLY, not gobs of oil/solvent) and then take it too the range. I think you will find it ready for just about anything you want to do with a big game rifle and the fact that it was his will make it that much more special.

If only a box or two have been fired through it, the barrel is still basically "new" and should be treated as such, slow firing, don't overheat it and take your time while sighting in (words to live by for ALL guns really!) and you will have it when it's time to hand down too your son one day!

Good luck,
RA

[trailer]

Good luck, hopefully it works out good for you.

[Superpig]

Listen to RedAllison. Take the gun out of the case and clean it properly. I mean buy a bore guide and a one piece cleaning rod of proper size. Buy a good brass jag and buy bronze bore brushes with a brass center. Wal Mart carries bore brushes with bronze bristles and steel cores. Stay away from these. The old stand by Hoppe's #9 is available at Wal Mart and will work for the bore cleaner as long as it isn't heavily copper fouled. Hoppe's gun oil is also available at Wal Mart and will work on the rest of the rifle. If you have a good local gun shop take there advice and buy the cleaners that they will recommend. Enjoy your new rifle and spend the money on a bore guide and a one piece cleaning rod.