Remington Model 30
Encyclopedia
The Remington Model 30 is a US sporting rifle of the inter-war period based on the military P14/M1917 Enfield
rifle action
, which was manufactured for the British and US governments during World War I. Initial specimens used surplus military parts with some modifications in order to consume the stock of parts, though further modifications were made as production progressed and later rifles were produced from newly manufactured parts. Most early rifles were in the military .30-06 calibre used in the M1917 but it became available in a variety of chamberings. It was the first high-powered bolt-action sporting rifle produced by Remington.
design with dual front locking lugs and a rear safety lug where the base of the bolt handle fitted into a recess in the receiver. The action was large, strong and robust, and therefore ideally suited to powerful sporting cartridges under development. The action used an internal box magazine and the Mauser-type claw extractor for controlled round feeding for excellent reliability. The barrel used on initial versions was of the same shape as the original military one, except it was polished and deep blued. The trigger mechanism was initially the same two-stage military type. Remington used the same steel and heat treatment as for the M1917
rifles, although improving the dimensional tolerances and the standard of finish. The actions were proof-tested to 70 000 PSI
(483 MPa
) breech
pressure.
was left with two factories (the main factory at Ilion
and a subsidiary at Eddystone
) tooled up to make the M1917, and was also left with a large inventory of stored spare parts. It was decided to make a sporting version of the P14-M1917 model rifles at the Ilion plant. In 1921, Remington introduced the Model 30 High Power sporting rifle in caliber
30-06 Springfield. Early models differed from the military rifles by deleting the prominent rear sight protection ears and machining the receiver bridge to the same diameter as the receiver ring, and straightening the floorplate. These changes made for a better-looking rifle but magazine capacity was reduced from 6 to 5 rounds. The barrel was of the military profile but shortened slightly to 24". The barreled action was placed into a sporter type stock of plain American black walnut with a schnabel fore-end and a steel buttplate grooved to prevent slipping. A simple receiver aperture sight was fitted to the receiver bridge by a dovetail. This sight was soon discontinued and replaced with one mounted further forward on the barrel band. The Mauser type cock-on-closing feature, and the double stage military type trigger were retained. In 1926, the stock was refined with a higher and thicker comb. A crossbolt was added, and chequering of the pistol grip and fore-end became standard. There was a deluxe Model 30S made 1930-32 with a better designed and chequered stock, a Lyman 48 receiver type sight called Model 30 Express.
In 1932-33 some substantial changes were made. The action was changed to cock as the bolt handle was lifted, and the trigger was altered to a short, single stage pull. The Mauser type cock-on-closing feature used until that time had been carried over from the original P14 and M1917 rifles, and was originally intended to facilitate rapid fire as the action heated up. However, this was unnecessary on a sporting rifle and the Mauser
M98
and M1903 Springfield type cock-on-opening bolt was preferred by American sportsmen so the action was developed accordingly. Other changes for 1932 were that the designations changed for the Model 30A (ex-M30), the Model 30R (carbine) was added, and a floating barrel was introduced instead of the earlier bedding system where the barrel contacted the front end of the stock. By 1939 all receivers were drilled and tapped to accept a receiver sight. The production stopped in 1940 with the introduction of the Model 720. The 720 was the final improvement of the original Enfield action by Remington, and was only produced for a few years. It was replaced in 1948 by the much-simplified Model 721 and 722 rifles, which were developed eventually into the widely-used Model 700 rifles that are still in production today.
, .30 Rem
, .32 Rem
, .35 Rem
, 7mm Mauser, .257 Roberts
. On these guns, the aperture receiver sight was omitted, and replaced with a more conventional rear sight mounted on the barrel. The rifles were also available in more expensive grades; The Deluxe or "Special" 30S which in 1930 became the Model 30SL, the 30SR with Redfield
sight, the 30SX, with a Lyman sight, and the 30SM with Marble-Goss
aperture receiver sight
. These "Special" models were available with 22 or 24 inches barrel, selected stock, One variation the Model 30R Carbine was introduced in 1927 with a 20 inches barrel, and was available in .25 Rem
, .30 Rem
, .32 Rem
, .35 Rem
and 30-06 caliber. The Express 30 family and its variant were manufactured in number of approximatively 22800 units, between 1926 and 1940. Serialization is from number 00001 to 30560.
Royal Small Arms Factory
The Royal Small Arms Factory was a UK government-owned rifle factory in the London Borough of Enfield in an area generally known as the Lea Valley. The factory produced British military rifles, muskets and swords from 1816...
rifle action
Firearm action
In firearms terminology, an action is the physical mechanism that manipulates cartridges and/or seals the breech. The term is also used to describe the method in which cartridges are loaded, locked, and extracted from the mechanism. Actions are generally categorized by the type of mechanism used...
