First Impressions of H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win
The H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win promises to be a game-changer for Remington 700 owners looking to modernize their rifles. H-S Precision is known for quality, and the promise of a detachable magazine conversion that requires minimal gunsmithing immediately caught my eye. I was excited to see if this kit would finally solve some of the inherent limitations of the standard BDL hinged floorplate, specifically quicker reloading and the ability to easily swap between different types of ammunition.
For years, I’ve wrestled with the archaic BDL system on my trusty Remington 700 .308. Top-loading cartridges into the hinged floorplate under stress during hunts always felt slow and cumbersome. I longed for the speed and convenience of a detachable magazine system, but dreaded the potential for costly and irreversible modifications to my rifle’s stock.
Upon receiving the kit, the first thing I noticed was the substantial feel of the components. The matte black teflon-coated stainless steel floor metal exuded quality, and the included magazine felt equally robust. I had previously considered the Magpul Hunter 700 stock with its own detachable magazine system and also looked at a chassis system from MDT, but I wanted to keep the classic feel of my rifle’s factory stock.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this relatively simple kit truly deliver the performance and reliability I was hoping for without compromising the integrity of my rifle? The high price tag of $369 also set the bar high, demanding exceptional performance to justify the investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly took place at my local shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to evaluate the ease of installation, magazine feeding, and overall system reliability. The installation process, thankfully, was straightforward as advertised, taking about 20 minutes with only basic hand tools.
The magazine seated positively with a reassuring click, and the action cycled smoothly with dummy rounds. However, I noticed a slight wobble in the magazine when fully loaded. This gave me pause but I pushed forward to live fire testing.
Initially, the feeding was flawless. However, after about 20 rounds, I experienced a couple of failures to feed, with the bolt occasionally failing to pick up the top cartridge. These stoppages seemed more prevalent when the magazine was fully loaded with four rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a simulated hunting scenario, the H-S Precision conversion kit has proven to be mostly reliable, but with a few caveats. The initial magazine wobble persisted, but it seemed to lessen slightly with use. The failures to feed also became less frequent, but remained an occasional issue, especially with certain brands of ammunition.
I took the rifle on a hog hunt in central Texas. The rapid follow-up shots afforded by the detachable magazine were definitely an advantage. However, the one failure to feed I experienced during a crucial moment served as a stark reminder of the system’s occasional unreliability.
Cleaning and maintaining the system is easy. The stainless steel components are resistant to corrosion, and the magazine is simple to disassemble for cleaning. Overall, while the system has improved with use, it hasn’t completely eliminated my concerns about absolute reliability in all conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win
Specifications
The H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win is designed as a detachable magazine conversion kit for Remington 700 short action rifles chambered in .308 Winchester. It features a stainless steel floor metal, teflon coated in matte black, for corrosion resistance and durability. The magazine itself holds 4 rounds.
The system is designed to replace the factory hinged floorplate of a Remington 700 BDL, requiring minimal or no inletting of the stock. This makes it appealing to those who want to upgrade their rifle without major modifications. The external dimensions of the floor metal are identical to the factory hinged floor plate.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the H-S Precision kit is to provide a faster and more convenient method of reloading than the standard BDL system. When it functions flawlessly, it delivers on this promise, allowing for quick magazine changes. However, the occasional failures to feed detract from its overall performance.
The latching mechanism is robust and easy to operate, even with gloved hands. The system is not entirely perfect and the low capacity is a consideration. The 4-round capacity might be a drawback for some users, especially in situations where a higher round count is desirable.
Design & Ergonomics
The H-S Precision system boasts a clean and functional design. The matte black finish blends seamlessly with most Remington 700 rifles. The stainless steel construction provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
The skeletonized latch is easy to manipulate, and the magazine release is positive and reliable. However, the magazine wobble is a noticeable ergonomic flaw, creating a feeling of instability. This is not a deal-breaker but somewhat unsettling for a $369 upgrade.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the H-S Precision kit suggests long-term durability. After several months of use, there are no signs of significant wear or corrosion. The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning, and all components appear to be well-made and robust.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the magazine and floor metal will likely be necessary to ensure continued smooth operation. Overall, with proper care, the system should provide years of reliable service. This is a product I would expect to see standing strong after significant use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly is primarily a self-contained conversion kit. There aren’t many direct accessories specific to it. However, because it’s designed for the Remington 700 platform, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket stocks and chassis systems that accept AICS-pattern magazines.
H-S Precision may offer different capacity magazines in the future, and while not explicitly stated, the system may be compatible with some aftermarket AICS-pattern magazines designed for .308 Winchester. Careful testing would be required to confirm compatibility. This is also where the price seems a bit steep given the lack of options or included accessories.
Pros and Cons of H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win
Pros
- Dramatically speeds up reloading compared to the factory BDL system.
- Stainless steel construction offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Relatively easy to install, requiring minimal gunsmithing.
- Compatible with a wide range of Remington 700 stocks.
- Positive and reliable magazine release mechanism.
Cons
- High price point compared to other detachable magazine solutions.
- Occasional failures to feed can be an issue, especially with a full magazine.
- Magazine wobble detracts from the overall feeling of quality.
- The 4-round magazine capacity may be limiting for some users.
Who Should Buy H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win?
The H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly is perfect for hunters or recreational shooters who prioritize faster reloading and magazine interchangeability while retaining the classic feel of their Remington 700 BDL rifle. It is ideal for someone willing to invest in a quality system that requires minimal gunsmithing, with the understanding that it may not be 100% reliable in all situations.
This product might not be the best choice for competitive shooters who demand absolute reliability and higher magazine capacities. Also, those on a tight budget may find the price difficult to justify, considering that other detachable magazine solutions are available at a lower cost.
A must-have modification would be thorough testing with various types of .308 Winchester ammunition to identify which brands feed most reliably in your specific rifle. Also, consider experimenting with different magazine springs to potentially improve feeding consistency.
Conclusion on H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win
The H-S Precision Pro-Series AP300 / AP305 Assembly Short Action Low Capacity Magazine 7372 Rem 700 .308 Win offers a significant upgrade in terms of reloading speed and convenience for Remington 700 BDL owners. The quality construction and easy installation are definite positives. However, the high price and occasional reliability issues prevent it from being a truly outstanding product.
The price of $369 is difficult to justify, especially considering the 4-round magazine capacity and the occasional feeding problems. While the H-S Precision system is a solid option, potential buyers should carefully weigh its pros and cons against other available solutions before making a decision.
Ultimately, I would cautiously recommend this product to those who prioritize ease of installation and retaining the classic feel of their rifle. However, be aware of the potential for occasional failures to feed, and thoroughly test the system with your preferred ammunition before relying on it in a critical situation. If you value speed and convenience, and are prepared to accept some minor compromises, the H-S Precision kit could be a worthwhile upgrade for your Remington 700.