Remington Model 600

Lore & Background

The Remington Model 600 was introduced in 1964 and remained in production until 1968, though it is commonly believed that production ended in 1967; Remington representatives indicate it actually ended in 1968. The rifle was designed as a guide rifle, and its most distinctive feature was the vent rib barrel. Approximately 94,086 rifles were produced in eight calibers. The rarest variant is the .223 Remington chambering, with only 227 produced—most in the final year of production. Before it was officially added to the line, a Model 600 in .223 could be ordered from the custom gun shop; at least one such rifle came out of the Remington Custom Shop in 1966.

The Model 600 spawned several variants. The Model 600 Magnum was identical except for being available in 6.5mm Remington Magnum and .350 Remington Magnum, and featured a laminated walnut stock, recoil pad, and sling. The Remington Model 600 Mohawk was a promotional model produced from 1971 to 1980, with an 18.5-inch barrel and no rib. A successor model, the Remington Mohawk 600 (1972–1979), was available in .222, .243, and .308, with only 142 produced in a Mannlicher-style stock. The rarest original Model 600 remains the .223.

Reader's Guide

The Remington Model 600 and its descendants were largely despised by critics for their looks, even though they shot exceptionally well. The original 18.5-inch barrel resulted in more felt muzzle blast, especially in the .350 Remington Magnum. This actuality and perception led to the failure of the .350 Rem Mag cartridge in later guns of different models as well; Remington abandoned the cartridge in the late 1970s until resurrecting it in 2003 with the Model 673. Despite critical disdain, the Model 600 was loved by the majority of its owners. The 600 series received attention through the writings of Jeff Cooper, who used the Model 600 as the basis for his 'Scout I' and 'Super Scout' scout rifles. The Model 600's legacy includes its role as the foundation for a series of Remington bolt-action rifles and its niche as a compact, powerful guide rifle.

Did You Know?

• The rarest Model 600 is chambered in .223 Remington, with only 227 produced.
• At least one Model 600 in .223 came out of the Remington Custom Shop in 1966.
• The Model 600 was the precursor to the Model 660, Mohawk 600, and Model 673.