by "Doc" O'Meara

One may, perhaps, be forgiven the initial impression that, because it requires a key to turn it on, this rifle is an attempt to pander to the leftist "gun safety" crowd whose masquerade conceals their true intentions: the elimination, insofar as legislatively possible, of all private firearms ownership. Without a key to enable it, Remington's Model 700 EtronX rifle is, in point of fact, incapable of firing. Its true purpose, however, is to eliminate, as much as possible, the human factor in the firing sequence of the rifle's operation by reducing lock-time to near zero.

Most shooters fail to recognize its significance, but during lock-time-the period that elapses from the release of the trigger's sear, until the firing pin strikes the cartridge's primer-many things may occur to affect the accuracy of the shot. A minor muscular tremor that might go unnoticed, someone walking nearby causing a bench rest to vibrate ever so slightly, the impact of the firing pin striking the primer, even the very beat of one's own heart may result in a shift in the poin- of-impact of the projectile.

To be sure, the closer the target and the larger it is, the less important these factors may be. When it comes to long-range precision, however, they become magnified. Varmint hunters, target shooters and bench rest competitors will appreciate these matters more acutely than casual target shooters or woodland deer hunters.

Ammunition
The heart of any firearm's utility and accuracy lies in the ammunition it uses. A revolutionary new cartridge is required for use in Remington's M 700 EtronX rifles. At first glance it appears quite conventional. In terms of most components it is, but the primer is radically different.

Conventional primers are ignited by a blow from the firing pin. This primer is set off by an electronic impulse directed to it through the rifle's bolt. Once ignited, it causes the powder contained in the case to burn, creating gases that expand and propel the bullet down the rifle's bore, just as would happen in any ordinary cartridge. Remarkably, the case may be reloaded with EtronX primers, available as separate components, or with standard primers for use in conventional rifles. Whichever method one chooses, the cases may be reused as the handloader may wish.

The traditionalist, who appreciates fine wood, cut checkering and blue steel in the construction of his rifles will find little, if any, aesthetic appeal in Remington's EtronX rifle. In keeping with its revolutionary new changes in technology, the rifle is built on a stainless steel action, with blackened flutes, but otherwise silver-colored 26-inch, heavy stainless steel barrel.

Kevlar Reinforced
The stock is a black composite material made with reinforced Kevlar that houses what appears to be nothing less than a computer motherboard. In addition to activating the ceramic-coated fixed firing pin, the motherboard controls an LED indicator system that tells the user if the rifle is in fire or safe mode, whether or not there is a chambered cartridge, the status of the 9V battery's strength, and of any system failure.

Equipped with a Kahles 3x9 variable telescopic sight, our test rifle was chambered for the .22-250 Rem. cartridge, one of the most popular of long-range varmint rounds. It is also available chambered for the .220 Swift and .243 Win. cartridges. The first thing one will notice is that operation of the bolt seems faster and easier than usual. This is owing to its being so much lighter than that of a normal rifle. The electronic internal components don't have the compression weight of springs to overcome or the mass added by them and by a normal firing pin.

The next factor of note is that the trigger doesn't move in the usual manner. Once the minimal slack is drawn up, it's more like pushing a button than pulling a trigger. With 3.5 pounds of pressure the electronic connection is engaged and the cartridge is ignited. The results on target are gratifying. As long as the shooter does his part in maintaining sight alignment and physical control of the rifle, sub-minute-of-angle groups seem to be the rule.

Computerized Rifle
Essentially, what we are witnessing with the advent of the Remington M 700 EtronX is a computerized rifle. There almost seems to be an element of cheating in the rifle's capacity to deliver premium accuracy right from the box. It remains to be seen how well it will withstand the rigors of use afield. At the very least, one will wish to carry a spare battery, particularly on extended trips.

With its suggested retail price of nearly $2,000, many shooters will question the advisability of spending so much when a conventional rifle-capable of delivering comparable accuracy-can be had for a fraction of that amount. On the other hand, 10 years ago I saw no justification for having a personal computer. Today, I have three and can't imagine getting by without any one them.

One may also consider that, as computer technology advances and becomes more commonplace, its price seems to come down. So it may come to pass with this rifle and its successors. One thing appears certain; the Remington Model 700 EtronX-provided for test and evaluation-delivers a level of accuracy and ease of operation deserving of superlative adjectives in its description.