Let’s Dive into Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit promises a simple conversion, offering shooters the convenience of a detachable magazine for their beloved Remington 700 BDL. This kit, manufactured by Howa, aims to modernize a classic rifle, enabling faster reloads and a more tactical feel.
I’ve always appreciated the Remington 700’s accuracy and reliability but loathed the clunky floorplate system, especially when needing a quick reload during predator hunts. A detachable magazine seemed like the perfect solution, promising faster follow-up shots on coyotes.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the polymer construction of both the magazine and trigger guard; it felt significantly lighter than the original metal components. The finish was a basic black, nothing fancy, and the included instructions seemed straightforward enough.
I was considering kits from Magpul and CDI Precision before settling on the Howa. Price played a factor, but the Howa seemed like a simpler, more direct replacement, avoiding the need for bedding or extensive gunsmithing.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; the idea of a detachable magazine on my trusty Remington 700 was appealing, but the plastic construction gave me pause. My excitement was tempered by concerns about durability and reliability, particularly after seeing the user feedback mentioning forcing the magazine.
Real-World Testing: Putting Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit at my local shooting range, a familiar environment where I could focus solely on the kit’s performance. The weather was dry and mild, typical for a late spring afternoon in Montana.
Installation was surprisingly easy, taking about 10 minutes with just a few basic tools. However, immediately upon trying to insert the magazine, I encountered the issue mentioned in the user feedback.
The magazine required significant force to seat properly, feeling like I was going to break something. Ejection wasn’t much better, requiring a deliberate tug to remove the magazine from the trigger guard.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, mostly during range sessions, the Howa kit has not improved. The magazine continues to be difficult to insert and remove.
I’ve noticed significant wear on the polymer magazine where it interfaces with the trigger guard, which is concerning. Cleaning is simple enough, but I worry about the long-term durability of the plastic components.
Compared to my previous experiences with metal floorplates, this kit is a major downgrade. The floorplate was more robust and reliable, even if it wasn’t as fast to reload.
Breaking Down the Features of Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit
Specifications
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit features a polymer construction for both the trigger guard and the magazine body, offering a lighter alternative to the original metal components. It’s designed for a Remington 700 BDL with a short action chambered in .22-250 Remington.
The kit includes a replacement trigger guard and one 5-round polymer magazine. This 5-round capacity is adequate for most hunting situations.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the kit’s weight, durability, and ease of use. The polymer construction aims for weight reduction, but raises questions about long-term reliability, while the magazine capacity dictates the number of follow-up shots available.
Performance & Functionality
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit aims to improve reload speed and ease of use. However, the tight fit of the magazine significantly hinders this functionality.
The primary weakness is the difficulty in magazine insertion and removal, requiring excessive force. A strength is the relative ease of installation.
It fails to meet expectations; a detachable magazine should offer a significant improvement in reload speed, but this kit adds frustration instead.
Design & Ergonomics
The kit utilizes a basic, functional design with a simple black finish. The polymer construction is lightweight but feels less substantial than the original metal components.
Ergonomically, the difficult magazine insertion and removal detract from the overall user experience. There’s a noticeable learning curve, but it’s not about mastering a skill, but rather learning how much force is needed without breaking anything.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability is questionable due to the polymer construction and the tight fit. The magazine shows signs of wear after just a few uses.
Maintenance is easy, requiring only occasional cleaning, but the potential for breakage makes repairs a significant concern. Replacement parts may be necessary sooner than expected.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with a replacement trigger guard and one 5-round polymer magazine; no other accessories are included. There are no listed customization options.
While the kit is designed for the Remington 700 BDL, it’s unlikely to be compatible with accessories from other brands due to the proprietary design of the magazine. Aftermarket metal magazines may exist, but their compatibility cannot be guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit
Pros
- Relatively easy installation; the swap-out process is simple and doesn’t require gunsmithing.
- Lightweight design; the polymer construction reduces the overall weight of the rifle.
- Potentially faster reloads compared to the original floorplate if the magazine functioned smoothly.
Cons
- Difficult magazine insertion and removal; requires excessive force, leading to frustration.
- Questionable durability; the polymer construction and tight fit raise concerns about long-term reliability.
- Overpriced for the quality; the cost doesn’t justify the poor performance and cheap feel.
Who Should Buy Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit?
This kit is potentially perfect for someone on an extremely tight budget who is willing to gamble on its long-term durability, and has the physical strength to manhandle the magazine. Also if they are willing to do some personal gunsmithing to make it work.
Anyone seeking a reliable and smooth-functioning detachable magazine conversion for their Remington 700 BDL should skip this product. Hunters and tactical shooters who require quick and dependable reloads should look elsewhere.
A must-have modification would be significant sanding or filing to allow the magazine to insert and remove more freely. A higher quality aftermarket magazine would be a definite plus, if one existed and was compatible.
Conclusion on Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit
The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .22-250 Remington Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit promises a convenient upgrade but ultimately falls short of expectations. The difficulty in magazine insertion and removal negates any potential benefits of a detachable magazine system.
The price of $89.99 is not justified given the poor performance and questionable durability. This kit feels cheaply made and unreliable.
I would not personally recommend this product; there are better alternatives available, even if they cost more. Save your money and invest in a higher-quality conversion kit from a reputable manufacturer.