Rem 783 - Some Range Testing - post 18

[Mystic Precision]

Hmm, .223 rem.
Food for another thread would be the pros and cons of two calibers for the tactical division.

Very simple really... How far does your match go? and as a percentage, how many shots beyond 500yds?

How windy do you expect that range to be?

Do the LR targets have flashers of some kind?

Know these and the choice is very easy.

Jerry

 

[rugbydave]

In this instance, .223 was a great choice. Only 1 target past 500 and next to zero wind all day. I'd say that there was no disadvantage to shooting a .223 on Saturday, haha.

 

[Longshot]

The only disadvantage was spotting for it! �� but it was a pleasure watching you run it.

 

[kthomas]

Thanks

There is now a very affordable entry point into the precision shooting game... ready to shoot including optics and a match barrel, $2500 to 3500. That puts this within reach of a lot of shooters

Not the end all, but a solid and very competitive combination.. and now the thousands of extra dollars saved can be put into what really matters.

PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE.

Jerry

I'm not sure why we keep pretending that the Rem783 is the only budget PRS rifle available to consumers. Many great options are available, and have been for the past couple of years. Options with more factory support, better ergonomics, built for PRS right "out of the box" - no needing to "bubba" up a rifle to get it to work, built by manufacturers that actual have a good track record for QA/QC, etc.

The Rem783 is not the only nor best budget rifle for PRS shooting. I have no problem with the rem783 - for some people it may be the perfect option for their shooting. But let's quit pretending that it is something that it is not. Ask Alpheus how good it is for PRS shooting...

I see no reason to get a bubba'd up rem783 when I can slap a Tikka in a KRG Bravo, and have a rifle with better ergonomics, more aftermarket support, a tried and trued action from a manufacturer with good QA/QC - and an action that is considered to be one of the "slickest" feeling out there - even by custom standards. Similar price point, much better finished product.

The PVA John Hancock rifle is one hell of a budget precision rifle - it was designed by PVA to be the best rifle you can be and still be in the PRS budget "production class". Howa, Ruger, Seekins are all producing good quality budget factory rifles geared toward PRS shooting. Defiance, Bighorn, ARC are all producing great budget custom actions.

People tend to think that the Rem783 is either the best and/or only budget option up here in Canada for PRS shooting - mainly because it is pushed by (one) proponent who has really no PRS experience. It may be a "great" budget rifle for some, but it's a bit of a stretch to pretend that it is competive with other budget options when we are specifically speaking for PRS type shooting.

If a rem783 checks all the boxes for you then great! I have no problem with the rem783 and would have no problem with these Rem783 threads if we just stuck with an honest narrative. For some people, it's a great rifle. Let's just stop pretending that it's something that it is not - for everyone's sake here.

 

[SteveB]

You do realize that the person you keep referring to as inexperienced and/or doesn't know anything has just either just won the last whole PRS match or won his division. That's 2 for 2! Maybe there is some experience and knowledge that works in this game!!

You obviously just don't "get" it!! The 783 isn't the be all end all but simply a good entry point to get more people into the sport. That is it! Your hated towards this individual is being a little tedious!! And obviously your experience is lacking also!

 

[kthomas]

You do realize that the person you keep referring to as inexperienced and/or doesn't know anything has just either just won the last whole PRS match or won his division. That's 2 for 2! Maybe there is some experience and knowledge that works in this game!!

You obviously just don't "get" it!! The 783 isn't the be all end all but simply a good entry point to get more people into the sport. That is it! Your hated towards this individual is being a little tedious!! And obviously your experience is lacking also!

I just want honest discussion for the newer people that are looking to get into the sport. I would hate for them to think that there is only one option in town. Some on here have already regretted getting a rem783 for PRS.

And like I said, if a rem783 gets you into the sport then I think that is awesome! I've seen people shoot PRS matches with a Mosin-Nagant, I thought that was bada$$. Love seeing new people in the sport!

And sorry, but the BC PRS match is hardly a barometer for what is best and what isn't. That's like saying someone won a street race with a Buick, therefore Buick is the best car for formula one. Those that have a fair share of national and club level sanctioned PRS matches in the US have all proposed on here how the Rem783 is a poor choice for PRS. But I guess we should disregard all that experience for this grassroots non-sanctioned "PRS" event.

Im not asking for much, all I'm asking for is an honest narrative. Let's put our pride and businesses aside and have honest discussions to move the Canadian precision rifle community forward. We are so a$$ backwards up here at times it is embarrassing. I hate seeing our community being led astray and torn apart.

 

[Ryan.M.Anderson]

I think KThomas has some good points and I would like to expand.

