| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Check Price |
My friend and FFL, Tom McElwayne, did it again. He gave me a good one-liner to use to start this review: “I normally consider chassis guns an abomination, but this Remington is one of the nicest rifles I have ever seen.” Tom said this while closely examining the Remington Model 700 PCR (Precision Chassis Rifle) Enhanced that he’d just received. Apparently, Tom wasn’t kidding. He proved that by purchasing the review rifle from Remington when I was finished with it.
Just released this year, the “PCR-E” sent to me was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. And Tom was right, the rifle is pretty frickin’ impressive. It looked like something Arnold Schwarzenegger might have been carrying when he ‘came back’ into the police station.
Of course, looks can be deceiving, even impressive ones. So, I was eager to get the rifle to the range to test its dependability, functionality, and accuracy. On the Remington webpage for this rifle, they tout it as “More than a rifle, a fully optimized system that’ll stretch your effective range and shrink your groups like no other production rifle in the world today.” I had multiple types of ammunition to run through this ‘optimized system’, including some from Remington. We would see how it could shoot, but first…the details.
Specifications
As its name implies, the action on the PCR-E is the classic Model 700. However, unlike most 700 actions, this one has been paired with a chassis constructed of an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.
The cleanly Cerakoted black action includes a bolt with a knurled, tactical knob that makes cycling easy, smooth and fast.
There’s a two-position safety.
The rifle comes standard with a 10-round detachable Magpul magazine.
The clean, even finish on the aluminum chassis and MLOK slotted handguard is ‘Cerakote Tungsten,’ giving them a silver-metallic, dark grey appearance.
The PCR-E comes with a single length of Picatinny rail mounted near the muzzle end of the handguard.
The blued 24-inch carbon steel fluted barrel on the PCR-E is free-floated and threaded (5/8-24) for a muzzle brake or suppressor.
The PCR-E barrel features 5R rifling. This results in the bullet being forced into the grooves from the pressure exerted simultaneously from both sides as it passes down the barrel. Having an uneven number — five — results in the sloped lands being opposite grooves and vice versa. That means less bullet deformation and, theoretically, increases accuracy.
The trigger on the PCR-E is Remington’s X-Mark Pro model that is externally adjustable. I didn’t adjust the trigger pull weight (this one broke at just over three pounds), but having the adjustment screw easily within reach would make that chore so much more straightforward.
The PCR-E’s Magpul pistol grip is very comfortable and worked well for my largish hands and long fingers. As you will see below, it REALLY worked well for my friend, Alex, whose hands are a bit smaller than mine.
The stock on the PCR-E is a multi-adjustable, user-configurable MDT skeleton carbine model. The cheekpiece height can be quickly changed using the two large knobs.
Length of pull is is also adjustable, but it’s a little more involved than dealing with comb height.
The shooter has to unscrew two hex-bolts that are recessed into the butt of the stock and then remove/add the small polymer shims to achieve the desired length.
I didn’t adjust LOP before going to the range; the stock length and eye relief once the scope was mounted were a good fit for me. However, if an adjustment to length of pull is needed, it’s easy enough to do, if a little fiddly.
PCR-E Range Test: 100 to 400 yards
I tested the Model 700 PCR Enhanced accuracy using three types of ammunition: Hornady 140 grain ELD Match, Hornady 140 grain BTHP American Gunner and Remington 140 grain Premier Match.
Despite this being a long range precision rifle, my testing didn’t include locking the rifle into a static rest. That’s not how people shoot in the real world. Instead, I shot the rifle from sandbags supporting the forearm and an Armageddon Gear Waxed Canvas Optimized Game Changer support bag for the butt of the rifle.
I fired groups from each of the three types of ammunition at targets located at 100, 200, 300 and 400 yards. All of the cartridges fed perfectly, and the accuracy was excellent for each. In fact, none of the rounds tested exceeded 0.5 MOA.
I’m not being self-deprecating when I state that’s phenomenal accuracy in my hands. I can usually guarantee sub-MOA groups with a decently accurate rifle, but not sub-0.5 MOA.
