How to Upgrade the Barrel on a Remington 700 Rifle

How to Upgrade the Barrel
on a Remington 700 Rifle

By PJ DelHomme

Upgrading or rebuilding the barrel on your Remington 700 rifle is one of the best moves you can make for accuracy and performance. While the process may seem daunting, it’s entirely doable at home with some patience, the right tools, and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide, including a tool list, that shows you how to remove your old barrel and install a new one.

Step 1: Prepare and Disassemble the Rifle

Start by ensuring your rifle is completely unloaded. Remove the bolt and double-check the chamber. Next, take off any optics and the Picatinny rail. This clears your workspace and prevents damage to your scope or mounts.

Flip the rifle over and locate the action screws—there are typically two: one in front of the magazine well and another behind the trigger. Remove these screws and set them aside in a safe spot, like a small sandwich bag. Some models, like the ADL, have an extra screw in front of the trigger; remove and save this as well.

With the screws out, gently lift the barreled action out of the stock. Remove any magazine springs or followers if your rifle has them. Set aside the stock and any loose parts.

Step 2: Remove the Factory Barrel

With the action out of the stock, you’re ready to tackle the barrel. Secure the barrel in a barrel vice. If you intend to reuse the barrel, wrap it with tape or shims to protect the finish; if not, you can clamp directly onto the steel.

Remove the bolt from the action and set it aside. Now, take an action wrench designed for the Remington 700 and insert it into the receiver, making sure it engages the locking lugs securely. The vice holds the barrel steady while you use the action wrench to break the barrel free from the receiver by turning it counter-clockwise. Sometimes this takes a bit of muscle or even some heat, depending on how tightly the barrel was installed.

Once it breaks loose, simply unthread the action from the barrel. Don’t forget to remove the recoil lug from the action—this flat piece of metal sits between the barrel and receiver and is crucial for reassembly.

Step 3: Prepare and Install the New Barrel

Now it’s time for the exciting part: installing your new barrel. In this example, we’re using a 22-inch OMR carbon barrel chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 1:8 twist, but the process is similar for other aftermarket barrels.

Place the new barrel in the barrel vice, taking care to clamp only on the steel portion near the receiver threads, not on the carbon fiber. Wrap the barrel with shims or protective tape to avoid any scratches or marks.

Before threading the action onto the new barrel, make sure your recoil lug is in the correct position. This is where a recoil lug alignment tool comes in handy. It ensures the recoil lug sits perfectly flat and aligned as you screw the action onto the barrel.

Carefully thread the action onto the new barrel by hand, making sure the recoil lug stays in place and doesn’t shift or tilt. Once the action is fully threaded on, tighten it to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. This step is crucial for accuracy and safety, so don’t rush it.

Need visuals of how to upgrade your barrel? Check out our step-by-step video.

Step 4: Final Checks and Thoughts

With the new barrel installed, double-check that everything is secure and correctly aligned. Inspect the fit of the recoil lug, and make sure the barrel is seated properly in the receiver. Now, you’re ready to reinstall the trigger (if you removed it), drop the barreled action back into your stock or chassis, and reattach your scope and rail.

Before heading to the range, always do a function check: cycle the bolt, dry-fire the rifle (with the bolt removed for safety), and ensure the safety works as intended.

Rebuilding the barrel on any rifle is a rewarding project that can significantly enhance its performance. By following these steps carefully and using the right tools—especially a barrel vice, action wrench, and recoil lug alignment tool—you’ll be able to upgrade your rifle’s barrel with confidence. Take your time, keep your work area organized, and enjoy the improved accuracy and consistency your new barrel brings.

Tools and Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Barrel Vice
To securely hold the barrel while removing or installing it.
Action Wrench (Remington 700 Specific)
Designed to fit the Remington 700 receiver and prevent damage.
Torque Wrench
For accurately tightening the barrel and action screws to manufacturer specs.
Screwdrivers (including Phillips head)
For removing scope mounts, rails, and action screws.
Allen Wrenches/Hex Keys
For chassis or rail screws, depending on your setup.
Recoil Lug Alignment Tool
Ensures the recoil lug is perfectly aligned during reassembly.
Protective Tape or Shims
To wrap around the barrel and prevent marring during clamping.
Bench Vice (optional but helpful)
For holding the action or other components during disassembly.
Small Bags or Containers
For organizing screws and small parts.

Parts & Accessories

New Barrel
(e.g., 22” OMR carbon barrel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 1:8 twist)
Recoil Lug
(Reuse your original or upgrade to an aftermarket version)
Anti-Seize Compound
(Optional, for barrel threads)
Cleaning Supplies
(To clean the receiver and barrel threads before installation)

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How to Upgrade the Barrel
on a Remington 700 Rifle