If you're looking to swap out the remington 7400 stock and forend , you've probably noticed that finding the right match can breathe fresh life into an old deer rifle. Maybe the original wood is beginning to show its age having a few too many "character marks" from years in the brush, or maybe you've worked with the feared hairline crack that will seems to trouble these semi-autos. Awkward, upgrading the furniture on a 7400 is among the most pleasing DIY projects you can tackle upon a Saturday evening.
The Remington 7400 is the bit of the tale in the forest, especially for these of us who grew up hunting within the thick stuff in which a quick follow-up shot matters. Yet let's be real—while the action is definitely usually solid, the factory stocks haven't always aged gracefully. Whether you're going for a modern tactical look or even wanting to restore that will classic factory gloss, the options available nowadays are actually pretty impressive.
Why You Might Need the New Set
Most people don't just wake up and decide in order to replace their remington 7400 stock and forend intended for no reason. Usually, it's a few requirement. The 7400, much like its predecessors the 740 and 742, uses the reciprocating mass program that puts a decent amount of stress on the forend. Over period, that vibration and the pressure from the gas program can cause the wood to divided right down the center.
Then there's the weather aspect. If you've invested a week looking within the rain or even snow, you know how wood enjoys to swell. This particular can shift your own point of effect or, worse, cause the forend to rub against the particular barrel in methods it wasn't created to. Moving to some synthetic set may solve that headaches forever, while a high-quality laminate provides a nice compromise between the soul of wooden and the balance of plastic.
Picking the Ideal Material for Your Style
Selecting between wood, synthetic, or laminate isn't just about looks; it's about just how the gun balances and how this handles recoil. The particular 7400 isn't precisely a "heavy" kicker, but it's got enough punch to make you appreciate a well-designed stock.
The Classic Look of Pine
There's simply something right regarding a blued metal rifle sitting inside a nice piece associated with American Walnut. In case you're a traditionalist, you most likely won't end up being happy with whatever else. When you're shopping for a wood remington 7400 stock and forend , you'll find many methods from basic "utility" grades to high-gloss fancy stuff.
The beauty associated with wood is that you may sand it down and refinish it if it will get banged up. Drawback, of course, is usually that it's susceptible to humidity. If you go this route, make sure the interior from the forend is well-sealed in order to prevent moisture through creeping in and causing those breaks we talked about.
The Toughness of Synthetic
In case your 7400 is usually a "truck gun" or a serious tool for the backcountry, synthetic is usually probably the way to go. Most aftermarket artificial sets are produced from glass-filled nylon or similar polymers. They are practically indestructible.
One thing in order to keep in thoughts: synthetic stocks are often lighter compared to wood. This is excellent for carrying the particular rifle up a mountain, but it can make the gun feel a bit "muzzle-heavy" because the balance point shifts forwards. It can furthermore associated with recoil feel a bit snappier. However, for sheer dependability within the muck and mire, you can't beat them. Plus, they usually come along with a much much better recoil pad compared to the old difficult plastic ones discovered on vintage models.
The Center Ground: Laminate Wood
Laminate will be the secret winner for many hunters. It's made simply by layering sheets associated with wood with resin under high pressure. The result is a stock that looks like wood but is almost as stable since synthetic. You may get them within various colors—like "Nutmeg" or "Pepper"—which can provide your 7400 a really custom, high-end appearance without breaking the bank. They're a bit heavier, which actually helps soak up some of that recoil and can make the rifle feel very steady whenever you're lining up a shot.
Dealing with the Infamous Cracked Forend
If you're replacing your remington 7400 stock and forend because the particular front piece is usually cracked, you aren't alone. This is actually the nearly all common failure point. The forend on a 7400 is kept in place simply by a single mess at the front, and it offers to bridge the gap over the gasoline system.
When you set up your new forend, don't go insane tightening that front screw. Over-tightening is definitely a leading cause of cracks. You would like it snug enough that it doesn't rattle, but not really so tight that you're putting the death grip upon the wood. A few guys even use a tiny bit of blue Loctite within the threads therefore they don't have got to crank it down to keep it from support out.
Exactly what to Look with regard to When Buying
When you begin searching for a brand-new remington 7400 stock and forend , pay out close attention in order to the compatibility records. While the 7400 is very comparable to the 740 and 742, they will aren't always properly interchangeable without some light gunsmithing or fitting. Always create sure the package specifically lists the 7400.
Furthermore, check if the set includes a new recoil cushion and the essential mounting hardware. Some aftermarket stocks use a different length of bolt than the factory one. It's a genuine pain to get halfway through an install only to realize your factory bolt is the half-inch too very long for the brand-new hollow synthetic stock.
Another point to think about is the "checkering. " On cheaper sets, the checkering is simply molded in and can experience a bit slick. Much better sets will have got "overmolded" rubber holds or more aggressive texture. Since the 7400 is usually used in winter with gloves, creating a bit of additional grip on the particular forend is a huge as well as.
Installation Tips for the DIY Crowd
Replacing the remington 7400 stock and forend is the job most people can do along with basic tools. You'll usually need the long flat-head electric screwdriver (for the stock bolt) and a wrench or screwdriver for the forend cap.
- Protection First: Obviously, make certain the rifle is completely unloaded and the magazine is away.
- The particular Forend: Unscrew the cover in front. The forend should slide best off the actions tube. When you put the new one particular on, check for clearance. It shouldn't be touching the particular barrel too tightly; you want a little bit of "float" presently there if possible.
- The Stock: Eliminate the buttplate or even recoil pad in order to reveal the opening for the stock bolt. You'll need a long screwdriver to achieve in there. Once the bolt is definitely out, the stock should pull directly back off the particular receiver.
- The "Gap": Whenever you put the new stock on, look at the suit in which the wood (or plastic) meets the particular metal receiver. Occasionally there's a small bit of additional material that requires to be sanded down for a flush fit. Don't force it; when it's tight, the little bit of sandpaper goes a long way.
Making the Gun Yours
At the end of the day, transforming your remington 7400 stock and forend is about making the gun are more effective for you . Maybe you want a shorter "length of pull" because you're wearing a large hunting parka, or possibly you want a raised comb due to the fact you're managing a larger scope and need a better cheek weld.
The particular Remington 7400 has been a staple in deer camps for years. It's a workhorse, and like any workhorse, it warrants a little maintenance now and after that. Swapping out the furniture is the particular easiest way to make sure that this rifle remains in the loved ones another generation. It transforms the weapon from the "used rifle" into your rifle. Whether you're heading out into the hardwoods of Pa or the swamps of Georgia, having a stock that fits right and appears good just makes the whole experience very much better. So, grab a screwdriver, look for a set you including, and get in order to work—you'll be happy you did the particular first time you shoulder that rifle and it seems just right.