Understanding Remington 700 Actions: Short vs Long and How to Choose the Right One

The Remington 700 short action is chambered for cartridges with an overall length up to about 2.85" (e.g., .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, .223 Remington), while the long action handles cartridges up to about 3.34" (e.g., .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Mag, .270 Winchester). The short action has a shorter bolt throw, lighter weight, and is generally faster to cycle — making it the popular pick for precision shooting and most hunting calibers. Long action gives you compatibility with magnum cartridges and longer-range chamberings. To check your own rifle: a Remington 700 short action receiver is 0.66" shorter than the long action variant.

Key Takeaways

• Short action (up to ~2.85" OAL cartridges): .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Win, .223 Rem, 6mm Creedmoor, 7mm-08 — shorter bolt throw, lighter, faster to cycle
• Long action (up to ~3.34" OAL cartridges): .30-06 Springfield, .270 Win, .300 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, .25-06 — handles magnums and longer-range chamberings
• Visual check: short-action receivers are ~0.66" shorter than long-action receivers; bolt face diameter differs by cartridge family
• Aftermarket compatibility: the Remington 700 footprint is the most widely-supported standard in precision rifle building — stocks, chassis, scope bases, and triggers from KRG, MDT, Magpul, Triggertech, and others all build to this footprint
• For new builds: if you don't need a magnum, short action is the default — lighter, faster cycling, broader caliber selection, and the precision-shooting community has standardized on it
• For aftermarket / custom actions: 1934 Armory's BE-series (BE1, BE2, BE3, BE4) is built on the Rem 700 footprint with Wire EDM raceways, mechanical ejector, and DLC coating

The Remington 700 action stands as a timeless benchmark, offering unmatched versatility for hunters, long-range shooters, and gunsmiths alike. Whether you assemble a compact varmint rifle or a robust big-game setup, understanding the distinctions between short and long actions is essential for optimizing long-range performance.

Short actions deliver agility and reduced weight, ideal for cartridges like .308 Winchester in dynamic field conditions, while long actions provide the capacity for powerful magnum calibers such as .300 Winchester Magnum, ensuring extended reach and stability. These variations influence everything from bolt throw to cartridge compatibility, directly impacting your rifle's balance, recoil management, and overall efficacy.

At 1934 Armory, based in Hanover, PA, and founded in 2023 by Bert Elsner II, engineers craft BE-series actions that honor the Remington 700 footprint while integrating modern advancements like skeletonized bodies, wire EDM raceways, and mechanical ejectors for superior rigidity and smoothness. Learn how 1934 Armory's precision manufacturing elevates both short and long configurations for both long-range shooters and custom rifle builders.

What is a Rifle Action?

The rifle action forms the core mechanism that houses the bolt, facilitates cartridge loading, and enables firing. In bolt-action designs, it controls the manual cycling process, where you rotate and slide the bolt to chamber rounds, lock the breech, and extract spent shell cases. This component integrates with the barrel, stock, and trigger, providing a stable foundation for accuracy and reliability. Bolt action receivers, often synonymous with the action itself, withstand chamber pressures while maintaining precise alignments.

There are variations in size and configuration, tailored to specific cartridges and applications. For precision shooters and hunters, the action's design influences handling, weight distribution, and overall performance in rifle builds. Manufacturers like 1934 Armory produce advanced versions, emphasizing tight tolerances and durable materials to enhance these functions.

Understanding the Remington 700 Platform

The Remington 700 platform has set a standard for bolt-action rifles since its introduction in 1962, known for versatility and modularity. You can customize it extensively, swapping barrels, stocks, and triggers to suit hunting or competition needs.

Its footprint, a specific receiver shape and mounting pattern, allows compatibility with aftermarket parts, making it a favorite among gunsmiths and firearm enthusiasts. For bolt-action rifles, the Remington 700 has one of the largest ecosystems available for aftermarket parts and accessories. Remington 700 actions come in short and long variants, each optimized for different cartridge families.

This design allows for easy upgrades, where you replace factory actions with precision-engineered alternatives for improved performance. 1934 Armory builds on this legacy with their BE-series, offering drop-in compatibility while incorporating modern enhancements for superior rigidity and smoothness.

Short Action vs Long Action Explained

The short action (SA) and long action (LA) differ primarily in dimensions to accommodate varying cartridge lengths, affecting the rifle's overall build and functionality. You select one based on your intended use, as each type influences balance, portability, and caliber options in Remington 700 setups. We'll use SA and LA throughout — the same shorthand you'll see on spec sheets and in builder forums.

Bolt Length and Travel

Bolt length and travel define the core distinction. In short actions (SA), the bolt measures shorter lengths, typically around 6 inches, with a reduced throw of about 4 inches. This compact design suits cartridges under 2.8 inches in overall length. Long actions (LA) feature bolts extending to 7 inches or more, with a throw exceeding 4.5 inches to handle cartridges up to 3.34 inches. You notice smoother, quicker cycling in short actions due to less travel, while long actions provide ample space for larger rounds.