I can even state that I out-shot the ‘computer system’ at Remington. The following photograph shows my groups with each of the three cartridge types, and the printout of the Remington-produced group that ships with the rifle). The notable part of those results is that the Remington-produced group was from 100 yards (no doubt indoors) while my three groups were shot from 200 yards outside.
I have a separate write-up for the Maven RS.4 riflescope (see TTAG review), but suffice it to say, it’s an excellent companion for this precision rifle.
I would probably resort to handloading to get all the accuracy the 700 PCR Enhanced can generate for targets at 1000 yards or so. Then again, I don’t know if I could do much better than the <0.2 MOA, 400-yard group I scored using the American Gunner ammo.
Now for longer ranges
Once I had established the 100-400 yard accuracy for all of the ammunition types and distance combinations, I headed to a range that would allow shots at targets located at distances up to 0.4 miles (715 yards). My friend Alex joined me for this range session. Although an experienced shooter, Alex had never shot at targets at distances greater than 200 yards.
Because it was found to be the most accurate round in my first session, we only used the American Gunner ammunition.
We started out shooting at a metal target at 546 yards. Alex is pictured below with his 3-shot group. For scale, his hand is 5 3/8″ from tip of middle finger to the bottom of his palm. As can be seen from this photo, Alex’s first attempt at long range shooting resulted in a truly sub-MOA score.
We had similar results at 610, 670 and 715 yards.
We then walked our way back down the ladder of targets until we were back at 300 yards. This was as much to test the Maven scope as it was the rifle’s accuracy.
Conclusion
The Remington Model 700 PCR Enhanded rifle produces truly impressive accuracy at every range we tested. The rifle consistently produced sub-MOA and even sub-0.5 MOA groupings, even for a newbie to longer-range shooting. This isn’t a rifle to lug over hill and dale, but if you want a rifle to help you reach out from a whitetail ‘beanfield’ stand, or across a prairie dog town, the PCR-E would be darn-near ideal. Likewise, if you’re into long-range competitive shooting at 750+ yards, you’ll do well to consider investing in this Remington product.
Specifications: Remington Model 700 PCR Enhanced Rifle
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Weight: 9.9 lbs (without scope)
Length: Approximately 42-44”
Action: 700 SA (with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy chassis)
Metal Finish: Action (Black Cerakote), Chassis and Handguard (Tungsten Cerakote)
Twist Rate: 1/8″
Muzzle Break: Barrel Threaded (Thread pitch 5/8-24)
Barrel Length: 24” (Carbon steel, fluted with 5R rifling)
Handguard: Aluminum MLOK
Buttstock: MDT Adjustable
Trigger: X-Mark Pro (externally adjustable)
Grip: Magpul
Magazine: Magpul 10 Round
MSRP: $1595 (about $1100 retail)
Where To Buy
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style and appearance * * * * *
I was serious when I said the Model 700 action in this Cerakoted metallic grey aluminum chassis makes it look like something from Terminator. It is an impressive looking rifle. The lines, black and silver metal finishes and black polymer stock produce a very appealing rifle.
Ergonomics * * * * 1/2
The PCR-E seemed to fit me well right out of the box. But the MDT stock offers enough adjustment options that virtually any shooter can customize the rifle’s fit as they need to. Half a star off for the fiddly LOP adjustment.
Reliability * * * * *
It’s a bolt gun with Remington’s venerable Model 700 action. There wasn’t a single failure to feed or eject. No mechanical issues at all.
Accuracy * * * * *
I said this already, but it is worth repeating. I have never encountered a more accurate out-of-the-box rifle. The precision the PCR-E produced was very similar across the three loads tested and exceeded Remington’s accuracy claims. I can only imagine what the gun is capable of with hand loads that have been tested and optimized for this gun.
Overall * * * * 7/8
The Remington Model 700 PCR Enhanced is an extremely accurate production rifle. Simply put, it ticks every one of the boxes a precision rifle should and exceeded my expectations. It looks cool, but more importantly, it performed extremely well with no hitches. The rifle produced exceptional accuracy using factory loads. This rifle is very much worth the price.
