by Jeff Johnston - Thursday, November 12, 2015
In 1983 Remington debuted its Model Seven, a miniaturized version of its venerable 700. Meant for easy carry through thick woods, it also may be the perfect rifle in the cozy confines of treestands. Several iterations have been offered over the last 30 years, but none more useful than its latest, the Model Seven Laminate. Here’s why.
1. It's tough, but resilient.
Synthetic stocks are resistant to point-of-impact changes due to moisture, while wood stocks are perhaps more attractive and nostalgic in hunter’s hands. A laminate stock—made from pressed plies of wood glue together and then cut to shape—lends the best of both worlds. It’s a warm-feeling stock that won’t warp, swell or shift POI in terrible weather. Trust me, grandpa will approve.
2. It's lightweight.
At 6½ pounds, it’s a full pound lighter—and 2 3/8-inches shorter—than a standard model 700, and therefore it’s that much easier to lug around in the woods. This is a rifle you can literally hold, shoulder and aim with one hand if you must. I know because I have one and it’s my go-to whitetail rifle.
3. It's versatile.
It’s available in many practical calibers, from varmint-specialists to deep-woods bear slayers. But if it were me I’d choose the sweet shooting, all-around deer/pig/sheep/varmint killing .243 Win. or 7mm-08.
4. It shoots straight.
It’s accurate, just like it’ big brother. Remington’s legendary, no-nonsense, rigid and inherently accurate 700 action has merely been trimmed down, but it remains superbly accurate and supremely reliable. There’s a reason it’s the action most chosen for custom sniper rifles. My Model Seven shoots 1.25-inch groups with any ammo I feed it. Enough said.
5. It's compact.
It’s perfect for youth or smaller statured shooters. With a shortened stock, it will fit your son, daughter or wife just fine. So instead of buying them a youth model rifle, get them a Model 7. That way when they go off to college, you can use it as your treestand gun.
