Remington 783 synthetic in 6.5mm Creedmoor

We don’t all need — or want — an expensive stalking rifle. Whether your decision is financial or practical, you can still achieve a blend of value, reliability and accuracy with a Remington Model 783. This budget bolt-action design – the Remington 783 synthetic –  is aimed at the hunter who needs a workhorse rifle; one that’s always up to the task with no frills or fancy extras. It’s ideal for a beginner or a seasoned stalker looking for a reliable back-up.

The Model 700 is the top-of-the- line model, but the stripped-back 783 action does not lack for anything. Built for repeated use, this Sporter-barrelled rifle tips the scales at just 7.25lb and, with a 22in barrel, is easily managed. The synthetic stock is basic but accurately free floats the barrel. The aluminium pillar beds also help with consistent accuracy.

If that’s not your flavour, Remington also offers walnut or camouflage alternatives. The distributor, Raytrade, has aftermarket options, too.

Remington 783 synthetic

The detachable four-shot magazine in 6.5mm Creedmoor is practical and you benefit from Rem’s adjustable CrossFire trigger, with the trendy ‘trigger in trigger’ function. Available in calibres from .223 to .300 Win Magnum, this economy model in 6.5mm Creedmoor is bang on trend; a great-value rifle with the performance of a much more expensive option.

Need to know

• Manufacturer Remington
• Model Remington 783 synthetic
• Type Bolt action
• Overall length 42in
• Barrel length 22in
• Calibre 6.5mm Creedmoor on test
• Finish Blued steel
• Weight 7.25lb
• Magazine Detachable 4 shot
• Stock Polymer synthetic Sporter style
• Trigger CrossFire single-stage adjustable
• Safety Side lever
• Sights None furnished

Contact Raytrade Ltd, 01635 253344

Rifle test

The stylish stock has a two-piece moulding, fashioned from polymer to form a black shell with a nice textured finish. The moulded stippled panels on both pistol grip and fore-end provide additional grip.

The sleek design of the stock has no cheekpiece, which benefits the ambidextrous feel and use of the machined aluminium pillars. This means that the action tightens evenly to the stock ensuring that the 783 stays on zero and accurate in all weather conditions. The rugged nature, weatherproofing and lack of warpage means that the stock, although plain, is perfect for real-life hunting.

The matt blued 22in barrel is Sporter-profiled and therefore lightweight, and features a 14mm/1 thread pitch for moderator use. This is ballistically perfect for the Creedmoor round. There are no sights furnished but it is well floated from the stock so it won’t touch it and ruin accuracy.

Solid bedding

The action is Remington’s usual tubular steel machined profile, in matt blue again, drilled and tapped for the attachment of two Weaver-type bases (both supplied). I like the barrel-locking nut that adjusts headspace and secures the recoil lug to the action for a good degree of precision and solid bedding.

The bolt has the usual opposing twin locking lugs that, on inspection, entirely contact the action abutments – impressive for a budget gun. The Sako-style extractor offers assured and positive extraction, while the spring-type plunger ejector works energetically.

Operating the Remington 783 synthetic is surprisingly smooth, with the flattened bolt knob looking odd but still handy nevertheless.

The firing pin protrusion achieves visual indication of a cocked rifle. Safety is further enhanced with the simple ‘forward fire/rear safe’ side lever. Remington has fitted its CrossFire safety blade trigger unit, too; this inner skeletonised blade system has to be depressed to trip the actual trigger mechanism. Set at 3.15lb on test, it was reassuringly crisp and only had a small degree of creep.

Finally, the four-shot detachable magazine – a mix of steel and polymer base with a clever integral metal release catch – tested flawlessly throughout.

Conclusion

It’s easy to forget that not everyone wants the most expensive kit and indeed may not be able to afford it. The Remington Model 783 is a capable and affordable rifle, perfectly designed for bringing back the venison without breaking the bank. It would make a great keeper’s gun or estate rifle where hard use would not faze its owner nor adversely affect the gun.

• Accuracy: Reliable for a rifle at this price point 17/20
• Handling: Lightweight and easy to lug around 17/20
• Trigger: Not my preference but safe and predictable 16/20
• Stock:  No frills, ambidextrous and built to last 16/20
• Value: Good value for its build quality and accuracy 17/20
• Overall score A capable rifle that won’t break the bank 83/100

Field test

I had the rifle sighted with the GPO 2.5-15x50mm scope supplied and chose to test factory rounds. The Federal 95-gr is always accurate and the 783 shot three rounds under an inch at 100 yards with a velocity of 3164 fps and 2,122ft/lb.

The Hornady SST is a good all-rounder too, measuring 2,827fps for 2,290ft/lb and consistent 1in groups – it’s fast for a 129-gr bullet as well. If you want to go heavier, Remington’s own 140 AccuTip load gave 1.25in groups and 2,580fps for 2070ft/lb. Lead-free was unavailable.

I was after roebuck so I loaded up with the Federal 95-gr and fitted a sling to the moulded attachment points. It’s a light gun – even with an Evolve moderator – so it was no effort to lug around. The benefit of a cheap gun is that you don’t worry about scratching it.

A small roebuck appeared on the edge of a woodland stretch next to a maize field. A slow dew-laden stalk through the crops was no problem. At daybreak, the buck emerged from the crop 80 yards from me. I let him pass to head back to the wood then at 100 yards squeezed the trigger. A solid thump and sudden drop confirmed the Remington Model 783’s credentials as a brilliant budget deer gun.