It has a plenty accurate 18" barrel on it right now. It is a 7-08 and with it's synthetic stock balances OK. But a few more ounces up front won't hurt a bit. I have 2 R700 22" mountain rifle barrels, one a 7-08 that is a known good shooter and a brand new never fired barrel of the same contour in 308. I also have a pretty light Mauser actioned 308 with a 22 inch barrel already that shoots great. For some reason the Model 7 has become my first choice to take on most hunting trips with my 257 Roberts being backup rifle. The only other thing I am thinking of changing is the Remington trigger, it never fails to perform but the safety is hard to push off. I can't think of anything I would do with a 308 that I couldn't do with a 7-08 other than I have a bigger collection of Partitions in 30 caliber. I also have a considerable collection of brass for both cartridges. Thinking about all this I notice I have several rifles in cartridges in the same power range, 260 Remington, 7x57 only varying around a pound in overall rifle weight scoped. Logic is slipping up on me, leave the 7 alone and make the safety easier to push off. Get another Remington 700 action and put one of the barrels on it. This logic is screwing with my looney status.

You could always pull the barrel on the M7 and replace it with one of the MR barrels.

That was the original idea but I could put together another rifle and get to play with load development also. Looking at it logically if I want something a bit different I could just use one of my other rifles in the same power range. The only real issue with the 18 inch barrel is muzzle blast is a bit significant. Especially with it's favored load of H414.

Put on the 22” barrel

I have several M7's and while I like them all the Predator with a 22" barrel is by far the best handling of the bunch.

I have several M7's and while I like them all the Predator with a 22" barrel is by far the best handling of the bunch.

Invest in trigger.

I have a Predator in 223, my favorite truck/coyote rifle when I am not out in big farm fields.

Thinking about a Trigger Tech.

A bit longer barrel would be nice IMHO..... But from a cartridge standpoint, the 7-08 will do you well.

It is hard to argue against my favorite cartridge.

It seems to me that the model 7 was made to be a 7mm-08.

-Jake

Never owned a 7-08 but it just seems to be a great cartridge from everything I see and hear. Very seldom do you hear any negativity.

Sounds like you’re just in a futzing around mood. I’d start with a good trigger, then if that doesn’t settle you down, put the 7-08 barrel on it.

These phases come and go. Good clean fun, unless you have to sell the baby’s shoes to pay for your notions.

I have a model 7 and I recently received my 7mm barrel. I too am debating on barrel length, either 21 or 22 inches. Don’t think an inch would make a big difference, but I want to get as much velocity out of it while keeping it short and handy. It’s currently wearing a 308 barrel.

I would:

1. Have the 22" 7-08 barrel screwed on
2. Put a Trigger Tech on it
...later...
3. Consider a McMillian/Manners/Bansner-HTS lightweight stock of your choice....probably with Badger Ord AICS bottom metal.

I’ve shot the 260 and 7/08 out of a model Seven . The 260 was pretty snappy compared to the 7mm. 7/08 is the bomb

I have had many Mod 7s rebarreled with 22-24" factory take-off barrels. I'm tall and even 22" feels like a carbine in my hands. Agree on the Trigger Tech, but go with the "Special" if its available for the Model 7. You will "love" it set on 1 1/2 pounds buddy! If you could ever find a Kepplinger Single Set trigger, you would get dizzy with Delight using it in that Mod 7! ha

I’m doing the same with a take off 22” Creed barrel. It’s my daughters gun and she doesn’t like the blast from the shorter -08 barrel.



Roy

Is it the balance or blast you’re wanting rid of?

If balance, I’d grab a lighter stock and keep as is.

Amen!

That's pretty much what I've found my predator is a 243 my M7 ss 7 saum takes care of "I want a bigger cartridge" duty in the M7
Goodluck rickt300 , I'd put the 22" on it rfn. Mb

You will have to do the trigger at some point to be happy with the gun and its "shootability". Do that now. Shoot it for a year and see if it does it for you. Meanwhile set up another 7 the way you want it a bit at a time. Gather all the parts in other words, then build. Be Well, RZ.

Mostly the blast but as for the stock a while back I replaced the Butt heavy walnut with a factory plastic stock off a Predator M7 which both lightened the rifle and made the balance much better. Must add that the barrel really has some space to cool in that barrel channel. If I don't like the 22" barrel I can easily put the 18" barrel back on.