Jerry has shown that the 783 can be used successfully in competition. I would assume it fed and extracted reliably and shot accurately - it does have an aftermarket barrel on it so it is really no surprise it shoots well. The action of the gun is not really that important as all it does is get rounds from the mag into and out of the chamber.

None of the naysayers on here said that the 783 wasn't accurate or even a good gun (correct me if I am wrong naysayers). All we are saying is that at the current time it is not a good choice for a beginner PRS due to the very limited after market. There is one possible trigger replacement (Timney), there is one after market stock available (Boyds) and the potential for one more (Oryx - and it will probably only be made if it hits the required pre-order numbers). The big one here is the lack of after market stock/chassis options. I shot an AI AX last season - AI guns are practically an institution, bullet proof, reliable, and accurate, but I could never get comfortable behind it. What happens if you buy a 783 and you don't like the stock stock or the boyds stock? You have no other options at this time.

I have spent the last 3 years growing the sport in western Canada and I want to see as many people as possible involved. I want to see people succeed in the sport and this recommendation is not helping. Once a successful after market is established maybe that can change but I would hate to recommend a gun to an individual only to have no aftermarket appear. Is this a bit of a catch 22? Sure it is but such is life.

Jerry said that his total just was about $3,500. It is topped with an Athlon Eres BTR so lets take off $1,400 for the scope leaving $2,100 for the gun. As Kthomas pointed out there are lots of options that can be had for this price point that are currently available and have a much larger after market. You do not need a crazy expensive rig to play this game and play it well.

Also, if anyone is interested in PRS in Alberta just ask and I will gladly let you use any or my gear, I have 2 Custom 6mmBrs - you can borrow my least favourite if you need it.

 

[kthomas]

Ryan put it well.

With so many other great budget options with more aftermarket support, there's no way I could recommend a rem783 to someone getting into PRS on a budget in good faith. It just doesn't make sense.

At the end of the day, I would rather have someone shooting a rem783 and shoot competitions than not shooting competitions at all. I would never discourage ANYONE from shooting a match, no matter what rifle they had.

I just want to make sure that we steer new shooters in the right direction. It doesn't do anyone any good (besides those lining their pockets) to create a potentially frustrating situation for a newer shooter. I want to see the sport grow and succeed in Canada - but that requires honest and candid discussions and steering newer shooters in the right direction, which quite frankly aren't occuring on here. It would behoove our community to learn from the US, which has been shooting this sport for decades. We would be much farther ahead as a community if we leveraged off of others knowledge rather than trying to relearn mistakes on our own. Right now the Canadian shooting community seems to be 10-15 years behind the US, but it doesn't have to be.

 

[Mystic Precision]

In this instance, .223 was a great choice. Only 1 target past 500 and next to zero wind all day. I'd say that there was no disadvantage to shooting a .223 on Saturday, haha.

There was a sneaky left to right from 500 on out that caught a bunch of shooters... myself included. But for the most part, conditions were best described as mild.

It wasn't the winds causing shooters to miss... . That was a really nice balanced course of fire.... with a heavy emphasis on marksmanship skills

What a great time and it was nice to finally put a face to the name. Enjoy the off season and see you at the next one.

Jerry

 

[Mystic Precision]

The only disadvantage was spotting for it! �� but it was a pleasure watching you run it.

No kidding... definitely a few points left on the table but hey, pros and cons. Thanks for being a great squad RO and handling dual duties getting us through the stages... and then putting on quite a display of shooting.

Always a pleasure to shoot with you and happy to do it anytime.... See you next season.

Jerry

 

[Go_Big_Tactical]

I think KThomas has some good points and I would like to expand.

Jerry has shown that the 783 can be used successfully in competition. I would assume it fed and extracted reliably and shot accurately - it does have an aftermarket barrel on it so it is really no surprise it shoots well. The action of the gun is not really that important as all it does is get rounds from the mag into and out of the chamber.

None of the naysayers on here said that the 783 wasn't accurate or even a good gun (correct me if I am wrong naysayers). All we are saying is that at the current time it is not a good choice for a beginner PRS due to the very limited after market. There is one possible trigger replacement (Timney), there is one after market stock available (Boyds) and the potential for one more (Oryx - and it will probably only be made if it hits the required pre-order numbers). The big one here is the lack of after market stock/chassis options. I shot an AI AX last season - AI guns are practically an institution, bullet proof, reliable, and accurate, but I could never get comfortable behind it. What happens if you buy a 783 and you don't like the stock stock or the boyds stock? You have no other options at this time.

