When the fabled armsmaker Remington closed its doors, a void opened in the shooting world that was hard to ignore. Generations of hunters have fielded the legendary 700-series rifle, leaving little to be desired. However, when the 700 started disappearing from the rack, folks took notice. Technology adjusts the way we do things, and, as such, the basic outline of the rifle changes. From new ammunition to muzzle devices, we must learn how to accommodate them without this iconic platform in production any longer—or do we? Based in Knoxville, Tenn., SDS Arms works with manufacturers worldwide to develop and import some of the finest firearms, many tailored to specific needs. Its latest is the RL bolt-action rifle, manufactured by Spandau. Emulating the famous bolt action of yesteryear, this rifle is capable straight out of the box, and it is compatible with nearly any aftermarket part that fits the Remington Model 700.
The Spandau RL’s 700-type action is a push-feed, two-lug bolt design with a 90-degree throw. The receiver is milled from solid bar stock, something that made the original so accurate, not to mention popular due to its ease of manufacture. It feeds from a detachable AICS-style magazine, with a flush-fit three-rounder included. For extra capacity, Spandau also includes a five-shot option, and, of course, these can be supplemented or upgraded with any of the numerous 700-compatible aftermarket magazines that currently exist.
When we examine the bolt, we see that Spandau honored tradition, while incorporating modern features and addressing old complaints. At the top of the list is the extractor. While there is controversy over whether the smaller, original Remington design was adequate, it was just as easy to upgrade it to a beefier, M16-style external setup. The rifle features an oversized bolt knob, which I appreciate as it’s easier to engage in a hurry and to run with gloves. Spandau also threaded the bolt knob, meaning if you don’t like the oversized knob it ships with you can swap it with an aftermarket knob of your choosing with little effort. The bolt release has also seen a welcome change, as it has been moved to the receiver instead of inside the trigger guard, making it easier to remove the bolt without a balancing act. To that end, the gun will take any Rem-700 trigger that is void of the bolt release, but I found the one that came with it quite adequate. Breaking at 4 pounds, 2 ounces, it might even be a touch light by some standards.
The Spandau RL bolt-action will become a well-rounded family of rifles, but SDS wanted to start with something that would speak to the widest array of shooters possible. Therefore, the initial offering is chambered in .308 Winchester, with other short-action options coming soon. True to form, this .308 Win. barrel threads into the receiver using a separate recoil lug. The barrel is of a medium contour, and button rifled with standard 1:10-inch rifling in a 5R configuration. This arrangement places a land across from a groove, making it gentler on the bullet’s jacket as it slips down the bore. As ammunition has vastly improved since rifles like these first hit the field, we are learning that less is more in terms of barrel length. Cut to just 20 inches, the RL’s barrel is capable of pulling nearly all of a cartridge’s potential energy from it, while leaving room for muzzle devices. Threaded in 5/8x24 TPI, the barrel can accept nearly any .30-caliber suppressor with ease. Both a thread protector and a muzzle brake are included, so you can happily shoot the RL while you wait for your suppressor paperwork to clear.
One of the best parts about working with Turkish manufacturers is their access to luxurious native walnut. I’ve never been good at grading wood by eye, but the Spandau’s is certainly finer than what you might expect on an $800 rifle. Clean-cut checkering is located on both the wrist and fore-end, and an oil-rubbed finish runs its entirety. Adornments include a low-profile rubber recoil pad, as well as a pair of studs for your favorite sling or bipod. Inside, the barrel channel is milled to allow it to float, and dual pillars are embedded to support the action. Personally, I would have liked to see some bedding in the recoil lug recess, but arguably, the stock fits so well it’s hard to justify the added expense.
The RL includes a pre-mounted Picatinny rail, so it’s ready for glass as soon as you are. I chose Riton’s 3 Primal LW for my testing. Lightweight by design, the 3-15X magnification range covers nearly every shot you’d ever take with this rifle. I also enjoy how it doesn’t disrupt the gun’s balance. For my testing I selected a trio of loads that would mimic the rifle’s mix of old and new. The latest was Fiocchi’s Knockdown, which represents the latest advancements of solid-copper hunting bullets. It’s also nice to know how these shoot, should your favorite gameland one day mandate lead-free ammo. I also included Hornady’s Precision Hunter ammo knowing some longer-range testing was on the table. Lastly, I added some classic Remington Core-Lokt to my kit, figuring that since one or two deer have been taken with it over the years, it’d be good to see what a new 700 can do with it.
I tested the rifle without any muzzle device attached to get an unbiased feel of the noise and recoil. At a touch over 7 pounds after adding glass and ammo, it wasn’t too bad on the shoulder, and the shorter barrel made it less nose-heavy. The gun carries a SUB-MOA guarantee, which is hard to do with hunting ammo, but nonetheless, I was able to meet it with the Hornady load and flirt with it with Fiocchi’s. The Remington Core-Lokt shot just fine for medium game in a woodland setting, and I used the rest of my supply to shoot at a 10-inch gong that I keep next to my paper target board. Offhand shooting was effortless, thanks to the balance and the crisp trigger. Taking a knee or going prone brought me up to a 100 percent hit rate, and boy did that plate know it had taken a whole box of 180-grain Core-Lokt fury. I finished the session by taking the Hornady load out to 300 yards on a 6-inch gong—the results were spectacular. Based on the 300-yard group, I’d be comfortable taking this combination out twice as far.
At the end of the day, I commend SDS and Spandau for bringing an affordable 700-style rifle back to the United States. Its form and function meet our standards, and it even addressed some of the age-old gripes without being offensive. I fired 180 trouble-free rounds through it and found it kept its accuracy guarantee, even without the help of target-specific ammunition. Above all, it can be altered by one of the largest groups of aftermarket parts out there, but better still, there is little that needs to be changed.
Spandau RL Bolt Action
- spandauarms.com
- Type: bolt-action centerfire rifle
- Caliber: .308 Win.
- Magazine: detachable AICS-pattern box, 3- and 5-round capacity included
- Barrel: 20"; 4140 steel; medium contour; button rifled; 1:10" RH twist, 5 grooves; threaded 5/8x24 TPI (thread cap and muzzle brake included)
- Trigger: single-stage; 4 lbs., 2 ozs. pull weight
- Sights: none; Picatinny rail included; drilled and tapped
- Safety: two-position toggle
- Stock: straight comb; Turkish walnut; oil finish; 14" LOP
- Metal Finish: Oxynitride
- Overall Length: 40"
- Weight: 6.6 lbs.
- Accessories: action lock, spare magazine, barrel thread cap, muzzle brake
- MSRP: $799.99
