I'm looking to build my first "percision" rifle with out breaking the bank. My main range is only 200m but i want to try some longer shooting for fun. I want a heavy barrel in .308 and a decent optic. I was thinking of the 700 SPS Tactical 20". I could use some suggestions and sources for rings, scope, base plate, and anything else that would be werth the money.
Suggestions for a 700 build
- Thread starter SKS-Stu
- Start date
ok i am little confused here, it says rem700 precision build but you are thinking of purchasing SPS tac20" to shoot.
I am guessing you want to purchase an affortable rem700 varmint in 308 with decent scope to shoot out long distance.
if that is so, any rem700 tends to be a great shooter and if you perhaps reload, 1/2" grouping at 100 yards is possible with any sps. As far as scopes go, how far are you willing to shoot to? .308" will shoot out to 1000yards..
I just built one with savage model12 and has a cheap bushnell fixed 10x42 scope on and it shoots pop bottles and funny critters at 400yards if that is what you are looking to build (plinking rifle).
Give us some more info about your budget on rifle (if that is what you are looking for) or budget build one from rem700 action,
Budget on your scope and we can answer detailed informations to you.
Cheers
I am guessing you want to purchase an affortable rem700 varmint in 308 with decent scope to shoot out long distance.
if that is so, any rem700 tends to be a great shooter and if you perhaps reload, 1/2" grouping at 100 yards is possible with any sps. As far as scopes go, how far are you willing to shoot to? .308" will shoot out to 1000yards..
I just built one with savage model12 and has a cheap bushnell fixed 10x42 scope on and it shoots pop bottles and funny critters at 400yards if that is what you are looking to build (plinking rifle).
Give us some more info about your budget on rifle (if that is what you are looking for) or budget build one from rem700 action,
Budget on your scope and we can answer detailed informations to you.
Cheers
I think what Kimmer is trying to say is why are ou going to buy an SPS heavy 20' if your gonna build? just buy a donor SPS or Rem 700 the turf the barrel. no need to buy the heavy 20" if your gonna build. You pretty much stated what you want.... buy it.
700 for cheap as possible
custom barrel and bedding job = rock and roll ... have fun !
700 for cheap as possible
custom barrel and bedding job = rock and roll ... have fun !
Slapping a set of rings, mount, scope, and other accessories does not constitute a "build", as kimmer82 eluded to. Furthermore, if you purchase a stock varmint rifle, don't get rid of the barrel until you've had a chance to shoot it. The base rifle will no doubt be more accurate than you are at this point. Keep it until the limiting factor is your equipment, not your shooting ability.
My suggestion is that you look at the SPS AAC-SD Tactical model with the 1:10" twist 20" heavy barrel. That twist rate will handle all but the heaviest .308" bullet choices and will give you a little added insurance in stability should you wish to shoot long distances with your rifle.
You may wish to upgrade the stock sooner than later. An affordable solution is to consider a take off 700P LTR stock and have your rifle beaded. These are a great stock and can be had between $300-$350 on the EE here.
The Bushnell 3200 10x scope is a good beginner optic to choose, however, in my experience the optical quality is spotty. I own (4) of these and (2) of them came from the EE here. I would avoid buying used scopes here on the EE because if someone sells you a bad one there will often be no warranty remaining on the scope. I'm going through a similar issue with a Nikon Monarch scope I bought from someone here on the EE. I will never again buy used optics from anyone here on this site. The Bushnell 3200 10x can be found new for roughly $250. It's simply not worth the gamble to buy pre-owned.
Good luck and good shooting!
My suggestion is that you look at the SPS AAC-SD Tactical model with the 1:10" twist 20" heavy barrel. That twist rate will handle all but the heaviest .308" bullet choices and will give you a little added insurance in stability should you wish to shoot long distances with your rifle.
You may wish to upgrade the stock sooner than later. An affordable solution is to consider a take off 700P LTR stock and have your rifle beaded. These are a great stock and can be had between $300-$350 on the EE here.