Mike Arnold writes for a number of outlets; links to other articles can be found here.
[Photos courtesy of Mike Arnold.]
I’d love to try one in .300 PRC.
Or maybe .300 WSM.
Thanks for the write up Mr. Arnold.
Looking forward to trading stories about hunts to all parts Africa.
Tom, it looks like Frances and I may make it in to Mozambique this October/November. I am researching information for a book and a series of articles. I would love to exchange your’s and my experiences! Best, Mike
Did TTAG just drop 3 reviews in 2 days?
I know right?!?
I don’t know, but Michael Arnold just dropped some two-shot groups on us.
Seriously. The fact that they let this dingus write for them says more about the degradation of TTAG than the number of reviews does.
Next review will be about a shotgun that magically fits everyone “like a glove” (or some other such cliche). Oh, wait… he’s already written that one.
Bah, what’s to stop him from writing it again on the next one?
ETA: When these same pictures of his “pool house buddy” measuring his proctologist’s-paddle against two dings on steel showed up on another review, I wondered why he was covering up the other three shots in the group.
Now that Michael has pointed out his two-shot group methodology, I realized that buy giving him any credit at all, I was giving him far too much.
Go out and shoot. Nothing is stopping you. The internet is full of garbage. Learn to live with it.
Very handsome rifle, and I’d love to have one, please.
However, I wonder if a rifle is even necessary as a delivery system for the magnificent 6.5 CM. I have a single cartridge on the bedstand next to a slingshot. Upon the entrance of multiple interlopers into my residence in the middle of the night, the Creedmoor will whisper to me that I must awaken and act. I simply need to pull back on the strap with that CM in the pocket and let fly. The temperature within the room will drop ten degrees as the Creedmoor instantly absorbs the heat from the surrounding air, transforming it into energy and flying forward with the force of Mjölnir thru the beating heart of the first assailant, using the Earth’s magnetic field to guide itself toward the next, and the next, until all threats are stopped. As it completes its mission, it heads for a pre-designated window (propped ajar on the second floor for this very purpose) and sails into the night sky, disappearing into the vast canopy of stars and exploding into a thousand twinkling fragments to join its stellar kin.
All hail the might Creedmoor. Rifle optional.
“…and sails into the night sky, disappearing into the vast canopy of stars and exploding into a thousand twinkling fragments to join its stellar kin.”
Like, *wow*, man!
{Glug-glug-glug-glug-glug-glug-glug-glug-glug…}
Whatever you’re smoking, can I have some from your bag? 🙂
Back in the dark days I used to own a .308 Remington 700 VS heavy barrel.
It had a nice H&S Precision stock mated with a Leupold Vari-X II 6.5-20x 50mm w/ adjustable objective. It was an absolutely handsome rifle but the quality of the Remington factory builds got spotty. This was back in the ’90’s and it was fed with Hornady bullets.
Loved the Hornady stuff back then, books and all. Not so much the rifle. I gave it away in trade.
The review makes me think about a new Remington … for about two seconds until the first squirrel wanders by getting my mind off onto CMMG semi-autos instead.
Oh, and the reviews were good and the photography exceptional.
So exceptional in fact you can see the texture in the Cerakote in the closeup.
Nice.
Judging by the stuff that appeared down under from the late 90s onwards, Remington’s QA went way south of the border. It was bad enough that people were buying old ADL and BDL models purely for the receiver and then buying from the Brownells catalog.
Howa jumped into the void and are now making good performing rifles at very good prices. A whole cottage industry had grown around modifying Howa and Weatherby Vanguard rifles.
Listen and heed the never inane ramblings of the unmatched ‘I Haz A Question’.
All Hail.
Oh look … another squirrel.
give it a few years and the 9mm can do that too
Well I am quite impressed with the review and the price was something unexpected. Perhaps some crow will be consumed by the armchair quarterbacks who have been piling on Remington during their time of despair/bankruptcy. Even though most wounds are probably self inflicted I won’t go along with review critics who think they know more about firearms than the likes of Les Baer, Remington et al.
