Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard Review

A Close Look at the Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard

Having spent over a decade wrestling with gear in environments ranging from dusty workshops to precise laboratory setups, I’ve developed a keen eye for solutions that genuinely simplify workflows. My Remington 700 ADL, a rifle I’ve trusted for years, was hobbled by its fixed, blind box magazine. Reloading from the top, especially in haste, felt archaic and prone to fumbling. This nagging inefficiency led me to seek a more modern, user-friendly system, and the Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard emerged as a compelling candidate. Magpul’s reputation for robust, well-engineered accessories made this particular kit an immediate point of interest. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid, functional design; the polymer felt substantial, and the Melonite-treated steel release promised durability. While I briefly considered some custom metal inletting solutions, their cost and complexity quickly pushed them aside in favor of a drop-in approach. My immediate feeling was one of hopeful anticipation, a sense that this kit could finally resolve a long-standing operational hurdle.

Real-World Testing: Putting Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this magazine well kit were primarily my home reloading bench and the local shooting range. I installed the kit directly into a Magpul Hunter 700L stock, a process that proved remarkably straightforward, requiring only a few minutes and minimal fuss. The true test came during a range session where I focused on rapid reloads and the general ease of feeding ammunition. The kit performed admirably, allowing for quick magazine swaps and consistent feeding of .30-06 cartridges. I did notice that the ambidextrous magazine release, while well-designed, required a firmer push than I initially anticipated to fully seat a magazine. This slight stiffness, however, translated into a secure lock-up, which is paramount for reliable feeding.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, including multiple range trips and countless hours spent loading and unloading magazines, the Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard has held up exceptionally well. There are no visible signs of stress, cracks, or significant wear on the polymer or the steel release mechanism. The drop-in nature of the installation means I can easily remove and reinstall it if needed, though I haven’t had a reason to do so. Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the stock and magazine well with a dry cloth. Compared to the integrated blind magazine system it replaced, this kit represents a night-and-day improvement in user convenience and efficiency. It’s proven to be a robust and reliable upgrade that enhances the overall usability of my Remington 700.

Breaking Down the Features of Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard

Specifications

The Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard is designed as a direct replacement for the fixed magazine system in the Magpul Hunter 700L Stock. Its primary function is to enable the use of detachable AICS-pattern long action magazines. The kit is constructed from durable polymer for the main body, offering a balance of weight and strength. A key component is the Melonite treated steel ambidextrous magazine release, which is engineered for superior wear and corrosion resistance. This ensures that the critical magazine retention mechanism will withstand consistent use.

This specific kit is calibrated for long action receivers and is compatible with magazines designed for cartridges based on the .30-06 family. This includes popular calibers like .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and 6.5mm-06, among others. The included Magpul PMAG 5 AC L, Standard magazine offers a 5-round capacity, which is a practical choice for hunting or general shooting applications. It’s important to note that some aftermarket triggers, particularly those with longer or straight trigger bows, may require minor modification to the trigger guard for proper fitment. This detail is crucial for builders to consider during their setup.

Performance & Functionality

The core promise of this magazine well kit is the seamless transition to a detachable magazine system, and it delivers on this front admirably. Swapping from a fixed internal magazine to a bottom-fed detachable system fundamentally changes the user experience. Reloading is now significantly faster and less prone to fumbling, a critical advantage whether on a hunt or during a precision shooting session. The included PMAG 5 AC L magazine feeds smoothly from the well, and I experienced no feeding issues with my .30-06 rounds. The design ensures that cartridges are presented to the bolt face consistently, which is vital for reliable chambering.

However, there’s a specific functionality loss inherent in this design compared to traditional Remington 700 actions. The ability to “top off” the internal magazine by dropping a single round into the action from the side is no longer possible. All ammunition must be fed via the detachable magazine. While this is a standard limitation for most detachable box magazine systems, it’s a departure from the 700’s inherent flexibility for single-round feeding without a magazine. This is a trade-off that potential buyers need to weigh based on their typical usage patterns.

Design & Ergonomics

Magpul’s characteristic attention to detail is evident in the design of this magazine well. The polymer construction feels robust and well-molded, with clean lines and precise tolerances. The ambidextrous magazine release is a standout feature, flush-mounted to minimize accidental snagging while remaining easily accessible with either hand. Its Melonite treated steel construction signals a commitment to durability and longevity, resisting the kind of wear that can plague less robust releases.