I have spent the last 3 years growing the sport in western Canada and I want to see as many people as possible involved. I want to see people succeed in the sport and this recommendation is not helping. Once a successful after market is established maybe that can change but I would hate to recommend a gun to an individual only to have no aftermarket appear. Is this a bit of a catch 22? Sure it is but such is life.

Jerry said that his total just was about $3,500. It is topped with an Athlon Eres BTR so lets take off $1,400 for the scope leaving $2,100 for the gun. As Kthomas pointed out there are lots of options that can be had for this price point that are currently available and have a much larger after market. You do not need a crazy expensive rig to play this game and play it well.

Also, if anyone is interested in PRS in Alberta just ask and I will gladly let you use any or my gear, I have 2 Custom 6mmBrs - you can borrow my least favourite if you need it.

Excellent points to both of you Ryan and Kthomas. There are other products more affordable than this 783 package that have better aftermarket support and accessories currently available. If you're going to point out the 783 as an option, it would be objective and reasonable to expect consideration be given to other excellent products in that price range. The ultimate goal is to support new people to join the sport and get out and shoot, but many guys can do that with swapping their Tikka, R700 or Howa 1500 to a KRG Bravo and accomplishing the same goal for less money and a great product.

I'm sure there are lots of different rifles that Jerry could shoot and do well in the match, that doesn't add value or credibility to the 783 as the "best" option

 

[Clint E.]

Jerry said that his total just was about $3,500. It is topped with an Athlon Eres BTR so lets take off $1,400 for the scope leaving $2,100 for the gun. As Kthomas pointed out there are lots of options that can be had for this price point that are currently available and have a much larger after market. You do not need a crazy expensive rig to play this game and play it well.

Also, if anyone is interested in PRS in Alberta just ask and I will gladly let you use any or my gear, I have 2 Custom 6mmBrs - you can borrow my least favourite if you need it.

Let me start by saying that I have nothing against the Rem 783 or people getting out and shooting no matter what rifle they have but, Ryan and Kthomas, and Go_Big_Tactical,
you guys hit the nail on the head. There are better options in that price range. I have owned a couple of 783's and by no means do I think they are junk, but the use of investment cast parts in critical parts of the gun and lack of support means there are better options.

Tikka T3 CTR 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Barrel - $1289.00
KRG Bravo Chassis - $595.00
TOTAL: $1884.00

Most Tikka factory barrels shoot extremely well and a upgrade is not likely required. But even if you wanted to a prefit from PVA would probably be about $650 after USD to CAD exchange and import costs. So you are still only looking at about $2500.


You could probably sell the CTR Mag/Stock/bottom metal for at least $100 making it even more competitive. Lets do a comparison of features.


Tikka:KRG Bravo is better than anything currently available for 783, plus basically all large aftermarket Chassis/ stock manufactures support the Tikka, Manners, McMillan, MPA, KRG, XLR etc.
Rem 783: Limited options - not likely to change anytime soon.

Bolt Lift -
Tikka: 75 degrees
Rem 783: 90 Degrees

Bolt Handel Attachment -
Tikka:Robust dovetail attachment - easily change to different bolt handles/knobs in 5 mins no gunsmith required.
Rem 783 - Less than desirable brazed on bolt handle. Oversize knob requires gunsmith, which a lot will refuse to do on the 783 because it doesn't fir their Rem 700 jig.

Case extraction:
Tikka - Robust Sako style extractor.
Rem 783 - Savage style sliding extractor. (Arguably less robust).

Bolt takedown:
Tikka - Tool less
Rem 783 - Tool less

Firing Pin Assembly:
Tikka - Robust piece machined from steel.
Rem 783 - Investment cast, weak spring right out of the box. **I have concerns about the longevity of the cast bolt plug/cocking piece on the Rem 783. See pic below, this was wear right out of the box with basically 20 cycles on the action. Maybe it will be a problem maybe not. The piece rotates every time the bolt is cycled. I don't like the idea of a pot metal type cast piece in a rifle that will see a very high round count it just doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I have logged about 1500 rounds on my PRS rifles this season and at least double that in dry fire so lets say 4500 bolt cycles in one year, I am not sure Remington designed the 783 bolt plug/cocking piece to ever see that in it's life time. (just my opinion)**




Trigger:
Tikka - Bolted to action for easy swaps, extremely crisp, very nice machined piece. Timney aftermarket 2 stage option. $10 yo-dave option for lighter pull if desired.
Rem 783 - Bolted to action for easy swaps. Investment cast housing no aftermarket support.

Prefit Barrels:
Tikka - Available from Patriot Valley arms. Swaps are arguably easier due to recoil lug design (no lug to align.)
Rem 783 - Prefits available, need to have gunsmith notch action for savage style recoil lug to make swapping barrels easier.

