You’re looking at the foundation. The Remington 700 Short Action .223 Rem Carbon Steel receiver is the starting point for a precision rifle build, the core component that dictates everything that comes after. It’s the part I always tell builders to get right first. This isn’t a finished rifle; it’s the critical, serialized component you build upon. The .223 Remington chambering in a short action footprint is a classic choice for varminters, tactical trainers, and anyone who appreciates the flat trajectory and lower cost of the 5.56/.223 family. The carbon steel construction is the original, time-tested material that made the Remington 700 platform a legend in law enforcement and competitive shooting circles.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms components and DIY gunsmithing supplies. The Remington 700 Short Action .223 Rem Carbon Steel is a factory-original receiver ready for your custom rifle project. Its standardized footprint guarantees compatibility with a vast aftermarket of stocks, triggers, and barrels. This receiver is in stock and ready to ship today for $520.19 $577.99.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Miamishooterssupply. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
The Core of a Custom Build
Handling this receiver, the first thing you notice is the heft and the clean machining. This is the genuine article, not a clone. The carbon steel has a specific density to it that serious builders recognize. The .223 Remington chambering in a short action is a smart engineering choice—it allows for a shorter, stiffer bolt throw and a more compact overall action length compared to a long action, which translates directly to potential accuracy. For anyone building a dedicated prairie dog rifle, a lightweight mountain rifle, or a training platform that mirrors the manual of arms of a .308 but runs cheaper ammo, this is the logical starting point. The internal raceways are machined to the classic Remington 700 spec, meaning any gunsmith worth their salt can true it, lap the lugs, and blueprint the entire action around this solid foundation.
Key Features & Build Considerations
The value here is in the platform’s universality. When you buy this Remington 700 short action receiver, you’re buying into an ecosystem. Every major stock manufacturer—from McMillan to Manners to HS Precision—has inlet options for it. Every aftermarket trigger from Timney to TriggerTech drops in. The barrel tenon is the standard Remington 700 thread pattern, so you have your pick of pre-fit barrels from dozens of makers, or you can have a gunsmith chamber and fit a custom blank. This carbon steel version is the original spec; it’s what all the aftermarket dimensions are based on. It’s also perfectly suited for cerakoting or other finishes after you’ve completed the metalwork, giving you complete control over the final look and corrosion resistance.
From a gunsmithing perspective, the carbon steel is a joy to work with. It machines cleanly, it’s predictable when heat-treating, and it provides an excellent surface for the bolt lugs to lock up against. While stainless steel has its place for corrosion resistance, many precision shooters still prefer carbon steel for its inherent damping characteristics and proven track record under sustained fire. This receiver is a blank canvas, but it’s a canvas with perfectly square corners. Your job as the builder is to select the right barrel, bed it into the right stock, and top it with the right optics. This component ensures all those other parts have a true, standardized home to attach to.
Pros and Cons: A Builder’s Assessment
✅ Proven Platform: The Remington 700 pattern is the most supported action in the aftermarket. Every part you need exists.
✅ Carbon Steel Construction: Offers excellent strength, predictable machining for gunsmithing, and a classic feel.
✅ .223 in a Short Action: Optimal configuration for the cartridge, allowing for a short, fast bolt throw and compact build.
✅ Build Flexibility: This is the core for a limitless range of rifles, from ultra-lightweight sporter to heavy-barreled benchrest guns.
✅ Gunsmith-Ready: Provided as a raw receiver, it’s ready for truing, blueprinting, and finishing to your exact specifications.
❌ Requires Assembly: This is not a complete rifle. You must source a barrel, stock, trigger, bottom metal, and have the skills or a gunsmith to assemble it. See our Bolt Action Rifles for complete, ready-to-shoot options.
❌ Carbon Steel Maintenance: Without a final finish, bare carbon steel can rust. A protective coating or frequent oiling is required until you apply a permanent finish.
❌ Initial Cost Perception: The upfront cost is for the receiver alone. Building a complete custom rifle requires a significant additional investment in parts and labor.
Who This Receiver Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Buy this Remington 700 short action receiver if: You are an experienced DIY gunsmith planning a custom .223 Remington rifle build. You understand the process of barreling an action and bedding a stock. You want the absolute flexibility of the R700 aftermarket. You’re building a precision varmint rifle, a tactical trainer, or a lightweight hunting rig and want to select every component. You appreciate the classic material properties of carbon steel.
