Which Rem 700?

[Punkface]

Yay! Another thread about the Remington 700!

After shooting nisilis14's Remington 700, my girlfriend fell in love and now wants one of her own. The big question now is: which 700 in .308 do we get?

Since we're new to the world of bolt action rifles and precision shooting, we'd like for it to be shootable and enjoyable out of the box. We're probably going to start out shooting 300-600 meters and see where we go from there. Already have a scope and a bi pod that her brother is giving to us but from what I'm reading around it looks like we're still going to need a weaver rail and the correct size scope rings right?

We're currently liking the varmit model
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...tic+VAR+308+26

but are wondering about the following
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...on+700+SPS+308

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...8WIN+24+SS+SYN

or maybe even the tactical model
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...actical+308win

Are there any advantages of one model over the other?

[nisils14]

Don't get any. 700s suck.

[Heep72]

Don't get any. 700s suck.

Why is that?

[MarkCO]

Have you considered this one: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/69321

The threaded barrel allows the attachment of a supressor or muzzle break. Both are nice for recoil reduction and some improvement in accuracy. One is nice for the guy next to the shooter, one is worse. Anyway, it gives you options and the trigger on these is really nice! If the threaded barrel is really of no use to you (I'd venture to say over 80% of people who shoot LR/Precision matches have a muzzle device on a threaded barrel), then the tactical.

[Punkface]

Why is that?

He's being sarcastic. He's the one that introduced me to the 700

[DHC]

Yay! Another thread about the Remington 700!

After shooting nisilis14's Remington 700, my girlfriend fell in love and now wants one of her own. The big question now is: which 700 in .308 do we get?

Since we're new to the world of bolt action rifles and precision shooting, we'd like for it to be shootable and enjoyable out of the box. We're probably going to start out shooting 300-600 meters and see where we go from there. Already have a scope and a bi pod that her brother is giving to us but from what I'm reading around it looks like we're still going to need a weaver rail and the correct size scope rings right?

We're currently liking the varmit model
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...tic+VAR+308+26 (1)

but are wondering about the following
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...on+700+SPS+308 (2)

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...8WIN+24+SS+SYN (3)

or maybe even the tactical model
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...actical+308win (4)

Are there any advantages of one model over the other?

I'll offer the approach I took recently to this same question - FWIW.

First, I looked at three separate 'subsystems' - the action, the barrel and the stock. In all cases, the action will be the same for a .308 - though you have three different barrels (4, if you count metallurgy) in the four models you listed. Looking at each of the models you listed:

# 1 - Varmint (heavy) barrel with a slightly upgraded synthetic stock.
# 2 - Standard barrel with a very simple synthetic stock.
# 3 - Same as # 2 except in stainless and adds a detachable magazine.
# 4 - Heavy barrel and an upgraded synthetic stock. Also has the X-Mark trigger.

Comments in no particular order:

* A heavy barrel is desirable for a precision rifle but probably not so desirable in a hunting rifle. Depends on your intended use as to which might be better for you.

* I am generally not a fan of Remington's factory stocks. An upgraded stock from Boyds is about $100 and from Stockys will run $200 and up.

* Similarly, I am not a fan of Remington's factory triggers - even their new X-Mark adjustable (as in your # 4 above). I just replaced an X-Mark with a Shilen (about $100) and am much happier with the trigger.

* If you are considering a stock upgrade, the factory Remington detachable magazine (as in # 3 above) will be a bit problematic. Also, the Remington DBM is reported to be less reliable than an aftermarket DBM.

* Of the models listed in this thread, I like the one MarkCO added the best. In fact, there is an article (that I could not quickly find tonight) using that particular model as the basis for a semi-custom precision rifle build. It seems to have all the most desired features but does not 'burden' the factory rifle with expensive components that are likely to be upgraded anyway.

I hope this helps.

PS to Add:

As for a scope base and rings - I tried a variety of different options and settled on the one-piece 'Game Reaper' system from DNZ - you can see them here -- http://www.dnzproducts.com/game-reap.../remington-700. Your 308 will use a short action model. Whether you need low of medium height will depend on the scope you intend to mount. I have a 50mm objective scope mounted comfortably in their medium height model.

[JMBD2112]

Have you considered the 5r?

[Hoser]

Have you considered the 5r?

That is the route I would take.

[C Ward]

What do You want the rifle to do ? The rifles in Your links all have injection molded junk stocks on them which have all been known to cause accuracy issues because of there lack of rigidity . The AAC version linked above also has the injection molded stock .

To replace the stock with something that will preform well is going to cost at least 200 and the sky's the limit after that . Stock selection is something that is best done by getting behind a gun and seeing how it feel's , what works for some doesn't for others . You want something that is at least of fiberglass construction with a bedding block or pillar bedded , fiberglass stocks with no bedding are designed to be bedded before use not just bolted up .

For a target rifle I'd be looking a 5r or a 700 Police (PSS) as they are both proven performers and come with acceptable stocks that wont need to be changed out straight away .

Rings and bases are a very important part of the equation that people try to skimp on and end up with issues . The best low cost rings and base combination I've seen are the EGW bases and Burris XTR rings . One piece mounts can be problematic some times due to the ring spacing being fixed some shooters have issues getting proper eye relief . Quality rings and bases lead to repeatability because they mount solid and dont shift around from recoil or bouncing around in the trunk and such .

Scope selection is probably the most important part , you can have the best rifle and ammo combination in the world and put a scope that doesn't function correctly on it and wont be able to hit reliably . If you can't hit it will lead to frustration and eventually to giving up on the pursuit . There is some more on this here , http://www.ar-15.co/forums/showthread.php?t=48498 .

The stock Remington trigger would be the first thing to go after the stock , depending on the rifle started with , and replaced with a Shilen . These are good reliable triggers with a proven track record that won't break the bank .

There is a bunch more info that goes in to getting the rifle set up properly and the best way to find it is to show up and talk to the shooters at one of the local precision rifle matches at either CRC or PWSA , both matches have threads in the competition section . There is easily a hundred or so years of combined experience on the line and everybody I've met will let you coon finger there rifle and shoot it if time permits .

Long range shooting has a very expensive and steep learning curve and talking with the people at the matches above can smooth things out some . There is also a bunch of info here , http://demigodllc.com/articles/ , as well .

[Madusa]

I have the 700sps, 26" barrel, 1/12" twist. Stock and trigger had to go. It would be nice to have a slower twist for those heavy bullets. Also the camber is tight with too long of a throat. If you seat your bullets out close to the rifling there isn't enough grip from the case to hold the bullet for proper ignition (IMHO).

shoots like this at 100m
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60289020@N06/7154276625/