The Firearm Blog

Linda from Remington emailed me this photo (UPDATE: or CAD rendering, thanks Erni) of the new AR-15 style Model 597 rimfire. More info on the rifle here.

CR Riddell, PE posted a comment about the Remington 700 VTR triangular barrel and I thought it deserved its own blog post:

I am a professional structural engineer. In 1977, I was granted a patent on a structural system that uses triangular cross-section members with a circular cross-section hole down the middle. Remington’s VTR barrel is identical to that shape. The objective of this shape is to maximize structural force transmission with a minimum of mass.

Remington Model 700 VTR barrel and integral muzzle brake.

During development of the concept, I established that the triangular cross-section provides the maximum surface area for a given enclosed volume. This accounts for the Remington heat dissipation claim/feature. Removing the mass along the central axis leaves the mass in the three corners at a maximum distance from the central axis. This maximizes the axial compression rigidity and the torsional rigidity, also a Remington claim/feature. The torsional rigidity promotes stability under the influence of the rifling twist, a special benefit in a rifle barrel. Flexural stiffness is optimal for downward bending of the muzzle end in the orientation Remington uses in the stock; one corner up and two corners down. That puts the top corner in tension and the bottom corners in compression, where buckling concerns reduce the allowable load-carrying capacity.

From Riddell’s Structural Member and System patent (#4007574)

All this techno-mumb-jumbo counts for doodly, unless the holes in the target get chummy and cuddle up together. As with all accuracy discussions, the teamwork between barrel, bedding, and ammo gives a unique performance result. This must be where Remington spent its advertised years in development.

Obviously, the manufacturer cannot control the customer’s choice of rounds, so they have to shoot for a statistical middle, so to speak. But the bedding is another story. Remington advertises a multi-point mount, not free-floating or glass bedding. This would be crucial for taming the harmonics in concert with the unique tension-vs-compression qualities of the barrel shape.

Thoretically, this barrel should be better than round, but the industrial wisdom and inertia is all compiled for round. Some tuning is required.

Very interesting. Thanks CR for the information.

Remington have taken the popular Model 700 VTR concept onboard and beefed it up for a medium / large game version called the Remington Model 700 (XHR) Xtreme Hunting Rifle.

Model 700 XHR. Click to expand.

It features:

* Distinctive triangular barrel (like the VTR) which is patent pending.
* 24″ barrel on standard action and 26″ for belted magnum and Rem Ultra mag cartridges.
* Counter bored muzzle.
* Real tree camo
* Hogue rubberized stock
* SuperCell recoil pad system.
* Jeweled bolt.

Further enhancing the performance of the Model 700 XHR is the new X-Mark Pro™ Adjustable trigger. The advanced design allows for consistent 3 ½ pound trigger pulls set directly from the factory. Should you feel the need; the trigger can be externally adjusted within a range of 2 pounds (3 to 5 pounds) with the included tool.

Specs:

Action: Bolt/Short, Long, Magnum and Ultra Mag
Barrel Length: 24 inches, 26 inches (Ultra Mag)
Overall Length: 44 1/2 inches, 46 1/2 inches (Ultra Mag)
Avg. Weight: 7 lbs, 7 1/8 lbs (Ultra Mag)
Stock Material: Synthetic w/Overmold
Stock Finish: Realtree AP HD
Barrel Finish: Blasted Black Oxide

The MSRP is $879 (Short/Long) and $905 (Magnum/Ultra Mag).

The new model 700 Varmint-Tactical Rifle (VTR) is chambered in .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington and .308 Win.

A fusion of our most advanced performance features in both tactical and varmint rifles, the new Model 700â„¢ Varmint-Tactical Rifle (VTRâ„¢) is a revolutionary system optimized for extended-range precision and mobility. Its triangular barrel contour is a product of years of rigorous research and development focused on reducing weight, enhancing rigidity and promoting rapid heat dissipation.

To decrease recoil and muzzle jump, this uniquely contoured 22″ barrel has an integral muzzle brake that’s machined-in during production. Along with the new barrel design, we brought together a host of other cutting-edge features on our super accurate Model 700 platform. The results are nothing short of astounding.

More here.

UPDATE

NONYA posted a great photo in the comments below