Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit Review

The One Thing I Didn’t Expect from the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit

My quest for a more efficient way to manage ammunition for my Remington 700 BDL rifles led me to the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit. For years, I’d dealt with the inherent limitations of the traditional hinged floor plate, particularly during extended shooting sessions where rapid follow-up shots or quick reloads are crucial. The appeal of a detachable magazine system for a rifle like the venerable Remington 700 platform, especially in common short-action calibers, was undeniable. My own experience with a less-than-stellar AR-magazine conversion for a .223 Remington 700 had left me cautious, but the promise of a simple, drop-in solution for my other .308 and .243 rifles sparked my interest.

Upon receiving the kit, my initial impression was one of practical simplicity. The components, primarily polymer, felt robust enough for their intended purpose. There were no overly complex mechanisms or finicky adjustments, which immediately set it apart from some aftermarket solutions I’ve encountered. It wasn’t the sleekest or most high-end looking piece of gear, but the focus seemed to be on function over form. This kit from Howa presented itself as a straightforward answer to a common problem.

The decision to acquire this particular kit wasn’t made lightly. I had explored other options, including more expensive, fully integrated chassis systems, but the cost and complexity outweighed the perceived benefits for my needs. My friend’s positive experience with a similar kit on his Howa 1500, which he described as working “flawlessly,” tipped the scales. My primary objective was to achieve the functionality of detachable magazines without undertaking significant modifications to my rifles, and this kit seemed to promise just that. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation, hoping this would finally solve a long-standing minor annoyance in my rifle setups.

Real-World Testing: Putting the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this conversion kit were my local shooting range and several prairie dog hunting trips. The primary scenario involved replacing the existing floor plate and trigger guard assembly on my Remington 700 BDL short-action rifles chambered in .308 Winchester and .243 Winchester. Installation was straightforward; the kit slid into place with minimal effort, requiring only basic tools and the included instructions. It was a refreshingly simple process that didn’t demand a gunsmith’s expertise.

During my initial range sessions, the magazines fed smoothly. I experienced no feeding failures or jams with either new or previously loaded ammunition. The polymer magazine felt sturdy, and the 5-round capacity was perfectly adequate for my prairie dog hunting needs, allowing for several quick shots before a reload. The kit performed reliably under varying conditions, from the dusty, sun-baked fields to cooler, more controlled range environments, without any noticeable degradation in function.

Ease of use was a significant factor here. The transition from the factory floor plate to the detachable magazine system was intuitive. Reloading became a much quicker process, as I could simply drop a fresh magazine into place rather than manipulating individual rounds into a fixed magazine. My only minor surprise was how accustomed I became to the new method so quickly; the change was almost seamless.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use across multiple hunting seasons and range days, the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit has proven its worth. The polymer magazine has held up remarkably well, showing only minor cosmetic scuffs from being handled and dropped on occasion, but no structural damage or compromise in performance. The feed lips remain consistent, and rounds continue to chamber reliably with each use.

The durability of the conversion trigger guard is also notable. It has endured the rigors of being carried in a rifle scabbard, subjected to occasional bumps and scrapes, without any signs of cracking or weakening. The mechanism for attaching and detaching the magazine remains crisp and secure, with no looseness or play developing over time. Cleaning and maintenance have been minimal; a quick wipe-down of the magazine and the trigger guard area is all that’s typically required.

Comparing this kit to my previous experiences, it far surpasses the less-than-ideal AR-magazine conversion I installed on a .223 rifle. That system, while functional, always felt somewhat clunky and less reliable. This Howa kit, however, operates with a satisfying level of refinement and reliability, making it a clear upgrade. It offers a significant improvement in usability and performance without demanding a premium price tag, making it a truly excellent value.

Breaking Down the Features of the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit

Specifications

This kit is designed to convert a Remington 700 BDL short-action rifle to accept detachable magazines. The primary material for both the polymer magazine and the replacement trigger guard is a durable, black-finished polymer, which contributes to its lightweight nature. The magazine capacity is 5 rounds, a common and practical size for hunting and general shooting. The kit is engineered for calibers such as .308 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, and .243 Winchester, all of which utilize the short action of the Remington 700 platform.

