building up a gun - process? opinions?

wingsuit

wingsuit

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I'm recently getting back into firearms after quite a while, and have been steadily reading the forums and looking into options that will suit my needs, but no matter how reading I do I still run into the need to ask questions.


I'm currently setting up to take my pal/rpal through silvercore in the new year as the last time I shot was when I was younger before the new rules, which was mostly target shooting with my dad and grandfather and a bit of hunting. I'd like to be able to setup one gun to be able to handle my needs (famous last words) which will be the same as my first firearms experiences. Target shooting, with the ability to go hunting with my father. I'm interested in spending time with my dad hiking through back country while on a hunt which Is why I'm concerned about weight.


Initially I was looking at the m14 but after a lot of reading it feels like it would be capable of being a bench gun and a hunters rifle but that its extra weight would make it a bit less convenient as the latter. I'm not in a great need of a semi-auto; and though I like the looks of it, I think maybe a built up 700 rem might fit my bill a bit closer.

Which brings us to the building up of a gun.

initial hours (haha probably closer to days) of searching the forums has me interested in something like a

rem 700 sps tactical .308 (remingtions seem to have the best upgrade options and I like the 20" barrel)
replace stock with a h-s precision (PST007?)
trigger job?
scope: something like a 10x (leupold, maybe nightforce) I dont see the need for more magnification as I cant imagine needing more than 300yards while hunting, and I dont think there are too many long ranges around me. I wouldnt mind getting a little bit higher, say 15x, but it seems after 10x most manufacturers go to a 50mm objective, and I think I'd like to stick to a 40mm

I know nothing I'd be doing to the gun is really a big deal, but obviously something I'd prefer to be done by someone who knows what they're doing.

when people talk on the forums about building up a custom, are they talking about this, where they start with a basemodel and pick and choose custom parts?

is there a better way to build one up? it seems silly to buy a rifle and turn around and get rid of its parts to just replace them.

I dont mind spending a decent amount on a rifle/scope system as I hope to keep it to one firearm for awhile, but that doesnt mean I dont want to spend smart

I guess in the end I'm looking for opinions or other options to putting together a .308 in a 20" barrel with a goal of being able to target it or hunt with it.

thanks
 
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Since you seem to want a remington and an aftermarket stock just buy the cheapest used short action rifle you can find, sell the used stock and the barrel then send the action to a gunsmith and get him to put a name brand barrel on it and chamber it for 308w. Buy the scope and rings, lap the rings or buy the burris Z rings and clamp it on. (more or less)

Then get into reloading so you can get the most out of your new tube.... or maybe get lucky and find a factory load that shoots ok.

A case could be made for savage or winchester also. It's whatever you like.
 
I think you're looking at two different ends of the spectrum. My experience with firearms has been that bench guns tend to be heavy with long thick barrels and large heavy tactical bases and rings not to mention big heavy scopes. While hunting rifles tend be light with pencil thin shorter barrels and aluminum rings and bases and small light scopes and stocks.

The Rem 700 SPS Varmint or Tactical is a great start at a bench gun but the heavy barrels would make for a tougher trek through the hills. The Nightforce scopes you mentioned are also heavy so wouldn’t be practical for a hunting rifle. (they do make lower power hunting models)
 
hmmm, I was hoping to save some weight with a 20" barrel and a 10x scope as I'd rarely be shooting past 300 yards, sure its not going to be the best at each individual thing, but I know I'm going to have to compromise at least a bit as I'm looking at two different avenues of shooting, but just a single rifle.

I dont need to have my mind set on a remmington, just seemed to have to most options for customization and had seen a few builds that I liked built up from that platform.

My dad is into reloading so I'll have equipment at his house to work with and will be doing most of my shooting with him (whether on the range or in the field)


thanks for the replies so far
 
I was in much the same boat a few years ago in that I wanted an accurate rifle that would handle long-range shots during field firing on either targets, varmints, or whitetails. Bear with me as I share some lessons learned:

The SPS-Tactical is a handy rifle due to short barrel length; this will reduce achievable muzzle velocity and long-range performance, but we're talking ranges well past 300. Judging from your desired end-state, a heavy barrel profile may not be what you want, but the 20-incher really isn't too bad to carry and you'll get great results within ranges you desire. I have lugged a 14.5lb, 26"-barrelled SWS to some pretty remote cut lines, and it was the price I was willing to pay to dominate a long swath of land. Then again, I get paid to carry heavy things through the woods.

If you're a handloader, you're already concocting in your head. If not, and depending on what level of accuracy/consistency you're willing to accept, consider starting. Few things are more satisfying than finding that "holy grail" loading and watching your groups tighten right up.

The issued Hogue stock is just OK. It's workable. This may be an area you could research to trim some weight. I stuck with mine on my .223 SPS-T only because the rifle sits on my "B" rack. I've heard good things about the Bell and Carlson light tactical stocks.

One area I have never skimped on is bases and rings. This is the interface that guards that precious zero from bumps and smacks. Options abound for the M700. I prefer steel on steel, but many of the beefier aluminum systems will work with a modest-recoiling rifle.

The SPS-T has the X-Mark Pro trigger, easily adjustable. For a start, it offers a pretty clean break but I'm sure, like any mass-produced item, there are variances. I lucked out with mine.

Scope power requirement certainly depends on engagement distances, but consider your target type/size too. I put a 6-18x40mm on my SPS-T to achieve head-shots on communist groundhogs out to 300. If you're looking towards deer at less than 300, 10-power max is likely fine. Don't forget variable power, say 3-10x40mm, so you can increase your FOV in the brush. Personally, I have had no issues with my Leupolds, Mk4, VX-II, or Rifleman.

Have fun and, most importantly, be patient with your build.
 
A 700P is a fine choice. 308 is a good target caliber and it it will kill any north american game. It has excellent barrel life so you are less bothered by the extreme wear that occurs with target shooting and the large amounts of ammo you will use.

Buy your gun and get shooting. In time you will see first hand what you want and need. I am quite sure you will find the need for 2 guns instead on one but in the mean time your choice is fine.

Time and trigger time will tell you what accessories you'll want too. Hunting usually requires only a low-power scope, whereas target shooting is more comfortable with higher power. Hunters like light, target guys want as heavy as they can get. Hunters like energy, target shooters want uber accuracy.

Before blowing the wad on barrel, stocks and the like, go to the range and decide what YOU want.
 
I hate carrying heavy rifles while hunting and keep to 8lbs and under.

Pretty hard to have a light rifle AND a heavy barrel and mondo scope.

I think you will be very happy with a hunting contour barrel like the reg. SPS or Savage 10's. More then enough accuracy for hunting and good enough for popping clays at 300yds.

Have a look at variable scopes. These give me many options. I like 10X on the top end of such a scope but a 4X low really is nice when in the thick stuff.

Leupold, Bushnell Elite, Nikon are all excellent scopes that will give superb optics and mechanicals in light packages.

If you do want to modify in the future, the Savage platform gives you the most options for barrel swapping for the lowest amount of bucks. Lots of other accessories too.

Just remember to budget for reloading gear.

Jerry
 
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