Remington Model 700 Classic .221 Rem Fireball 24” Bolt Action Hunting Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,785.00
LSB#: LSB250927RA004
Make: Remington
Model: 700 Classic
Serial Number: G6281630
Year of Manufacture: Circa 2002 (No date code on barrel)
Caliber: .221 Remington Fireball
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with Remington’s Ilion, NY address, and “.221 REM. FIREBALL”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number and “Remington / MODEL 700”. The right side of the barrel is marked with a series of proofs.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, rubber buttpad, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows no notable wear. The checkering is well defined with sharp peaks. The stock’s finish is intact throughout and the wood grain is attractive. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Remington’s Model 700 Classic series, produced annually from 1978 through the early 2000s, offered shooters a traditional, walnut-stocked, blued-steel rifle chambered each year in a distinctive or historically interesting cartridge. The .221 Remington Fireball chambering was introduced in the Classic line in 2002, providing a bolt-action platform for a cartridge more commonly associated with varmint pistols and custom rifles. This example reflects the aesthetic and mechanical refinement that made the Classic series so desirable: deep, even bluing, sharp checkering, and well-figured walnut with clean edges and tight fit.
The .221 Remington Fireball, developed in 1963 for the XP-100 silhouette pistol, remains admired for producing high velocity and exceptional accuracy with modest powder charges and low recoil. In a 24-inch rifle like this one, the cartridge utilizes its full ballistic potential, offering impressive performance for small game and varmint shooting with minimal shooter fatigue. The bright bore, crisp mechanics, and nearly untouched finish give this rifle the appearance of one that saw little field use, if any. With its excellent condition, classic styling, and uncommon chambering, this Model 700 Classic stands as a highly attractive example from one of Remington’s most collectible rifle series. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