Would I purchase this Remington providing the rifle passes a hands on inspection? Yes and Hell Yes. Would I trade my beloved rare blued fluted barrel 25-06 Sendero with a Leupold Tactical Scope for it? No and Hell No.
Was this a production gun or one of their tool room assembled reviewer guns?
How many different rifles is Remington going to slap the 700 name on?
Ummmm… as many as are Model 700s?
Are you special, or just unfamiliar with guns?
Good review. I may have overlooked it. Does it come in .308 Winchester?
Back in the ’90’s it did. Several different versions of the rifle existed in different calibers.
I had the 24in. heavy barrel VS and another version called the PSS came with 20in barrels in .308.
Damned fine first shot accuracy on a cold barrel … if you got good QC from the factory. The first rifle I got from FFL had a damaged muzzle crown and I sent it back.
The second rifle could knock a dime out of the bullseye at 100yd, first shot on a cold barrel. I like that but it had issues with the safety lever.
I traded it and never bought a Remington again.
Gadsen – the 84580 model handles 308. Found the info on the PCR-E product page.
The price is right if it is competitive in the sport it was created for but to me it is butt ugly and I own a lot of 700’s.
The nice thing about not being a good long-range shooter is that you never have to worry about buying a gun that will under-perform your accuracy. But it sure is purdy.
I shot and killed a deer 500 yards away with a Mini14 equipped with factory sights, the pickup hood was the benchrest Truth. ,,,,As I was reading this article I thought so many rifles are starting to be of the tactical variety, what happened to the plain jane hunting rifles. Then the author goes on to say it’s for bean fields and prairie dogs. Well maybe, but I can’t see me using it in a tree stand.
It is all about the latest fads. Having a rifle that is tacti-cool is one of the latest fads and having a rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor is another one of the latest fads. So the author covered two fads with one rifle!
How is 6.5 CM a fad?
Before I bought my Ruger American Hunter, I didn’t know much about percision shooting. I researched between 308 and 6.5CM and the concensus was if you don’t have a 308 rifle buy the 6.5CM rifle to start off with. So my first bolt was in 6.5CM.
One of the other approaches taken to this same concept is Gary Eliseo’s “Tube Gun” concept, which has been winning matches for years now.
2 round groups? What a joke.
Two round groups are a joke, it should be a one round groups. Why,? Because if the first shot don’t hit it your second one is a gut shot.
Yep. One shot, meat. Two shots, maybe. Three shots, heap o’ crap.
Is that a stone shooting bench? Looks gucci
Style and appearance: *
I’m not an old timer who thinks anything that isn’t oiled walnut is ugly….but that thing is not attractive. Very functional but not attractive.
Oh for God’s sake… 2-shot and 3-shot groups are the benchmark here? Please do 5, or even better, 10-shot groups to get a decent idea of what this rifle is capable of. Or, hell, even better-er, do 5×5-shot groups with similar ammo to REALLY see how the rifle performs. 2 and 3-shot groups are more statistical outliers than groups.
Michael,
If you have the time, I would like to discuss rifles with you. I am an old USMC Scout Sniper who wants to shoot again. I was considering purchasing this. I have started my research and am looking for sources. If you have time, I would enjoy a conversation.
Best,
Rene Abrego
[email protected]
Any reason for the 2 shot groups, rather than traditional 3 shot groups? I recently picked up one of these rifles but haven’t had the chance to get to the range yet.
Well i hope that you have fun with that and good luck on your shooting but to be honest i would love to own a Reminton .700 like that but yeah i hope that you have a good time shooting. I’ve loved the idea of shooting any long Rifle but the one that fascinates
me the most is the AR .10 but that’s my opinion
I would have to put the AR .10 and the Remington Model 700 PCR Enhanced Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor side by side to see the preformance on them both to get a good estimate on which one i would like better.
Inspired from the tv series Yellowstone, this Kelly Reilly Blue Coat is poncho-style outerwear. Kelly Reilly portrayed the role of Beth Dutton, daughter of John Dutton in the series.
If you love to wear action movies and games outfits so must check the top 5 superb Cosplay Jackets which gives you a killer and stunning look on this cosplay festival.
Comments are closed.