First Impressions of Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail
The Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail promises to be a crucial upgrade for any shooter looking to enhance the versatility and accuracy of their Remington 700 rifle. Monstrum has built a reputation for providing affordable and functional accessories, and this Picatinny rail aims to deliver exactly that. As someone who has spent countless hours fine-tuning rifles for optimal performance in demanding field conditions, I was eager to see if this rail could truly live up to its potential.
My quest for this particular rail began with a project rifle – a well-worn Remington 700 long action chambered in .30-06 that I inherited from my grandfather. It was a fantastic rifle, but limited to its iron sights, which became increasingly difficult to use accurately as my eyes aged. I needed a solid, reliable optic mounting solution that wouldn’t break the bank, allowing me to bring this classic rifle into the modern era of precision shooting.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression of the Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail was positive; the black anodized finish was evenly applied, and the rail felt surprisingly solid for its price. The 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction felt reasonably robust, though noticeably lighter than some premium steel rails I’ve used. Compared to a similar rail from a higher-end manufacturer, the Monstrum felt less substantial, but for a budget-friendly option, it certainly didn’t feel cheap.
Ultimately, I chose the Monstrum rail due to its balance of price and features, with a focus on maximizing optic placement flexibility. I had considered other rails, including a steel option from Badger Ordnance, but the cost was significantly higher, and a lighter aluminum rail seemed sufficient for my needs. I was cautiously optimistic but also realistic, knowing that a $20 rail might not perform at the same level as a more expensive alternative.
Real-World Testing: Putting Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail to the Test
First Use Experience
The first opportunity to test the Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail came during a range session focused on zeroing a newly mounted scope – a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44. The range offered a variety of shooting distances, from 100 to 500 yards, providing a good test of the rail’s ability to maintain zero. Installation was straightforward, utilizing the existing tapped holes on the receiver and the included set screws.
The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, and after ensuring the rifle was safely secured, I began sighting in the scope, and even though I was initially concerned about the rail’s ability to hold zero during recoil, it performed admirably. After about 20 rounds, there was no noticeable shift in zero, suggesting that the rail was holding the optic securely. While the set screws worked fine, I will be replacing them with higher-quality screws as my confidence in the rail grows.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail has proven to be surprisingly reliable. Despite enduring numerous range trips, including a particularly dusty outing in the high desert, it has shown no signs of loosening or shifting. The finish has held up well, with only minor scratches visible on the edges, even though the 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum shows small signs of wear at contact points.
Maintaining the rail has been simple; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or residue. So far, the Monstrum rail has exceeded my initial expectations, and while it may not offer the same level of robustness as a high-end steel rail, it provides a solid and dependable mounting platform for most applications. I can definitely say that it is more than sufficient for my use case.
Breaking Down the Features of Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail
Specifications
The Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail is constructed from 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum with a black finish. It is designed specifically for the Remington 700 Long Action rifle and provides 17 Picatinny rail slots for flexible optic placement.
The rail measures 6.9 inches in length and 20mm in width. The center bolt distance is 4.48 inches, the rear bolt distance is 0.86 inches, and the front bolt distance is 0.60 inches. It is available in both 0 MOA and 20 MOA configurations, and this particular model is the 0 MOA variant, ideal for short to mid-range shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail performs its primary function – providing a stable and versatile optic mounting platform – effectively. The multiple slots offer ample flexibility for adjusting eye relief and achieving a comfortable cheek weld. However, the included screws could be of higher quality.
While the 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction is adequate for most recreational shooting, it might not be ideal for extreme-duty applications where a steel rail would offer greater rigidity and resistance to damage. Still, for the price, the rail’s performance is impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail is straightforward and functional, prioritizing utility over aesthetics. Its low profile design and matte black finish blend seamlessly with the rifle’s overall appearance.
Installation is quick and easy, requiring only a few minutes and basic tools. There is no significant learning curve, and the rail is compatible with most Picatinny and Weaver-based rings and optics.
Durability & Maintenance
While the 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum is not as robust as steel, it provides adequate durability for most shooting applications. The anodized finish offers good protection against corrosion and wear.
Maintaining the rail is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of the mounting screws. With proper care, the Monstrum rail should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail is primarily designed to provide a mounting platform for optics. It is compatible with a wide range of Picatinny and Weaver-based rings and mounts, allowing for extensive customization options.
While no additional accessories are included beyond the mounting screws, the rail readily accepts any standard Picatinny-compatible accessories, such as backup iron sights or laser aiming devices.
Pros and Cons of Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- 17 Picatinny rail slots provide ample flexibility for optic placement.
- 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction offers a good balance of weight and durability.
- Easy installation process requires minimal tools or gunsmithing.
- Compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver-based rings and optics.
Cons
- 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum is not as robust as steel for heavy-duty applications.
- Included mounting screws could be of higher quality.
- The finish may be prone to scratching or wear under harsh conditions.
Who Should Buy Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail?
The Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail is perfect for recreational shooters, hunters, and budget-minded enthusiasts looking to upgrade their Remington 700 Long Action rifle. It’s an excellent option for those who want to add an optic without breaking the bank.
This rail might not be suitable for shooters who demand the utmost in durability and precision, such as competitive long-range shooters or those using their rifles in extreme environments. These shooters may prefer a high-end steel rail. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality set of mounting screws, which could be installed for long-term reliability.
Conclusion on Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail
The Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail offers an impressive value proposition for shooters seeking an affordable and functional optic mounting solution. While it may not match the robustness of higher-end steel rails, its 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction provides adequate durability for most applications. Installation is easy, and the multiple Picatinny slots offer plenty of flexibility for optic placement.
The price is definitely justified, especially for those who are on a budget or do not require a top-of-the-line rail for extreme-duty use. For the average shooter, the Monstrum rail offers a solid and dependable mounting platform at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable upgrade to their Remington 700 Long Action rifle. Consider the Monstrum Remington 700 Long Action 17-Slot Picatinny Rail to experience the benefits of a versatile and dependable optic mounting solution without breaking the bank.