The Bushnell 3200 10x scope is a good beginner optic to choose, however, in my experience the optical quality is spotty. I own (4) of these and (2) of them came from the EE here. I would avoid buying used scopes here on the EE because if someone sells you a bad one there will often be no warranty remaining on the scope. I'm going through a similar issue with a Nikon Monarch scope I bought from someone here on the EE. I will never again buy used optics from anyone here on this site. The Bushnell 3200 10x can be found new for roughly $250. It's simply not worth the gamble to buy pre-owned.
Good luck and good shooting!
OK bad choice of terminology on my part, I'm looking to put together a rifle without breaking the bank. I'm looking to use the a mostly stock rifle with as decent optic, rings, ring mount, and possibly anything else worth the money to improve accuracy and function. I would like to try some longer shoots around 600m or longer.
I will look into the SPS AAC-SD if it will give me more room to grow in the future with longer range shooting. I agree, I would not buy a used optic. I was thinking about an optic in the $250-400 range.
Are guys having any success with bedding the factory SPS stock?
I will look into the SPS AAC-SD if it will give me more room to grow in the future with longer range shooting. I agree, I would not buy a used optic. I was thinking about an optic in the $250-400 range.
Are guys having any success with bedding the factory SPS stock?
Jordan Smith
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I'd be thinking about either a SPS Varmint that you can build off of, or else a 700P and run it in its factory form.
Check out the Vortex Viper HS line in that price range.
Check out the Vortex Viper HS line in that price range.
SKS-Stu - boy, you are gonna get a lot of differing advice here and I'm no different 
Anyway here goes:
Budget more for optics - 'pay once and cry once'. Consider a Sightron Siii.
Buy a Remy 700 with a heavier profile barrel: either get a 700P or R5 and stop there or get a lesser Remington and then look for a take off stock or aftermarket stock. Please wait before buying a custom barrel as (i) your factory barrel may be totally OK and (ii) you will need to learn the rifle and a factory barrel is a good place to start
Invest in reloading gear - over time this will save you money and allow for you to tailor a good load.
Anyway here goes:Budget more for optics - 'pay once and cry once'. Consider a Sightron Siii.
Buy a Remy 700 with a heavier profile barrel: either get a 700P or R5 and stop there or get a lesser Remington and then look for a take off stock or aftermarket stock. Please wait before buying a custom barrel as (i) your factory barrel may be totally OK and (ii) you will need to learn the rifle and a factory barrel is a good place to start
Invest in reloading gear - over time this will save you money and allow for you to tailor a good load.
SKS-Stu - boy, you are gonna get a lot of differing advice here and I'm no different
Budget more for optics - 'pay once and cry once'. Consider a Sightron Siii.
Buy a Remy 700 with a heavier profile barrel: either get a 700P or R5 and stop there or get a lesser Remington and then look for a take off stock or aftermarket stock. Please wait before buying a custom barrel as (i) your factory barrel may be totally OK and (ii) you will need to learn the rifle and a factory barrel is a good place to start
Invest in reloading gear - over time this will save you money and allow for you to tailor a good load.
Excellent advice here.
Get a good basic rifle, with a competent scope on it. You don't need all sorts of bells and whistles. Then invest in ammunition, range time and perhaps instruction. If you don't handload, you will want to. Match grade handloads aren't cheap, but are significantly less expensive than match grade factory cartridges.
I have done many glass bedding on both custom AI stocks or cheap synthetic stocks and if you want to get your hands dirty and want to start doing those stuff your own, you can pm me and will send you few photos of what i did.
As far as scope goes, your budget is very tight for shooting a long distance.. I would invest money on Sightron III since they seem to work great compairing to my NF or Huskemaws. Spend few more dollars for scope and be happy with it!
As far as scope goes, your budget is very tight for shooting a long distance.. I would invest money on Sightron III since they seem to work great compairing to my NF or Huskemaws. Spend few more dollars for scope and be happy with it!
I have been reloading hand gun ammo for a few years now and I will defiantly be reloading for this rifle as well. Doing some more research I think you guys are right about spending more on a scope the first time.
What do you guys think of the factory Mil Spec stock?
What do you guys think of the factory Mil Spec stock?
Factory Mil Spec stocks as in??? most mil specs refers to rifles that are keen to military style than BR style or field.. Thats what i think of anyways...
Are you refering to stock designs such as Mcmillan a5's Bell N carlson Medalist?? (i think) Choate tactical stocks?? or just regular field stocks.