Interchangeable bolt heads:
Tikka - No support
Rem 783 - Capable - but in my experience getting the bolt head from PT&G is not a problem but getting all of the extractor & Ejector parts and pieces from Remington is.

Action smoothness -
Tikka - Very smooth right out of the box.
Rem 783 - Just as smooth after worn in or sanded.

Scope Mounting:
Tikka - Action has provisions for pic rail recoil lug - arguably more robust.
Rem 783 - No recoil lug on rail.

Action Machining Tolerances:
Tikka - Take bolts and barrels from different guns and still headspace - Yes, I have done this.
Rem 783 - Yes based on Jerry's experience.

Resale -
Tikka: If you decide you don't like the sport or want to upgrade you will recover the majority of you money.
Rem 783: Not as desirable and easy to sell.


I have owned a couple of 783's and by no means do I think they are junk, a lot of what Jerry is saying about machining quality and features is correct, but in my opinion the use of investment cast parts in critical parts of the gun and lack of support means there are better options, even on a budget.
FYI - I don't currently shoot a Tikka as my main PRS rifle so I am by no means a fanboy.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Let me start by saying that I have nothing against the Rem 783 or people getting out and shooting no matter what rifle they have but, Ryan and Kthomas, and Go_Big_Tactical,
you guys hit the nail on the head. There are better options in that price range. I have owned a couple of 783's and by no means do I think they are junk, but the use of investment cast parts in critical parts of the gun and lack of support means there are better options.

Tikka T3 CTR 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Barrel - $1289.00
KRG Bravo Chassis - $595.00
TOTAL: $1884.00

Most Tikka factory barrels shoot extremely well and a upgrade is not likely required. But even if you wanted to a prefit from PVA would probably be about $650 after USD to CAD exchange and import costs. So you are still only looking at about $2500.


You could probably sell the CTR Mag/Stock/bottom metal for at least $100 making it even more competitive. Lets do a comparison of features.


Tikka:KRG Bravo is better than anything currently available for 783, plus basically all large aftermarket Chassis/ stock manufactures support the Tikka, Manners, McMillan, MPA, KRG, XLR etc.
Rem 783: Limited options - not likely to change anytime soon.

Bolt Lift -
Tikka: 75 degrees
Rem 783: 90 Degrees

Bolt Handel Attachment -
Tikka:Robust dovetail attachment - easily change to different bolt handles/knobs in 5 mins no gunsmith required.
Rem 783 - Less than desirable brazed on bolt handle. Oversize knob requires gunsmith, which a lot will refuse to do on the 783 because it doesn't fir their Rem 700 jig.

Case extraction:
Tikka - Robust Sako style extractor.
Rem 783 - Savage style sliding extractor. (Arguably less robust).

Bolt takedown:
Tikka - Tool less
Rem 783 - Tool less

Firing Pin Assembly:
Tikka - Robust piece machined from steel.
Rem 783 - Investment cast, weak spring right out of the box. **I have concerns about the longevity of the cast bolt plug/cocking piece on the Rem 783. See pic below, this was wear right out of the box with basically 20 cycles on the action. Maybe it will be a problem maybe not. The piece rotates every time the bolt is cycled. I don't like the idea of a pot metal type cast piece in a rifle that will see a very high round count it just doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I have logged about 1500 rounds on my PRS rifles this season and at least double that in dry fire so lets say 4500 bolt cycles in one year, I am not sure Remington designed the 783 bolt plug/cocking piece to ever see that in it's life time. (just my opinion)**




Trigger:
Tikka - Bolted to action for easy swaps, extremely crisp, very nice machined piece. Timney aftermarket 2 stage option. $10 yo-dave option for lighter pull if desired.
Rem 783 - Bolted to action for easy swaps. Investment cast housing no aftermarket support.

Prefit Barrels:
Tikka - Available from Patriot Valley arms. Swaps are arguably easier due to recoil lug design (no lug to align.)
Rem 783 - Prefits available, need to have gunsmith notch action for savage style recoil lug to make swapping barrels easier.

Interchangeable bolt heads:
Tikka - No support
Rem 783 - Capable - but in my experience getting the bolt head from PT&G is not a problem but getting all of the extractor & Ejector parts and pieces from Remington is.

Action smoothness -
Tikka - Very smooth right out of the box.
Rem 783 - Just as smooth after worn in or sanded.

Scope Mounting:
Tikka - Action has provisions for pic rail recoil lug - arguably more robust.
Rem 783 - No recoil lug on rail.