Cartridge Compatibility

Cartridge compatibility hinges on bolt face size and receiver length. Short action calibers cover smaller cartridge families — such as .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington — with bolt faces around 0.470 inches in diameter. Long action calibers include larger and magnum rounds — such as .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum — often with bolt faces up to 0.585 inches. Matching your short action calibers or long action calibers to the correct receiver is the first decision in any Remington 700 build.

Weight and Rigidity Differences

Weight and rigidity vary between types. Short actions typically weigh less, around 25-28 ounces, due to compact construction, enhancing maneuverability. Long actions add 2-4 ounces from extended components, potentially improving stability under recoil. Both maintain rigidity through reinforced locking lugs, but short actions often feel more balanced in lightweight rifle builds.

Pros and Cons of Each Type

Short actions offer advantages in compactness and reduced weight, ideal for varmint hunting or tactical applications where you prioritize quick handling. Their shorter bolt throw speeds up cycling rounds, and compatibility with efficient cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor delivers flat trajectories with reduced recoil from larger calibers. Drawbacks can include limited power for big game at extreme ranges, restricting options to smaller calibers or for more close-in hunting distances.

Long actions provide versatility for powerful cartridges, suiting elk or moose hunts with rounds like .300 Winchester Magnum for extended reach. The longer receiver footprint accommodates magnum loads, ensuring your rounds feed reliably. Challenges arise from added weight, which impacts portability during longer treks into the backcountry, and slightly slower operation from extended bolt travel. 

1934 Armory’s BE-Series Actions

1934 Armory's BE-series actions elevate the Remington 700 platform with precision engineering, available in short and long configurations. These bolt action receivers incorporate advanced features for enhanced performance in custom rifle builds. If you're sourcing a Remington 700 action only — without a barrel — BE-series actions are sold standalone for builders, machined in-house through 1934 Armory's engineered solutions division.

BE1 (Short Action)

The BE1 is a short action model, weighing 32 ounces with a 2-lug design for reliable lockup. It includes a one-piece bolt with 0.718-inch diameter, spiral fluting, and an oversize knob for secure grip. Wire EDM raceways ensure uniform tolerances and smooth cycling, alongside a mechanical ejector and side bolt-stop release. The body features a smaller ejection port for increased rigidity, with an integrated 0.300-inch recoil lug. Full PVD coating resists corrosion, and it accepts Remington 700-style triggers with tool-less removal. Bolt face options include standard (0.481 inches) and magnum (0.540 inches), with a 0.062-inch firing pin compatible with SRP brass. The integrated 20 MOA Picatinny rail allows for scope mounting, and the 1-1/16"-16 thread pitch supports various barrels.

BE2 (Long Action)

The BE2 serves as a long action model, weighing 37 ounces with a 2-lug design for robust lockup. It includes a one-piece bolt with 0.750-inch diameter, with non-fluted bolt, and an oversize knob for secure grip. You benefit from wire EDM raceways ensuring uniform tolerances and smooth cycling, alongside an M16-style extractor and mechanical ejector. The body includes an extra-large ejection port for magnum calibers, with an integrated 0.300-inch recoil lug. Full PVD coating resists corrosion, and it accepts Remington 700-style triggers with tool-less removal. Bolt face options include standard (0.481 inches), magnum (0.540 inches), and ultra-magnum (0.596 inches), with a 0.062-inch firing pin. Available in repeater and non-repeater variants, it features a pinned 20 MOA Picatinny rail and side bolt-stop release.

BE3 (Short Action)

The BE3 serves as a short action model, weighing 25 ounces with a 3-lug design for robust lockup. It includes a one-piece bolt with 0.718-inch diameter, spiral fluting, and an oversize knob for a secure grip when cycling. The wire EDM raceways ensure uniform tolerances and smooth cycling, alongside a mechanical ejector and M16-style extractor. The skeletonized body reduces mass while preserving rigidity via dual-pinned 0.300-inch recoil lugs. Full PVD coating resists corrosion, and it accepts Remington 700-style triggers. Bolt face options include varmint (0.383 inches), standard (0.481 inches), and magnum (0.540 inches), making it versatile for precision shooting and hunting.

BE4 (Long Action)

The BE4 functions as a long action variant, at 27 ounces, featuring a 3-lug setup on the Remington 700 footprint. Its one-piece bolt measures 0.750 inches in diameter, with spiral fluting and an oversize knob. Wire EDM raceways promote consistent operation, complemented by a mechanical ejector and M16-style extractor. The skeletonized body lightens the structure, supported by dual-pinned recoil lugs for rigidity. PVD coating enhances durability, and it integrates with Remington 700 triggers. Bolt faces come in standard (0.481 inches) and magnum (0.540 inches), ideal for long-range applications.