The choice of polymer for these components is a significant specification, as it helps keep the overall weight down while maintaining sufficient strength for reliable operation. The 5-round capacity is a compromise that balances ammunition availability with magazine size, making it less cumbersome than larger capacity magazines while still offering more than the typical 3- or 4-round internal capacity. This design aims for broad compatibility with popular short-action Remington 700 variants, making it a versatile upgrade.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of this kit is to enable the seamless feeding of ammunition from a detachable magazine into the rifle’s action. In this regard, the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit performs exceptionally well. Ammunition is consistently presented to the bolt, and I have experienced zero failures to feed during my testing. The act of releasing a spent magazine and inserting a fresh one is quick and intuitive, significantly speeding up the reloading process compared to traditional hinged floor plates.

Its strengths lie in its reliability and ease of use. The polymer magazine holds rounds securely, and the feeding mechanism is well-designed. A potential weakness, if one can call it that, is the 5-round capacity. While perfectly adequate for many hunting scenarios, those who frequently engage multiple targets or require a higher round count for specific applications might find it limiting. However, given the rifle’s intended purpose and common use cases, it strikes a good balance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this conversion kit prioritizes functionality and ease of installation. The black polymer construction gives it a utilitarian and robust appearance, fitting well with the practical nature of the Remington 700 platform. The trigger guard replacement integrates smoothly with the rifle’s stock, and the magazine catch mechanism is readily accessible with the shooting hand’s index finger.

Ergonomically, the polymer magazine is comfortable to grip and insert. The textured surface of the magazine aids in handling, even with gloves on. There is no discernible learning curve associated with its operation; the process of magazine insertion and removal becomes second nature very quickly. The overall feel is solid, and the materials used do not feel cheap or flimsy, despite being polymer.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the durability of the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit appears to be excellent. The polymer used is impact-resistant and shows no signs of premature wear or degradation, even after repeated insertions and removals of the magazine. I have not observed any cracks, stiffness, or performance drops in the mechanism.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. The magazine can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning if necessary, though most situations only require a quick wipe-down to remove dust and debris. The trigger guard requires no specific maintenance beyond normal rifle cleaning. The overall construction suggests a long service life under typical usage conditions for a rifle of this type.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit is a self-contained unit and does not come with additional accessories. The primary component of the kit, beyond the trigger guard, is the 5-round polymer magazine. Customization options for this specific kit are limited to purchasing additional magazines if desired, which is a common practice for those who appreciate the convenience of detachable magazines.

The kit is designed to integrate with the existing Remington 700 BDL action and stock, so it doesn’t offer aesthetic customization beyond its functional improvement. However, the ability to use interchangeable magazines is a significant functional customization in itself, allowing for quicker reloads and the pre-loading of multiple magazines.

Pros and Cons of the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit

Who Should Buy the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit?

This conversion kit is an ideal purchase for owners of Remington 700 BDL short-action rifles chambered in .308 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, or .243 Winchester who are looking to upgrade their rifle’s feeding system. It is particularly well-suited for hunters, especially those engaging in varmint control or situations where multiple quick shots might be necessary, such as prairie dog hunting. Home gunsmiths and individuals who prefer straightforward, DIY rifle upgrades will also find this kit appealing due to its ease of installation.

However, individuals seeking a higher ammunition capacity for extended tactical engagements or those who exclusively prefer metal components for their rifle accessories might want to look elsewhere. It is crucial to ensure your specific Remington 700 model is a BDL short-action variant, as this kit is not designed for long-action models or other Remington 700 variations. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and cost-effective way to add detachable magazine functionality to your compatible Remington 700, this kit is an excellent choice.

Conclusion on the Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit

The Howa Remington 700 BDL 5 Round .308 Win/7mm-08 Rem/.243 Win Short Action Floor Plate & Detachable Magazine Kit has proven to be a highly effective and practical upgrade for my Remington 700 rifles. It delivers on its promise of easy installation and reliable performance, transforming the reloading experience from a deliberate process into a swift, efficient action. The polymer construction is durable, and the 5-round capacity is well-suited for its intended hunting and sport shooting applications.

Considering its price point of $88.49, the value proposition is exceptional. It provides the functionality of a much more expensive aftermarket system at a fraction of the cost, without compromising on the core elements of reliability and ease of use. I would personally and confidently recommend this kit to any owner of a compatible Remington 700 BDL short-action rifle who desires the convenience and speed of detachable magazines. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense solution that genuinely enhances the usability of an already classic rifle platform.