But anyway, most factory stocks will be just fine, but you will need to pull though 5 dollar bill through barrel and stock to see if there is an uneven pressure. If so, sand it down and make it free float and that fixes it.
Are you refering to stock designs such as Mcmillan a5's Bell N carlson Medalist?? (i think) Choate tactical stocks?? or just regular field stocks.
But anyway, most factory stocks will be just fine, but you will need to pull though 5 dollar bill through barrel and stock to see if there is an uneven pressure. If so, sand it down and make it free float and that fixes it.
I think he means the Remington "R-5 Milspec" rifle. and the stock on it.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with a good Remington; but if I were you, I'd be giving the Savages a long, hard look before I settled on a Remmy.
*Edited to add*
If you're just punching paper, I'd also be looking really hard at .223, it's very capable of 600m, and even 1000m is regularly done with it.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with a good Remington; but if I were you, I'd be giving the Savages a long, hard look before I settled on a Remmy.
*Edited to add*
If you're just punching paper, I'd also be looking really hard at .223, it's very capable of 600m, and even 1000m is regularly done with it.
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Yes I meant the R-5 Mil spec but I think that rifle is a little over my budget when I add an optic to match its potential.
As of right now. I'm not looking to spend a lot customizing a rifle, I just want something the functions well out of the box with maybe some slight adjustments. After some good suggestions and a bunch of more research I'm thinking either a 700 SPS AAC-SD for $680 or a Savage 10 FCP-K for $850. From what I have been reading the Savage is a little more accurate out of the box, has a little better stock and I like the over sized bolt nob, it comes with a muzzle brake, and had a DM. For the Remington I like the 20" barrel over the Savage 24", the cleaner look, its a couple pounds lighter, and the price savings that could go towards a decent optic.
As of right now. I'm not looking to spend a lot customizing a rifle, I just want something the functions well out of the box with maybe some slight adjustments. After some good suggestions and a bunch of more research I'm thinking either a 700 SPS AAC-SD for $680 or a Savage 10 FCP-K for $850. From what I have been reading the Savage is a little more accurate out of the box, has a little better stock and I like the over sized bolt nob, it comes with a muzzle brake, and had a DM. For the Remington I like the 20" barrel over the Savage 24", the cleaner look, its a couple pounds lighter, and the price savings that could go towards a decent optic.
Just "finished" my "build". Bassically assembled all the parts I have for now. Possibly trigger and bolt knob later depending how I feel.
I have yet to shoot so I can't give you any feedback yet. I hope to change that this weekend. Most everybody says to change the stocks on the 700 SPS's though.
I have 69 shots to shoot. A box of cheap Federal to foul the barrel, and then pressure and ladder loads to start developement. Stoked!
(Yes, I know the seating die has issues. I *may* have fixed it with a polishing tip on a dremel. Rough machining from LEE. Not impressed)
I don't think you can go wrong with either gun, but you have to ask what you want to do with it, and where you'll be years down the road. You don't need a stock to start shooting, but it could be a progression thing to learn and build with the gun.
I have yet to shoot so I can't give you any feedback yet. I hope to change that this weekend. Most everybody says to change the stocks on the 700 SPS's though.
I have 69 shots to shoot. A box of cheap Federal to foul the barrel, and then pressure and ladder loads to start developement. Stoked!
(Yes, I know the seating die has issues. I *may* have fixed it with a polishing tip on a dremel. Rough machining from LEE. Not impressed)
I don't think you can go wrong with either gun, but you have to ask what you want to do with it, and where you'll be years down the road. You don't need a stock to start shooting, but it could be a progression thing to learn and build with the gun.
That's why it's in quotations....
Just a 700 ACC-SD, Vortex 6-24 PST scope, Harris bi-pod, TPS low rings and 20MOA rail, and B&C stock.
Ammunition is Lapua brass, 178gr Amax, CCI-BR2 primers, and Varget powder.
Build was to be used loosely.
Maybe I could sell you my SPS-T minus the stock? Just the barreled action and trigger. You could find your own stock for it. I believe my avatar was a seven shot group from the rifle. (Pic was taken a couple years back.)
