Strasser RS 700 Barreled Rifle Action: Modular Straight-Pull

Beyond politics and the appropriate use of mayonnaise, there are two things that Americans and Europeans can’t seem to agree on: units of measure and bolt-action types. They’re never going to convince me to fully embrace the metric system, no matter how logical it is. Straight-pull bolt actions, on the other hand, are growing on me. The new Strasser RS 700 barreled action may just be what puts me over the edge.

The ingeniously built and very adaptable Austrian-made Strasser RS 14 rifle has been available in the U.S. for several years. I have tested a handful of them in the past, always with impressive results. The problem for me is that they are a little too, well, Austrian.

As much as I appreciate the mechanics, the aesthetics just aren’t my thing. But the engineers at Strasser have just called my bluff, combining the versatility and available accessories of a 700-footprint rifle with the slick, fast operation and modularity of a straight-pull action: the RS 700.

The RS 700 is available as a complete rifle or as a barreled action, the latter allowing the customer to choose his or her own stock and magazine assembly rather than paying for one they might not use. Because I love to tinker with my guns, the barreled action was the more attractive option for me, allowing me to put my own spin on things.

Chamberings

Currently, the barreled actions are available in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win. and 6.5 PRC. I chose one chambered in .308 Win. The action is tubular like the 700’s and is compatible with most stocks, magazine assemblies and triggers designed to work with the ubiquitous short-action Remington and its clones.

The innovative action pairs an anodized aluminum body with a steel barrel extension, somewhat similar to an AR’s. The receiver is user-configurable in several ways. The action is capable of operating with either a right- or left-handed bolt, and the bolt head can be swapped out without tools.

The barrel uses a Remage-style barrel nut, so it too can be replaced by the user. Simply put, it can be adapted to fit a wide variety of short-action cartridges without a trip to the gunsmith.

Three barrel weight options are available: a lightweight Standard; a medium-profile Semi-Weight; and a heavier Long Range. Since I wanted to use the RS 700 as a hunting rig, I selected the 22-inch Standard.

Pre-Fits

Pre-fitted barrels intended for use with the Remage system can be adapted for use with the RS 700, and I’m told drop-in pre-fitted barrels will be available in the future. The muzzle on my sample was threaded M14x1 and capped with a thread protector. An adapter is included that makes the threads compatible with our more common 5/8x24 pattern. The twist rate for the .308 Win. chambering is 1:11, and the barrel is treated with a satin black DLC finish.

The RS 700 is compatible with just about any 700 stock or chassis. It can be installed on a sporter-style stock for hunting, a tactical-style stock intended for precision or long-range use, a chassis, or all of the above. I paired the RS 700 barreled action with an Alpine Hunter stock from AG Composites, and this was an easy drop-in fit. I installed an MDT detachable magazine assembly since that was what the stock inlet was designed for. It fed flawlessly.

The barreled action came with a Timney Hunter Elite Trigger that was adjustable between two and four pounds. This one was of typical Timney quality with a crisp and repeatable break with no apparent creep. Other 700-style triggers are also compatible.

The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped and is compatible with widely available mounts designed to work with the 700. A Picatinny rail comes installed, and both zero and 20 m.o.a. rails are available from Strasser USA.

Accuracy

Accuracy was excellent, with no indication that the RS 700 action is any less capable of printing tight groups than a traditional turnbolt receiver. With three different loads of varying bullet weights, the RS 700 produced consistent sub-m.o.a. three-shot groups at 100 yards.

It is difficult to convey how the RS 700’s action can be cycled. The best comparisons I can make would be lever-action rifles or pump-action shotguns. It is lightning fast. In particular hunting situations where a fast follow-up shot is necessary, the speed of this straight-pull action would be critical. I can also envision it being a huge advantage in precision rifle matches, where rapid target engagement is the name of the game.

The RS 700 might also serve in place of a semiauto in jurisdictions where their ownership or possession is restricted.

Strasser RS 700 Barreled Action Specs

• Type: straight-pull bolt-action centerfire
• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win. (tested)
• Capacity: 4+1
• Barrel: 22 in., 1:11 twist; threaded M14x1 (5/8x24 adapter included)
• Weight: 2 lb., 2 oz. (barreled action)
• Finish: PlasOX plasma nitriding treatment
• Sights: none; drilled and tapped on Rem. 700 pattern; Picatinny rail installed
• Safety: 2-position
• Trigger: Timney single-stage (as tested); 3 lb. pull (measured)
• MSRP: $2,500 (barreled action)
• Manufacturer: Strasser USA; Strasser-usa.com

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