Remington Model 700 BDL Varmint Special .223 Rem 24″ Bolt Action Rifle 1989
SOLD FOR: $2,375.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS074
Make: Remington
Model: 700 BDL Varmint Special
Serial Number: C6351924
Year of Manufacture: Feb. 1989 (LJ Date Code, “C” Prefixed Serial #).
Caliber: .223 Remington
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with Remington’s 2-line warning & Ilion, NY address, along with “223 REM.”, a series of proofs, and the “LJ” date code. The right side of the barrel is marked with a series of proofs. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, and “Remington / MODEL 700”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a one-piece Leupold scope base and 1″ rings for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, checkered plastic Remington buttplate, capped forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with only a few scattered scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The checkering remains well defined. The stock’s finish is strong and intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good 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 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minor superficial imperfections throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The jeweling on the bolt is crisp and bright. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads show only minor tooling, and have serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine 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: This rifle comes with the scope mount and rings as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Introduced in the early 1970s, the Remington 700 BDL Varmint Special represented the company’s purpose-built approach to precision centerfire varmint rifles. By pairing the Model 700 action with a heavier 24 inch barrel and the classic Monte Carlo walnut stock, Remington created a configuration capable of sustained accuracy while retaining the familiar lines and handling qualities of their sporting rifles. Chambered in .223 Remington, a cartridge born from the .222 Remington lineage and refined into a flat-shooting, inherently accurate small-bore centerfire. This model became a favorite among predator callers, bench shooters, and woodchuck hunters for its mild recoil and repeatable precision.
This 1989 example reflects the strong production standards of Remington’s late-1980s Ilion craftsmanship. The bluing remains deep and even, the bolt jeweling vivid, and the stock exhibits only light handling marks consistent with careful field use. The walnut retains its strength of finish and well-defined checkering, reinforcing the rifle’s status as both a functional tool and an attractive sporting piece. Mechanically, the rifle remains sound, with a bright bore and sharp rifling that speak to proper maintenance and limited hard use.
As a whole, the rifle stands as an appealing specimen for anyone who appreciates classic American varmint rifles built before industry shifts toward synthetic stocks and mass-production shortcuts. This BDL Varmint Special is both a capable shooter and a collectible reminder of an era when Remington combined precision barrels, polished actions, and handsome walnut to create rifles that inspired real confidence in the field. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! – J.D.