First Impressions of Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower
The Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower might seem like a small part, but any experienced shooter knows that even the smallest component can drastically impact performance. Hawkins Precision is known for its precision machining and high-quality components, so when I saw this follower available, I was eager to get my hands on it. A reliable magazine feed is crucial for consistent shooting, and this upgrade promised to address potential feeding issues inherent in some factory Remington 700 magazines.
I had been experiencing inconsistent feeding with my trusty Remington 700, particularly with the last few rounds in the magazine. The rounds would sometimes nose-dive, causing a jam and costing me precious seconds during range drills. While I considered other magazine upgrades, the Hawkins Precision follower seemed like a cost-effective first step.
Upon unboxing, the follower felt solid and well-made. The black anodized aluminum finish was smooth and even, reflecting Hawkins Precision’s commitment to quality. It was noticeably lighter than the factory polymer follower, and the machining looked significantly more precise. My initial impression was definitely positive.
Compared to the factory Remington follower and aftermarket polymer options from brands like Magpul, the Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower stood out due to its aluminum construction and promise of enhanced reliability. I chose it over others because I trusted Hawkins Precision’s reputation for precision and durability. I was excited to see if it would improve the feeding issues I’d been experiencing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower involved a series of rapid-fire drills and slow, deliberate target shooting at 100 yards. I tested it with both factory ammunition and my preferred handloads. The initial results were promising.
The feeding was noticeably smoother and more consistent. I didn’t experience any of the nose-diving issues that had plagued me previously. The rifle cycled rounds smoothly, even with a fully loaded magazine, a stark contrast to my previous experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower has proven to be a worthwhile upgrade. It has consistently delivered reliable feeding performance in various conditions, from dry and dusty range days to damp, cold mornings in the backcountry while scouting for deer. There are no signs of wear and tear.
The anodized finish is holding up well, showing no signs of chipping or scratching. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a cloth is usually sufficient. This Hawkins Precision follower outperforms the original polymer follower I replaced.
Breaking Down the Features of Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower
Specifications
The Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower is a meticulously crafted component designed to replace the factory follower in Remington 700 short-action magazines. It is precision-milled from high-quality aluminum and features a durable black anodized finish.
The follower is compatible with standard Remington 700 magazine springs and magazine boxes. Its key specification is its material: milled, anodized aluminum, which provides increased durability and smoother feeding compared to plastic followers. The color is black. This matters because the aluminum construction ensures consistent pressure on the cartridges, leading to more reliable feeding and fewer malfunctions.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower is to ensure consistent and reliable feeding of cartridges from the magazine into the rifle’s chamber. It performs this task exceptionally well, significantly improving the reliability of my Remington 700.
The Hawkins Precision follower eliminates the common issue of rounds nose-diving within the magazine, a frequent problem with the factory plastic follower. The improved feeding ensures smoother cycling, reduces malfunctions, and increases overall shooting confidence. It meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower is simple yet effective. The Hawkins Precision follower is comfortable. The aluminum construction adds a slight bit of weight but not significant enough to affect the rifle’s balance.
There is virtually no learning curve involved with installing or using this follower. It’s a drop-in replacement that requires no modifications to the rifle or magazine. The anodized finish contributes to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower ensures long-lasting durability. This material will withstand the rigors of regular use and resist wear and tear far better than polymer alternatives.
Maintenance is minimal. The smooth anodized surface is easy to clean and resistant to corrosion, ensuring the follower remains in optimal condition for years to come. Repair, in the unlikely event it is needed, would likely involve replacing the follower, which is a simple and inexpensive process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower is primarily a standalone component, not requiring or supporting additional accessories. It is designed to work seamlessly with existing Remington 700 magazine springs and magazine boxes, so it is not a component that lends itself to further customization.
It is compatible with a wide variety of aftermarket magazine boxes designed for the Remington 700 platform. Therefore, if you choose to upgrade your entire magazine system, the Hawkins Precision follower will still function perfectly.
Pros and Cons of Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower
Pros
- Enhanced Reliability: Significantly improves feeding reliability, eliminating common issues like nose-diving cartridges.
- Durable Construction: Milled from high-quality aluminum for long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Easy Installation: A drop-in replacement that requires no modifications to the rifle or magazine.
- Smooth Feeding: Ensures smoother cycling and reduces malfunctions, increasing shooting confidence.
- Improved Consistency: Provides consistent pressure on cartridges for more reliable feeding.
Cons
- Increased cost: While worth it, it’s more expensive than the standard polymer follower.
- Limited compatibility: Only compatible with Remington 700 short action magazines.
Who Should Buy Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower?
The Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower is perfect for hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone who relies on their Remington 700 for accurate and consistent performance. It’s an ideal upgrade for those experiencing feeding issues or simply wanting to improve the reliability of their rifle.
Those who are on a very tight budget or are satisfied with the performance of their factory follower may not need this upgrade. However, for serious shooters, the increased reliability is well worth the investment. A must-have modification to consider alongside the follower is an upgraded magazine spring to ensure optimal feeding performance.
Conclusion on Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower
The Hawkins Precision Remington 700 Magazine Follower is a small but significant upgrade that can dramatically improve the reliability and performance of your Remington 700 rifle. Its durable construction, easy installation, and smooth feeding make it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.
The price is justified by the increased reliability and peace of mind it provides. I personally recommend this product to anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Remington 700. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference!