Let’s Dive into Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit offers a practical and relatively inexpensive solution to upgrade your classic Remington 700 BDL rifle. This kit allows users to convert their rifle from a traditional floor plate magazine system to a more modern, detachable magazine setup. It’s designed for those seeking quicker magazine changes and enhanced versatility in the field.
For years, I relied on the standard floor plate system in my Remington 700 BDL. While reliable, reloading under pressure, especially during hunts, felt slow and cumbersome. I needed a faster, more efficient way to reload, leading me to explore detachable magazine conversion kits.
Upon receiving the kit, I was immediately impressed by the simplicity of the design. The polymer magazine and trigger guard replacement felt robust and well-made. It was lighter than I expected, a definite plus for a rifle that already sees its share of backcountry miles.
I considered other kits, including some that use AICS pattern magazines. However, the Howa kit stood out due to its promise of easy, drop-in installation and its relatively affordable price point. I was slightly apprehensive about the polymer construction, but the positive user feedback regarding its durability swayed me.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for faster reloads, but also a bit worried about whether a “drop-in” kit would truly be hassle-free to install and function reliably. Time would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, where I could safely evaluate the kit’s performance. I installed the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit on my Remington 700 BDL chambered in .308 Winchester. Installation, as promised, was straightforward and took less than 15 minutes, using only basic tools.
The first few magazine insertions and ejections were a little stiff, but smoothed out after a few cycles. I ran several magazines through the rifle, focusing on smooth bolt operation and reliable feeding. I experienced no failures to feed or eject, even with rapid cycling of the bolt.
One minor issue arose: the magazine release button required a slightly firmer push than I initially expected. However, this became more natural with practice and didn’t significantly impact my shooting experience. Overall, I was very pleased with the initial performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit has proven to be remarkably reliable. The polymer magazine shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to rough handling in the field. The finish on the replacement trigger guard is holding up well too.
The detachable magazine has significantly improved my reloading speed and efficiency. During my recent hunting trip, the quick magazine changes were a definite asset, especially when following up on wounded game. It’s a huge upgrade from fumbling with individual rounds to load the floor plate magazine.
Compared to my experience with other aftermarket rifle parts, the Howa kit has exceeded my expectations. I had initially feared potential feeding issues common with some conversion kits, but this Howa kit has been flawless. It’s a testament to its well-thought-out design and solid construction.
Breaking Down the Features of Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit
Specifications
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit is designed specifically for Remington 700 BDL short action rifles. It’s compatible with rifles chambered in .308 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, and .243 Winchester. The kit includes a replacement trigger guard and one 5-round polymer magazine.
The magazine is constructed from a durable polymer material, providing a lightweight yet robust solution. The Howa kit comes in black. The kit is designed for a drop-in installation, meaning no gunsmithing is required.
The specifications are important because they dictate the compatibility and functionality of the kit. The caliber compatibility ensures that the magazine will properly feed rounds into the chamber. The polymer construction contributes to the overall weight reduction of the rifle, which is beneficial for hunting or carrying it for extended periods.
Performance & Functionality
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit performs its intended function admirably. It provides a reliable and efficient detachable magazine system for the Remington 700 BDL. The magazine feeds rounds smoothly, and the release mechanism is easy to operate, even with gloved hands.
The kit’s main strength lies in its ease of installation and dependable performance. The ability to quickly reload with a fresh magazine significantly improves the rifle’s usability in hunting and tactical scenarios. A minor weakness is the 5-round magazine capacity, which some users may find limiting, though aftermarket 10 round magazines are readily available.
The Howa kit has met and even exceeded my expectations for a drop-in conversion kit. Its reliability and ease of use have made it a valuable upgrade to my Remington 700 BDL.
Design & Ergonomics
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit features a simple yet effective design. The polymer material provides a comfortable grip and a lightweight feel. The magazine sits flush with the bottom of the rifle, maintaining a sleek profile.
The installation is straightforward and requires no specialized tools or gunsmithing skills. The kit is user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve associated with its operation.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer magazine and replacement trigger guard appear to be durable. The parts are designed to withstand the rigors of field use. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the magazine release mechanism are recommended to ensure smooth operation.
Given its simple design and robust construction, the Howa kit should last for many years with proper care. The polymer material is resistant to corrosion and wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with only the replacement trigger guard and one 5-round magazine. Aftermarket 10-round magazines are available from Howa and other manufacturers. These increase the rifle’s capacity for situations where more firepower is needed.
There are no other significant customization options directly related to the kit itself. However, the kit is compatible with standard Remington 700 BDL accessories such as slings, bipods, and optics.
Pros and Cons of Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit
Pros
- Easy drop-in installation requiring no gunsmithing.
- Significantly increases reloading speed and efficiency.
- Reliable feeding with no reported issues.
- Durable polymer magazine and trigger guard.
- Affordable price point compared to other conversion kits.
Cons
- Only includes one 5-round magazine.
- Magazine release button requires a slightly firmer push than some may prefer.
Who Should Buy Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit?
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit is perfect for hunters who want to improve their reloading speed and efficiency in the field. It also benefits tactical shooters who need quick magazine changes during competitions or training exercises. Anyone seeking a simple and affordable upgrade for their Remington 700 BDL will find value in this kit.
This product is not ideal for those who prefer the traditional floor plate magazine system or require a higher magazine capacity without purchasing additional magazines. It may also not be suitable for individuals who are uncomfortable performing basic gun maintenance and installation tasks, although the process is simple.
A must-have accessory is an additional 5 or 10-round magazine. This will enhance the rifle’s versatility and reduce the need to reload frequently.
Conclusion on Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit
Overall, the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit is an excellent upgrade for Remington 700 BDL owners. It offers a significant improvement in reloading speed and efficiency at an affordable price. The price is more than justified by the enhanced functionality and improved usability.
I would highly recommend this kit to anyone looking to modernize their Remington 700 BDL without breaking the bank. If you’re tired of slow reloads and want a more versatile rifle, this kit is a game-changer. Upgrade your Remington 700 BDL today and experience the difference!