, which was manufactured for the British and US governments during World War I. Initial specimens used surplus military parts with some modifications in order to consume the stock of parts, though further modifications were made as production progressed and later rifles were produced from newly manufactured parts. Most early rifles were in the military .30-06 calibre used in the M1917 but it became available in a variety of chamberings. It was the first high-powered bolt-action sporting rifle produced by Remington.
Design
The action was a modified MauserMauser
Mauser was a German arms manufacturer of a line of bolt-action rifles and pistols from the 1870s to 1995. Mauser designs were built for the German armed forces...
design with dual front locking lugs and a rear safety lug where the base of the bolt handle fitted into a recess in the receiver. The action was large, strong and robust, and therefore ideally suited to powerful sporting cartridges under development. The action used an internal box magazine and the Mauser-type claw extractor for controlled round feeding for excellent reliability. The barrel used on initial versions was of the same shape as the original military one, except it was polished and deep blued. The trigger mechanism was initially the same two-stage military type. Remington used the same steel and heat treatment as for the M1917
M1917 Enfield rifle
The M1917 Enfield, the "American Enfield" , formally named "United States Rifle, cal .30, Model of 1917" was an American modification and production of the British .303 caliber P14 rifle developed and manufactured during the period 1917-1918.-History:Before World War I developed, the British had as...
rifles, although improving the dimensional tolerances and the standard of finish. The actions were proof-tested to 70 000 PSI
Pounds per square inch
The pound per square inch or, more accurately, pound-force per square inch is a unit of pressure or of stress based on avoirdupois units...
(483 MPa
MPA
-Academic degrees:* Master of Professional Accountancy* Master of Public Administration* Master of Public Affairs* Master of Physician's Assistant-Chemicals:* Medroxyprogesterone acetate, also known by the brand name Depo-Provera* Morpholide of pelargonic acid...
) breech
Breech-loading weapon
A breech-loading weapon is a firearm in which the cartridge or shell is inserted or loaded into a chamber integral to the rear portion of a barrel....
pressure.
History
In 1918, after the end of World War I and termination of contracts for both the P14 and M1917, RemingtonRemington Arms
Remington Arms Company, Inc. was founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington in Ilion, New York, as E. Remington and Sons. It is the oldest company in the United States which still makes its original product, and is the oldest continuously operating manufacturer in North America. It is the only U.S....
was left with two factories (the main factory at Ilion
Ilion, New York
Ilion is a village in Herkimer County, New York, United States. The population was 8,610 at the 2000 census. Ilion is a name for the ancient city of Troy.The Village of Ilion is at the north town line of the Town of German Flatts...
and a subsidiary at Eddystone
Eddystone, Pennsylvania
Eddystone is a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,442 at the 2000 census.-Early history:The area at the mouth of Ridley Creek was first called "Tequirassy" by Native Americans. The land was owned by Olof Persson Stille, one of the early settlers from New...
) tooled up to make the M1917, and was also left with a large inventory of stored spare parts. It was decided to make a sporting version of the P14-M1917 model rifles at the Ilion plant. In 1921, Remington introduced the Model 30 High Power sporting rifle in caliber
Caliber
In guns including firearms, caliber or calibre is the approximate internal diameter of the barrel in relation to the diameter of the projectile used in it....
30-06 Springfield. Early models differed from the military rifles by deleting the prominent rear sight protection ears and machining the receiver bridge to the same diameter as the receiver ring, and straightening the floorplate. These changes made for a better-looking rifle but magazine capacity was reduced from 6 to 5 rounds. The barrel was of the military profile but shortened slightly to 24". The barreled action was placed into a sporter type stock of plain American black walnut with a schnabel fore-end and a steel buttplate grooved to prevent slipping. A simple receiver aperture sight was fitted to the receiver bridge by a dovetail. This sight was soon discontinued and replaced with one mounted further forward on the barrel band. The Mauser type cock-on-closing feature, and the double stage military type trigger were retained. In 1926, the stock was refined with a higher and thicker comb. A crossbolt was added, and chequering of the pistol grip and fore-end became standard. There was a deluxe Model 30S made 1930-32 with a better designed and chequered stock, a Lyman 48 receiver type sight called Model 30 Express.
In 1932-33 some substantial changes were made. The action was changed to cock as the bolt handle was lifted, and the trigger was altered to a short, single stage pull. The Mauser type cock-on-closing feature used until that time had been carried over from the original P14 and M1917 rifles, and was originally intended to facilitate rapid fire as the action heated up. However, this was unnecessary on a sporting rifle and the Mauser
Mauser
Mauser was a German arms manufacturer of a line of bolt-action rifles and pistols from the 1870s to 1995. Mauser designs were built for the German armed forces...