The fit within the Magpul Hunter 700L stock is, as expected, excellent. It integrates seamlessly, creating a cohesive unit. However, one aspect that can feel a bit tight initially is the magazine insertion. The ambidextrous magazine release requires a deliberate and firm push to allow a magazine to fully seat. It feels almost like seating an AR-15 magazine on a closed bolt, requiring a distinct “thunk” to confirm it’s locked in place. While this makes for a very secure magazine retention, it does present a slight learning curve and requires a bit more force than some might be accustomed to.

Durability & Maintenance

The polymer construction of the magazine well is a significant advantage in terms of durability and low maintenance. Unlike metal components that can be susceptible to rust or corrosion without diligent care, this unit shrugs off most environmental factors. The Melonite treated steel magazine release is exceptionally resistant to wear and tear, meaning it’s unlikely to degrade with frequent use or exposure to the elements. I have not observed any cracks, deformation, or significant abrasions on the unit after repeated insertion and removal of magazines, and it has been exposed to typical workshop dust and field conditions.

Maintenance is largely a non-issue. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep it clean. If dirt or debris does accumulate within the well, a compressed air blast or a soft brush will suffice. There are no complex mechanisms to lubricate or delicate parts to worry about. This ease of care makes it an ideal component for those who prioritize reliable performance without demanding extensive upkeep. It’s built to be tough and largely forget about.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard is the Magpul PMAG 5 AC L, Standard magazine. This 5-round magazine is specifically designed to work with the AICS pattern long action systems and offers reliable feeding. While the kit itself is designed to fit the Magpul Hunter 700L stock, it’s crucial to be aware of potential aftermarket trigger compatibility issues. Triggers with longer or straight trigger bows may necessitate minor modifications to the trigger guard to prevent interference with the magazine well’s operation.

Beyond the included magazine and the noted trigger consideration, the kit is relatively self-contained. There aren’t extensive customization options for the magazine well itself. Its value lies in its direct functionality: enabling detachable magazines. For those looking to expand their magazine capacity, additional PMAG 5 AC L magazines or other AICS-pattern long action magazines can be purchased separately. It’s also worth noting that this system is designed to integrate exclusively with the Hunter 700L stock.

Pros and Cons of Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard

Who Should Buy Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard?

This Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard is an absolute must-have for any Remington 700 owner who has upgraded to, or is using, a Magpul Hunter 700L Stock and wants to ditch the limitations of a fixed blind magazine. If your primary use case involves hunting where quick follow-up shots or rapid reloads are beneficial, or if you simply prefer the convenience and efficiency of detachable magazines, this kit is an excellent choice. It’s also ideal for individuals building a custom rifle on a Remington 700 long action chassis who want a reliable and user-friendly magazine solution.

However, shooters who rely heavily on the ability to “top off” their rifle with single rounds directly into the receiver without using a magazine might find this conversion a step backward. If your current trigger setup features a particularly long or straight trigger bow, be prepared for the possibility of needing minor modifications to ensure compatibility. For those seeking an ultra-lightweight or competition-grade tuning from the magazine release, additional aftermarket options exist, but this Magpul kit strikes a fantastic balance of performance, durability, and affordability.

Conclusion on Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard

The Magpul Industries Bolt Action Magazine Well Kit Hunter 700la Standard is a highly effective and practical upgrade that addresses a significant ergonomic limitation of older Remington 700 designs when paired with the Hunter stock. It delivers on its promise of enabling convenient and rapid magazine changes, significantly enhancing the usability of the rifle. The combination of durable polymer construction and a robust, Melonite treated steel magazine release speaks to Magpul’s commitment to producing reliable, long-lasting components. While the initial stiffness of the magazine release and the loss of single-round top-off capability are points to consider, they are minor trade-offs for the substantial benefits of a detachable magazine system.

Considering its $74.45 price point, which includes a quality Magpul PMAG, the value proposition is exceptional. For anyone utilizing a Magpul Hunter 700L stock and looking to modernize their Remington 700 long action, this kit is a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective solution. I wholeheartedly recommend this magazine well kit to those looking to streamline their reloading process and enhance the overall functionality of their rifle. It transforms a clunky operation into a smooth, efficient, and far more enjoyable shooting experience.