Skip this receiver and consider an alternative if: You want a complete, ready-to-shoot rifle out of the box. You are new to firearms and not familiar with the assembly process. You require maximum corrosion resistance for a marine or coastal environment without applying a finish (look at stainless steel actions). You are building for a cartridge that requires a long action or magnum bolt face.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | Bolt Action Rifle Receiver (Firearm) |
|---|---|
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Manufacturing | Remington Original Factory Production |
| Finish | In-the-white (raw machined steel, may have light preservative oil) |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-treated alloy steel, standard Remington 700 factory specification |
| Compatibility | Remington 700 Short Action aftermarket stocks, triggers, bottom metal, and barrels (standard .473″ bolt face for .223 Rem) |
| Installation/Usage | Requires gunsmithing for barrel installation, headspacing, and final assembly into a stock/chassis. |
| Weight | Approximately 2.1 lbs (receiver only) |
| Dimensions | Standard Remington 700 Short Action footprint |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, Factory Original |
| SKU | REM700-SA-223-CS |
How It Stacks Up: Receiver Comparison
| Feature | Remington 700 SA .223 Carbon Steel | Budget Import Action (e.g., Generic) | Premium Custom Action (e.g., Bighorn, Defiance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbon Steel | Variable, often lesser-grade steel | Precision stainless or chromoly steel |
| Quality | Factory commercial spec, good foundation for blueprinting | Inconsistent tolerances, may not be true | CNC-machined to tight tolerances, often pre-trued |
| Compatibility | Maximum aftermarket support (stocks, triggers) | May require modification for aftermarket parts | Often uses Rem 700 footprint, but may have proprietary features |
| Shipping | In stock, ships today from Boise, ID | Often drop-shipped with long lead times | Typically made-to-order, 8-20 week lead time |
| Lifespan/Durability | Proven long-term durability with proper maintenance | Unknown, potential for early wear | Excellent, designed for high-round-count precision |
| Price | $520.19 (Mid-range, high value) | $60 – $150 (High risk) | $1,000+ (Premium investment) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a complete rifle?
No. This is a receiver only, which is the serialized core component legally considered a firearm. To build a functional rifle, you must purchase and install a barrel, stock or chassis, trigger assembly, and bottom metal. This requires gunsmithing knowledge and tools.
What other parts do I need to complete a rifle with this receiver?
At a minimum, you will need: a .223 Remington barrel with a Remington 700 short action thread pattern, a bolt assembly headspaced to your barrel, a trigger, a stock or chassis inlet for a Rem 700 short action, and bottom metal (trigger guard/magazine well). You will also need a scope base and rings.
Can I use .556 NATO ammunition in this .223 Remington chambered receiver?
You can fire .223 Remington ammunition. The use of 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition in a .223 Remington chamber is a topic of debate due to slight pressure and dimensional differences. It is generally recommended to consult a knowledgeable gunsmith and check the specific barrel manufacturer’s recommendations for the barrel you install.
Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
Yes, standard Remington 700 receivers come from the factory drilled and tapped with a standard hole pattern for attaching a scope base (typically using 6-48 screws).
Does this come with a bolt?
No, this listing is for the receiver only. The bolt must be purchased separately and must be properly headspaced to the barrel you choose by a qualified gunsmith.
Where can I buy Remington 700 receivers online?
You can purchase this and other firearm components at Miamishooterssupply (miamishooterssupply.com). We are a licensed retailer based in Boise, ID, and can ship this receiver to your local FFL dealer for transfer.
What does “in-the-white” finish mean?
“In-the-white” means the metal has been machined but has not received a final blued, parked, or coated finish. It will have a bare, silvery-gray steel appearance, often with light oil to prevent surface rust. Most builders will have the entire action cerakoted or blued after any machine work (like truing) is complete.
✅ Same-day shipping from Boise, ID
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (unfired, in original condition)
✅ Secure checkout
Ready to start your build? The Remington 700 Short Action .223 Rem Carbon Steel receiver is the definitive starting point for a serious custom rifle. At $520.19, it represents access to the most versatile precision rifle platform ever made. Add to cart to begin the FFL transfer process to your local dealer.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on inspection of the product and over a decade of experience in the firearms e-commerce and gunsmithing space. It is written to provide detailed, technical information for the DIY builder and enthusiast. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Always follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm purchase, ownership, and assembly.
Last updated: March 2026