M98
Gewehr 98
The Gewehr 98 is a German bolt action Mauser rifle firing the 8x57mm cartridge from a 5 round internal clip-loaded magazine that was the German service rifle from 1898 to 1935, when it was replaced by the Karabiner 98k. It was hence the main rifle of the German infantry during World War I...
and M1903 Springfield type cock-on-opening bolt was preferred by American sportsmen so the action was developed accordingly. Other changes for 1932 were that the designations changed for the Model 30A (ex-M30), the Model 30R (carbine) was added, and a floating barrel was introduced instead of the earlier bedding system where the barrel contacted the front end of the stock. By 1939 all receivers were drilled and tapped to accept a receiver sight. The production stopped in 1940 with the introduction of the Model 720. The 720 was the final improvement of the original Enfield action by Remington, and was only produced for a few years. It was replaced in 1948 by the much-simplified Model 721 and 722 rifles, which were developed eventually into the widely-used Model 700 rifles that are still in production today.
Production
The Model 30 had a 24 inch barrel, and was available in .30-06 Springfield only (1921–1925)- S/N between 00001 and 30600. About 3000 units were manufactured. A carbine version with a 20 inch barrel was produced from 1924 to 1925, also available only in .30-06 Springfield. Both of these models were replaced in 1926 by the upgraded Model 30 Express version. The Model 30 Express version was available in several configurations - The basic 30A with its 22 inch barrel, was offered in calibers .30-06 Springfield, .25 Rem.25 Remington
The .25 Remington is an American rifle cartridge. A rimless, smokeless powder design, this cartridge was considered to be very accurate by period firearm experts and suitable for game up to deer and black bear....
, .30 Rem
.30 Remington
The .30 Remington cartridge was created in 1906 by Remington Arms. It was Remington's rimless answer to the popular .30-30 Winchester cartridge. Factory ammunition was produced up until the late 1980s, but now it is a prospect for handloaders...
, .32 Rem
.32 Remington
The .32 Remington is an American rifle cartridge. A rimless, smokeless powder design, this cartridge was once considered to be suitable for game larger than deer and black bear...
, .35 Rem
.35 Remington
The .35 Remington is the only remaining cartridge from Remington's lineup of medium power rimless cartridges still in commercial production. Introduced in 1906, it was originally chambered for the Remington Model 8 semi-automatic rifle in 1908.-History:...
, 7mm Mauser, .257 Roberts
.257 Roberts
The .257 Roberts a medium powered .25 caliber cartridge known affectionately as the Bob. It has been described as the best compromise between the low recoil and flat trajectory of smaller calibers such as the .22 and 6mm, and the strong energy but not the strong recoil of larger popular hunting...
. On these guns, the aperture receiver sight was omitted, and replaced with a more conventional rear sight mounted on the barrel. The rifles were also available in more expensive grades; The Deluxe or "Special" 30S which in 1930 became the Model 30SL, the 30SR with Redfield
Redfield
Redfield may refer to:In places in the US:*Redfield, Arkansas*Redfield, Iowa*Redfield, Kansas*Redfield, New York*Redfield, South DakotaIn places in the UK:*Redfield, BristolPeople with the surname Redfield:*Redfield...
sight, the 30SX, with a Lyman sight, and the 30SM with Marble-Goss
Marble Arms
Marble Arms & Manufacturing Company of Gladstone, Michigan began in 1892 with the invention and manufacture of the Marble Universal Rifle Sight by Webster L. Marble. Frank H. Van Cleve of Escanaba, Michigan shared patent rights on some of the early patents applied for by Webster L. Marble...
aperture receiver sight
Iron sight
Iron sights are a system of shaped alignment markers used as a sighting device to assist in the aiming of a device such as a firearm, crossbow, or telescope, and exclude the use of optics as in telescopic sights or reflector sights...
. These "Special" models were available with 22 or 24 inches barrel, selected stock, One variation the Model 30R Carbine was introduced in 1927 with a 20 inches barrel, and was available in .25 Rem
.25 Remington
The .25 Remington is an American rifle cartridge. A rimless, smokeless powder design, this cartridge was considered to be very accurate by period firearm experts and suitable for game up to deer and black bear....
, .30 Rem
.30 Remington
The .30 Remington cartridge was created in 1906 by Remington Arms. It was Remington's rimless answer to the popular .30-30 Winchester cartridge. Factory ammunition was produced up until the late 1980s, but now it is a prospect for handloaders...
, .32 Rem
.32 Remington
The .32 Remington is an American rifle cartridge. A rimless, smokeless powder design, this cartridge was once considered to be suitable for game larger than deer and black bear...
, .35 Rem
.35 Remington
The .35 Remington is the only remaining cartridge from Remington's lineup of medium power rimless cartridges still in commercial production. Introduced in 1906, it was originally chambered for the Remington Model 8 semi-automatic rifle in 1908.-History:...
and 30-06 caliber. The Express 30 family and its variant were manufactured in number of approximatively 22800 units, between 1926 and 1940. Serialization is from number 00001 to 30560.
- The Model 30 is now a prized collectible when found in very good condition. This is especially true in calibers other than .30-06, which will command a significant premium over the basic Model 30 rifles.