First Thoughts on the Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well Hunter 700L Polymer Melonite Ambidextrous – 300 Winchester Magnum Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
For years, I’ve relied on the venerable Remington 700 platform for both hunting and long-range shooting. The factory setup, while functional, always felt a bit limiting, especially when rapid follow-up shots were needed. The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well Hunter 700L Polymer Melonite Ambidextrous – 300 Winchester Magnum Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promised to solve that with a detachable magazine system for my .300 Win Mag, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
I was looking for a way to modernize my hunting rifle and improve its ergonomics. I wanted faster reloads and the ability to use higher-capacity magazines in a pinch.
The Magpul mag well arrived in a simple, functional package. My initial impression was positive; the polymer felt robust and well-molded, and the melonite finish on the ambidextrous magazine release gave it a professional look.
I’d considered options from Grayboe and a few custom metal options, but Magpul’s reputation for quality, combined with the more affordable price point, ultimately swayed me. The simplicity of the drop-in design was also a major selling point.
Frankly, I was excited and cautiously optimistic. Magpul usually delivers, but I’ve learned that even the best companies can have occasional misses, and the .300 Win Mag can be a finicky cartridge to feed reliably.
Real-World Testing: Putting Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well Hunter 700L Polymer Melonite Ambidextrous – 300 Winchester Magnum Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Magpul mag well at my local shooting range, a mix of indoor and outdoor bays. I was shooting from a bench rest, focusing on function and reliability.
The weather was typical for late spring – a bit of wind and some intermittent light rain. The Magpul mag well functioned flawlessly, even with slightly damp conditions.
Installation was straightforward, although I did need to do some very minor fitting, as expected and noted by Magpul. The magazine release was easy to actuate, even with gloves, and magazines seated positively.
The only hiccup I encountered was a slight stiffness in the bolt cycling, which I attributed to the new magazine spring tension.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Magpul mag well has proven to be exceptionally durable. It has held up well to the rigors of hunting trips and range sessions.
I’ve seen no noticeable wear and tear on the polymer or the melonite-finished release. The magazine release still operates smoothly, and the magazines lock in securely.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a brush to remove any debris is usually all it needs. Compared to the factory blind magazine, the Magpul system is a significant upgrade in terms of speed and convenience.
Breaking Down the Features of Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well Hunter 700L Polymer Melonite Ambidextrous – 300 Winchester Magnum Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum. Designed specifically for this cartridge and AICS pattern magazines.
- Capacity: Accepts AICS pattern .300 Win Mag magazines, typically 5 or 10 rounds.
- Origin: Aftermarket. Designed as an upgrade for Remington 700 long action rifles in Magpul Hunter 700L stocks.
- Material: High-strength polymer construction for durability and light weight. The polymer is resistant to common solvents and oils.
- Magazine Release: Ambidextrous, with a melonite finish for corrosion resistance.
- Compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly with the Magpul Hunter 700L Stock. Note: Gunsmithing may be required for optimal fit.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the functionality and reliability of the system. The .300 Win Mag compatibility ensures proper feeding and cycling, while the polymer construction provides a balance of durability and weight savings.
Performance & Functionality
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well performs its job admirably. Reloads are significantly faster and more intuitive compared to the factory blind magazine.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use, reliability, and ambidextrous design. The only minor weakness is the potential need for gunsmithing to ensure perfect fitment on all receivers.
It exceeds my expectations by providing a modern, efficient magazine system for a classic rifle. It provides me with the benefits of a chassis system without the expense of replacing the whole stock.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent; the polymer is robust and the molding is clean and precise. It feels solid in hand, adding minimal weight to the rifle.
The design is user-friendly; the magazine release is easily accessible and intuitive to operate. There is a slight learning curve associated with any detachable magazine system, but the Magpul system is easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The Magpul mag well is built to last, with a durable polymer construction that can withstand harsh conditions. I expect it to provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal; occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent is all that’s required. Its simple design means there are few parts to wear out or break.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary accessory for the Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well is the AICS pattern .300 Win Mag magazine. Magpul offers its own PMAG 5 AC L, Magnum, but it is also compatible with other reputable AICS magazine brands.
While not directly customizable, the Magpul mag well integrates seamlessly with other Magpul accessories for the Remington 700, such as cheek risers and sling mounts. The ability to use various AICS magazine brands gives the user options for capacity and quality.
Pros and Cons of Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well Hunter 700L Polymer Melonite Ambidextrous – 300 Winchester Magnum Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Faster and more efficient reloads compared to factory blind magazines.
- Ambidextrous magazine release for easy operation by left- and right-handed shooters.
- Durable polymer construction that can withstand harsh conditions.
- Relatively affordable compared to other detachable magazine systems.
- Easy to install, though minor gunsmithing may be required.
Cons
- Gunsmithing may be required for optimal fit on some receivers.
- Only compatible with Magpul Hunter 700L stocks and .300 Win Mag AICS pattern magazines.
Who Should Buy Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well Hunter 700L Polymer Melonite Ambidextrous – 300 Winchester Magnum Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well is perfect for hunters who want faster reloads in the field. It’s also well-suited for long-range shooters who prefer the convenience of detachable magazines. Anyone looking to modernize their Remington 700 long action rifle with a Magpul Hunter 700L stock will benefit from this upgrade.
Those who should skip this product include owners of Remington 700 rifles not equipped with the Magpul Hunter 700L stock or those chambered in calibers other than .300 Winchester Magnum. Individuals unwilling to perform minor fitting or seek professional gunsmithing services should also avoid this product.
Must-have accessories include high-quality AICS pattern .300 Win Mag magazines, such as the Magpul PMAG 5 AC L, Magnum. A gunsmith’s file and sandpaper may also be needed for fitting.
Conclusion on Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well Hunter 700L Polymer Melonite Ambidextrous – 300 Winchester Magnum Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well Hunter 700L Polymer Melonite Ambidextrous – 300 Winchester Magnum Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone seeking to improve the functionality and ergonomics of their Remington 700 rifle. It gives a considerable advantage in reloading speed and tactical flexibility over the original blind magazine system.
At a price of $59.49, the Magpul mag well offers excellent value for the money. It provides a significant performance boost without breaking the bank.
I would absolutely recommend this product to any hunter or shooter looking to modernize their Remington 700. Add the Magpul Bolt Action Mag Well to your Magpul Hunter 700L stock, load up some AICS magazines, and experience the difference for yourself!