First Thoughts on the Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promises a significant upgrade to the venerable Remington 700 platform. It’s a drop-in detachable magazine system, specifically designed for the Magpul Hunter 700 stock, which addresses a common desire among bolt-action rifle owners for faster reloading and increased tactical flexibility. The fact that it’s made in the USA also gives it a certain appeal, suggesting quality and a commitment to domestic manufacturing.
My journey to this product stemmed from a frustration with the traditional internal magazine of my hunting rifle. While reliable, it was slow to load, especially in dynamic hunting situations. I envisioned a system that would allow me to quickly swap magazines, similar to an AR-platform, enhancing my efficiency and response time in the field.
Upon unboxing, the Magpul mag well felt solid and well-made. The black polymer had a robust feel, inspiring confidence in its durability, and the Melonite-treated steel ambidextrous magazine release felt smooth and positive. It was noticeably lighter than I expected, a welcome surprise since I prioritize minimizing weight on my hunting rifle.
Compared to other aftermarket magazine well options, the Magpul stood out due to its integrated design with the Hunter 700 stock and the included PMAG 5 7.62 AC magazine. Some competitors offered similar conversions, but often at a higher price point and without the assurance of seamless compatibility that Magpul provides. My first impression was one of excitement – a practical, well-engineered solution to a problem I’d been wanting to solve for years.
Real-World Testing: Putting Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin at my local shooting range, a mix of indoor and outdoor bays, and during a weekend hunting trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The shooting range provided a controlled environment to assess the mag well’s functionality, while the hunting trip offered a more realistic test under varied weather conditions. Installation into my already installed Magpul Hunter 700 stock was simple and straightforward.
In dry conditions, the magazine changes were lightning fast, a significant improvement over loading individual rounds into the internal magazine. However, when exposed to a light rain during my hunting trip, I noticed the polymer around the magazine release became slightly slippery. I quickly learned to maintain a firm grip during magazine changes.
The initial use was incredibly smooth; the PMAG locked in securely with an audible click, and the magazine release functioned flawlessly. I needed a few repetitions to fully master the ambidextrous release, but it quickly became second nature. The only issue I encountered during the initial range session was the bolt occasionally failing to pick up the first round from a fully loaded magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin has held up exceptionally well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the polymer mag well itself, and the Melonite finish on the magazine release remains pristine. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through the system, and magazine changes are still smooth and reliable.
Durability has proven to be a strong point; the polymer construction has shrugged off bumps and scrapes from the field without issue. Cleaning is also simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris.
Compared to my previous experience with the internal magazine, the Magpul mag well is a game-changer. The speed and convenience of detachable magazines far outweigh the minor issue with the bolt not always picking up the first round. It has significantly improved my confidence in the field, knowing I can quickly reload if necessary.
Breaking Down the Features of Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
Caliber: .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO. This ensures compatibility with a widely popular and effective cartridge for hunting and tactical applications.
Capacity: 5 rounds (with included PMAG 5 7.62 AC). This is a practical capacity for hunting regulations in many areas and provides a good balance between firepower and weight.
Origin: Aftermarket. It signifies the Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is designed to enhance the rifle’s capabilities, not part of the original factory configuration.
Material: Black Polymer with Melonite-treated steel magazine release. The high-strength polymer offers durability and light weight, while the Melonite finish on the steel components provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Compatibility: Designed specifically for the Magpul Hunter 700 Stock and AICS (Accuracy International Chassis Systems) pattern magazines. This ensures seamless integration and reliable feeding.
These specifications are crucial because they define the mag well’s core functionality and compatibility. The .308/7.62 NATO caliber ensures it works with a common and versatile round. The AICS magazine compatibility opens up a wide range of aftermarket magazine options.
Performance & Functionality
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin performs its job admirably. It converts a standard Remington 700 with a Magpul Hunter 700 stock into a detachable magazine-fed rifle, greatly enhancing reloading speed and tactical flexibility. The magazine release is easy to actuate, even with gloved hands.
The primary strength is the speed and ease of magazine changes; it’s a massive improvement over loading rounds individually into the internal magazine. A minor weakness is the previously mentioned occasional failure of the bolt to pick up the first round; however, this seems to be related to the magazine spring needing a break-in period. Overall, it significantly exceeds expectations by transforming the rifle’s usability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin boasts excellent build quality, with high-strength polymer and a durable Melonite finish. The weight is negligible, adding very little to the overall rifle’s weight. The ambidextrous magazine release is well-positioned and easy to reach.
The mag well is user-friendly; installation is straightforward, and there’s minimal learning curve to using the detachable magazine system. The design integrates seamlessly with the Magpul Hunter 700 stock, maintaining a clean and streamlined aesthetic.
Durability & Maintenance
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is built to last, thanks to its robust polymer construction and corrosion-resistant finish. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal; cleaning requires only a quick wipe-down to remove dirt and debris. The simple design makes it easy to inspect and maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes one Magpul PMAG 5 7.62 AC magazine, specifically designed for AICS-pattern compatibility. The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is compatible with any AICS-pattern .308/7.62 NATO magazine, opening up a wide range of capacity options.
The Magpul Hunter 700 stock itself offers numerous customization options, including adjustable cheek risers and length-of-pull spacers, further enhancing the rifle’s ergonomics. It is important to ensure any aftermarket trigger is compatible.
Pros and Cons of Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Greatly enhances reloading speed and tactical flexibility.
- Easy to install and use.
- Durable polymer construction with corrosion-resistant finish.
- Compatible with AICS-pattern magazines.
- Seamless integration with the Magpul Hunter 700 stock.
Cons
- May require a longer front action screw for ADL models.
- Occasional failure to feed the first round.
Who Should Buy Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for hunters seeking faster reloading, competitive shooters needing quick magazine changes, and tactical shooters wanting a more versatile bolt-action platform. Anyone who already owns or plans to purchase a Magpul Hunter 700 stock will greatly benefit from this upgrade.
Those who prefer the traditional internal magazine system or are unwilling to invest in AICS-pattern magazines should skip this product. Also, if budget is a primary concern, exploring less expensive, albeit less refined, alternatives might be necessary.
A must-have accessory is additional AICS-pattern magazines; having multiple loaded magazines readily available maximizes the benefits of the detachable magazine system. A quality scope and bipod would also complement the upgraded rifle.
Conclusion on Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well for Hunter 700 Stock Black Polymer – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is a worthwhile upgrade for any Remington 700 owner with a Magpul Hunter 700 stock. It significantly enhances the rifle’s functionality, making it faster to reload and more versatile in various shooting scenarios.
At $59.99, the price is justified given the quality of construction, ease of installation, and the included PMAG. The occasional feeding issue is a minor inconvenience that is far outweighed by the overall benefits.
I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking to modernize their Remington 700 and improve its performance. Take your bolt action rifle to the next level!