So I’ve had a original walnut 700 SA mountain rifle stock laying around for a few years and have decided to build basically a copy of the original Rem 700 Mountain Rifle in .223 rem. My question since never handling one, were these rifles “butt heavy” with the original 22” barrels (.550 muzzle)? I did have an older Model 7 with the 18” barrel and it was terrible as far as balance goes.......Just considering wether to order a Mountain Rifle duplicate contour barrel or something with a touch more meat at the muzzle. Thanks.

I had one in 7x57 and it wasn't butt heavy...wasnt muzzle heavy either. Likewise I had a model Seven CDL in .22-250...not butt heavy either...but definitely light. A 22 inch Man. rifle contour barrel in .223 should be just fine...and make a great rifle!

I had a Faux TI built in a 22-250. 22" factory MR contour. It handles fine topped with a 2-7. I wouldn't change a thing.

So I ended up ordering a SS, #1, 8 twist from Lilja..... supposed to be pretty close to the Mt Rifle contour but just a tad thicker at the muzzle.... I think the guy told me approximately.565 versus .530.... we’ll see..... Hoping for the rifle to end up somewhere between my Kimber Montana 223 and my rem700 classic 223.

Not entirely what the OP was after.





That’s a MR Mcmillian with a Rock #2 and no one could convince me it isn’t the best compromise in said platform.

Go 7 twist to keep your options open....

I have a long action with a mtn. rifle contoured Pac-nor at 24", with a 6.5mm bore. Still seemed butt heavy to me, so I drilled a couple or three holes in the butt to help the balance, but I like a rifle to balance at the receiver ring. Everyone's taste is different, though.

I think you'll be happy with that slightly heavier contour in a walnut-stocked Mountain Rifle. You will probably need to wallow out the barrel channel a little...but it will be easy. I had a factory 280 Rem Mtn Rifle Walnut that seemed butt-heavy to me.

I think I got my .280 700 mr in 1992. Stainless with synthetic adl stock. Balance is perfect.