Build off my hunting rig or start fresh?

J_Scott

J_Scott

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Whistler, BC
Here's my dilemma, I have an SPS DM in .308 with a bushnell elite 4200 3-9x40 on it. Great hunting rig, but I seem to only hunt with my 870.

I want to build a starter rig for around $2000. Either I start with my sps and replace stock, optics and trigger (I have yet to do recall) and add a bipod. Or I sell this thing and start from scratch.

What would you do? I don't even know what these are worth, got maybe 40 rnds down the pipe. No regular SPS's for sale and bushnell maybe worth around $300 or less.

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Replace stock - McMillan, Manners or chassis your choice. MDT? This will also dictate if you need bottom metal as well.
Replace trigger - Jewell, but many other good choices now.
Rebarrel with custom heavy barrel. (Kreiger Palma contour?)
 
Just sell and buy a better rifle like tikka or weatherby try a 300 wm or 270wsm leupold 4-12 or zeiss 4-12 leave it stock and never look back
 
I went this route and have subsequently ended up rebarreling a donor Tikka T3 in a McMillan stock. Although the 700 has a lot of support it isn't my favorite action, even tuned I like it less than a factory T3 action. Or just save up and go full custom!!!
 
You will be way further ahead to just sell the SPS and get a factory rig - i assume you mean a LR / Precision rig? - the above mentioned rifles are a great start, as is a 5R Rem/Savage 12 - all within your budget with decent optics.
 
Thanks guys. Only saw these replies now.

I really like the look of the M40. It seems like an easy build off what I have by adding a B&C M40 stock. But now I'm wondering if makes sense to just sell and start fresh. I did pick up a bushnell tactical 6-24 50 scope so I'm on my way. Problem is I haven't done recall so I need to find a replacement trigger as well.

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Well you could grab a take-off SPS tac or 700P barrel for cheap and have a gunsmith install it and verify headspace. Keep your eye on the EE for a B&C or HS stock for a good deal, pick up a trigger and have a pretty decent starter rifle. But personally I would sell it to buy a factory rifle. The SPS action is nothing to write home about and in the end you'll have a frankenstein rifle with very little interest from buyers that is no better than an SPS tac but cost more time and money to build. An SPS tac or 700P will be ready to go out of the box. Just remember to always compare EE prices to brand new prices. SPS tacs are often listed for more than the price of a brand new one. I got my minty 700P with a Timney 510 for less than others were trying to get for used SPS tacticals.
 
In my opinion, the order of improvements to a factory rifle goes like this:

1) Start reloading if you don't already
2) Quality scope
3) Bed action/free float barrel
Good front rest/bipod and rear bag
4) Trigger work or new trigger
5) Stock upgrade
6) Blueprint action and custom barrel once you have shot out the factory barrel.

Steps 1 thru 3 should happen before you fire the first round.
 
You could get a low cost Remington 783, have a careful read of Jerry Teo's article on his 'Rem 783 PRS/Tactical Rifle Build' thread in this forum and end up with a truly accurate rifle with money to spare for good glass and a decent stock.
 
I had a 700 sps dm in .308, I was in the same spot you are with what road to take. I decided to sell the rifle and start fresh with a platform I could learn on and upgrade as my skills improve.

Also, my SPS was not affected by the trigger recall, so make sure you check your serial number on the remington site, helps with resale being able to say it's not affected.

Jon
 
Why not sell and start with a 700P? I would! Run it stock with good glass and base. My little 20" ltr was a lot of fun and a crap load of good aftermarket support. 308 is a great round but it depends on what you want to do with it? How far are you wanting to shoot? Sako TRG is the way I'm going but price gose why up. Recover as much as you can and look on EE for a police. My two cents! Think about it, if the swat teams use it you know it will work for you
 
A 700p would be a great choice. My dad has one, and without any after market or smithing done to it he shoots 1/2 moa groups fairly easy.
 
Thanks a bunch guys. A couple more questions since you guys are so helpful. I am getting into reloading, which is why I want to keep the budget tight. PWA range only goes to 500 yards so that'll be my upper limit at the moment.

1.) Jon, What did you sell your SPS for? Mine has a bushnell 4200 3x9 on it, and the gun is pretty much new, not sure what it's worth $500?-$600 + $250 for scope?

2.) If I were to upgrade to a 700P, I'm assuming I could stick with the same stock. Which is almost disappointing as I REALLY like that B&C M40 clone.

3.) For those of you saying I should sell and buy a new rifle, what do you suggest beyond the recommendations given already? Is the RPR any good? Reviews seem to be positive but accuracy leaves something to be desired from a couple reviews.
 
I have time with the AI.

Only got a few shots through the PGM

Wish I had more so I could give you real thoughts.
 
Those are a bit out of my price range at the moment.

I don't see. Super high end either, I wouldn't mind something I can take hunting, but it'll be rare so extra heft doesn't matter.

Really liking that ruger though.
 
J_Scott said:
Thanks a bunch guys. A couple more questions since you guys are so helpful. I am getting into reloading, which is why I want to keep the budget tight. PWA range only goes to 500 yards so that'll be my upper limit at the moment.

1.) Jon, What did you sell your SPS for? Mine has a bushnell 4200 3x9 on it, and the gun is pretty much new, not sure what it's worth $500?-$600 + $250 for scope?

2.) If I were to upgrade to a 700P, I'm assuming I could stick with the same stock. Which is almost disappointing as I REALLY like that B&C M40 clone.

3.) For those of you saying I should sell and buy a new rifle, what do you suggest beyond the recommendations given already? Is the RPR any good? Reviews seem to be positive but accuracy leaves something to be desired from a couple reviews.
Click to expand...

I think I ended up getting $450 for mine, with bases. I think cabelas sells them new with a scope for 550 or 599 or something. As for your scope, I'm not sure. I ended up with a Savage 10TR in .308 and I'm pretty happy so far.

Jon
 
The factory HS Precision on the 700P is an excellent stock. Very light, tall comb, less grip angle and generous palm swells, full length bedding block and a nice hefty forend well suited to offhand, bags and bipod. The B&C stocks, including their version of the M40 have awkward square edges on the underside of the forend. They're a little heavier but not to the point of being excessive by any means.
 
So right now my options are these:

Sell the SPS for $700 (or so) with scope.
- Buy a used police 700 (needs nothing) for $1000 or so. Great rifle, cheap, I just am not fond of the look ($300 cash outlay)
- Buy an RPR for $1600 or so. Great rifle, modular, but a little heave to ever go hunting with. ($1000 cash outlay)

Or, keep the SPS (sell the 3x9 scope on it for $250-300) and buy a timney trigger, M40 stock. Would be a good shooter, no heavy barrel, light enough to go hunting with still in a pinch. ($300 cash outlay)

Police seems like the best deal. Just not sold on the look, which I could get just the action & barrel. Will have to check the EE.
 
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