NoCal - I think the word for it is Delrin. It's a type of polymer / nylon. In some of Remingtons other rifles, the trigger gaurd is made of it also.
I have to agree with NoCal. When buying my first high powered rifle a few years back, I looked at the 710. I had owned tons of Remington Shotguns, .22 rifles, etc... so I figured if it was made by Remington, it had to be good. I was wrong. The overall feel really was not to my liking. It just felt cheap compared to others.
My choices ended up being between a Savage (can't remember the model number) bolt action or a Remington 700ADL (black synthetic stock, non-removable magazine). I bought the Remington in .270, and I think it's the best choice I've ever made. I have a few buddies with 700's - mostly BDL's - nice wood stocks, removable magazine, etc... and although my friends guns look better than my ADL (I love natural wood finish with the grain all showing, etc...), I wouldn't trade any of them for it. I don't worry about my gun getting nicked or scratched up. I take care of it, and try not to hit it on anything, but watching my friends with their beautiful wood stocked rifles, walking through the woods like they are carrying a newborn baby, is quite funny to watch. The shine on the stock may also be seen from a distance if you are not careful. The first time I was able to pick my friend out of a tree about a hundred yards away by first seeing the shine on the stock of his rifle made me decide to go with the black synthetic stock. Matte finish barrel, scope, and rings makes for a pretty deadly looking combo. I love it.
Pass on the Remington 710. Either look into the Stevens that NoCal recommended, or a Savage - basically probably the same firearm - although I've never looked at the Stevens, or save up a bit more and buy a 700ADL - actually not that much more expensive than the Savage was. It's worth the extra money to get quality that will last.
All the best,
Glenn