Shared Design Features (Wire EDM Raceways, Mechanical Ejector, Skeletonized Body)

Both BE3 and BE4 share key elements, including wire EDM raceways for precise, friction-reduced bolt movement. The mechanical ejector ensures reliable case extraction, while the skeletonized body minimizes weight without compromising rigidity. Additional common traits include large ejection ports, side bolt-stop releases, and 20 MOA Picatinny rails for optics. These features deliver consistent accuracy across short and long actions — and because each receiver is produced through 1934 Armory's large batch precision manufacturing operation, those tolerances stay uniform from the first unit to the last.

Choosing the Right Action for Your Build

Selecting between short and long actions depends on your cartridge preferences and shooting style. For compact setups with moderate recoil, like 6.5 Creedmoor for precision long-range target shooting, go for short actions to gain agility. In environments demanding heavy-hitting power, such as the .300 Winchester Magnum for big game, long actions provide the necessary capacity. Assess your build's purpose, whether it’s for hunting in dense woods that favors short actions for ease, while open-range hunts are better suited for long actions for stability. 1934 Armory’s BE actions fit seamlessly, offering premium components in tolerances and materials.

Common Misconceptions

One misconception assumes that short actions lack power, yet cartridges like .308 Winchester deliver ample energy for most hunts in North America. Another views long actions as inherently more accurate, but precision stems from overall build quality and the capabilities of the individual round that the rifle is chambered in, not action length alone. Some believe long actions weigh significantly more, though modern designs like the BE4 keep differences minimal at 2 ounces. Rigidity concerns in short actions overlook modernized reinforced lugs that match long variants in strength.

Final Thoughts on the Remington 700 Footprint

Knowing the difference between Remington 700 short and long actions allows you to optimize rifle builds for specific needs, from cartridge compatibility to handling. Because every BE-series receiver is held to the standardized Remington 700 footprint dimensions, your existing stocks, chassis, scope bases, and triggers drop right in. 1934 Armory enhances this platform with their BE-series actions, blending lightweight construction and precise machining for reliable performance. Explore the BE-series actions to elevate your next custom build — or, if you're a brand building at volume, learn about 1934 Armory's OEM manufacturing partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Remington 700 .308 a short or long action?

The Remington 700 in .308 Winchester is a short action — the .308 cartridge has an overall length of about 2.81", which fits comfortably within the short-action envelope (~2.85" max). The same applies to most popular .308-derived cartridges including 7mm-08 Remington, .243 Winchester, and .260 Remington. If your Remington 700 is chambered in any of these, you have a short action.

How can I tell if my Remington 700 is a short or long action?

The quickest visual check: a Remington 700 short-action receiver is approximately 0.66" shorter than the long-action variant. You can also check your magazine well length, or — most reliably — look up your chambered cartridge. If your rifle is chambered in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, .223 Remington, or 7mm-08, it's a short action. If it's chambered in .30-06, .270 Winchester, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, or similar long cartridges, it's a long action.

What calibers fit a Remington 700 short action?

The most common short-action calibers in the Remington 700 platform include: .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, .223 Remington, 6mm Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .260 Remington, and 6.5 PRC (with appropriate bolt face). The short action's ~2.85" maximum cartridge overall length is what defines this group. All of these fit on the same receiver footprint, which is what makes the Remington 700 platform so popular for precision rifle builds.

What calibers fit a Remington 700 long action?

The most common long-action calibers include: .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum, .25-06 Remington, .280 Remington, .338 Winchester Magnum, and .35 Whelen. Long-action receivers handle cartridges up to approximately 3.34" overall length — that's what makes magnum cartridges and longer-range chamberings possible. If your build calls for a magnum cartridge or maximum case capacity, long action is the path.

What are the dimensions of a Remington 700 action footprint?

The Remington 700 action footprint refers to the standardized receiver dimensions that determine compatibility with aftermarket stocks, chassis, scope bases, and triggers. The short-action receiver is approximately 8.4" long; long-action is approximately 9.0" long. Both share the same receiver diameter (~1.35"), the same action-screw spacing for the front and rear bolts, and the same scope-base hole pattern. This standardization is why the Remington 700 footprint dominates the precision rifle aftermarket — anything built to the footprint works across the platform.

Where can I get aftermarket Remington 700 footprint bolt actions?

Aftermarket Remington 700-footprint bolt actions are available from a handful of precision manufacturers who build to the same footprint with upgraded materials, tolerances, and features. 1934 Armory manufactures the BE-series (BE1, BE2, BE3, BE4) — built in the USA at our Hanover, Pennsylvania facility on the Remington 700 footprint with wire EDM raceways, a mechanical ejector, DLC coating, and tolerances held down to tenths. We also produce custom bolt-action components for firearm brands and contract programs through our engineered solutions division.

Building for a firearm brand? 1934 Armory manufactures bolt actions and precision components for firearm OEMs, contract programs, and high-volume production runs at our Hanover, Pennsylvania facility. Learn more about our OEM manufacturing, contract manufacturing, and large batch production services — or request a production quote directly.