Action Machining Tolerances:
Tikka - Take bolts and barrels from different guns and still headspace - Yes, I have done this.
Rem 783 - Yes based on Jerry's experience.

Resale -
Tikka: If you decide you don't like the sport or want to upgrade you will recover the majority of you money.
Rem 783: Not as desirable and easy to sell.


I have owned a couple of 783's and by no means do I think they are junk, a lot of what Jerry is saying about machining quality and features is correct, but in my opinion the use of investment cast parts in critical parts of the gun and lack of support means there are better options, even on a budget.
FYI - I don't currently shoot a Tikka as my main PRS rifle so I am by no means a fanboy.

Rem 783 with the large bolt knob, pic rail are now possible for around $500 so that issue has been addresssed at the factory.

Timney is making triggers as their survey indicated the Rem 783 with the most interest vs the other common hunting rifles in that survey. However, I have been super happy with the factory unit. It has worked very well and really gives up nothing to aftermarket single stage triggers of similar pull weight. A mile better then the Xmark Pro.

Oryx, linked to MDT will have a chassis that looks really quite useable $400. That should be a simple and inexpensive fix for those looking for a chassis. Boyds has a variety of stocks. PT&G DBM inlets in very easily.

Bolt lift... 90 deg bolt lift actions offer more mechanical advantage to lesser deg bolt lift actions. They tend to need less force to cam. The Rem 783 set up is one of the lightest bolt lifts on a common action. WRT to speed, that is a user thing. Shooters who are comfy with their gear can run either format as fast as they need. If a shooter is really worried about cycling an action fast... use a semi.

Bolt handle - a very real concern given Rems manf FUBARs but the 783's I have seen (over a dozen) have all been done really well. So far, no issues and the metal is wearing as well as any other action. Metal used in these actions seems to be of excellent quality.. again a real surprise.

Bolt stop - the Rem 783 uses a big metal part here and is not pinned into the receiver.. no weak pins to shear. The tab that the bolt stops against is huge... you are not skipping past this part. Quick to operate so the bolt can be taken out easily. For an action that will see alot of vigourous cycling, I really like this design

Case extraction - given the zillions of actions running the sliding extractor, I don't see any negative here and I have certainly not seen any in the 783's I have beat on. I would lean this to personal preference. now if you do have an over pressure rd and damage this part, it is super easy to swap in new parts into the 783... not so much into a SAKO extractor. That might keep you in a match ????

Gravel lists extractors for $11.78... a complete spare bolt looks to only cost $116.52. I like to keep a spare and they will interchange.

Bolt head parts- to my surprise and delight, extractors, ball, spring are similar to the Savage and I have interchanged parts. Factory bolt heads have been robust and I don't see any wear issues. PT&G offers other options and now I have the ability to go 223, PPC, SPC, 308 all with the same action... I don't have a need for a Magnum SA at this time.

The bolt antibind actually works... action can run very smooth and very fast.

Prefit Barrel - TIKKA - PVA and CarbonSix are options. I don't see alot of interest in other barrel manfs getting behind the Tikka (very surprised). Believe me, I have asked. Most shy away from the beveled receiver face making if more difficult for a barrel nut set up. Yep, I have seen one option and that nut looked pretty funcky. For a prefit, fairly limited for options that I am aware of.

783 - uses a near identical set up to the Savage. There are several options right now and ALL manfs of Savage prefits can easily make 783 if they choose too. If the market expands, the aftermarket can easily follow.

Scope Mounting - again, when was the last time anyone saw a scope rail shear off a receiver? Yes, we can put in oversized #8 bolts, lots of them, pin the rail, etc but is this more a choice vs a need???? I suggest a quality steel or HD alloy base. Even with the pig heavy scopes run today, anyone see a rail shear off a receiver.. any receiver????

Firing Pin Assembly.. yep, the bolt shroud is indeed a cast unit and will wear into the slot in the bolt body. That allows for that smooth and light bolt lift. Being that it is a cast part, I looked into availability and cost of a replacement. Gravel offers them for $9.34 each. I have 3 on order ... why not? At worst, I will toss them with the firing pin spring as part of on my annual maintenance.

While snooping around the Gravel parts list, I noticed that the firing pin tip is available as a part. So I took my bolts apart and to my surprise, the firing pin tip is removable. Chip a tip, spin on a new one $5.38. And can be replaced without taking the firing pin assembly part...again, easily field serviceable

https://store.gravelagency.com/en/replacement-parts-oem/remington/rifle/model-783.html?p=1

I think Rem/Gravel have finally figured out that customers being able to easily maintain their rifles is a good thing. parts are cheap, typically instock and Cdn sourced. Not sure how easy servicing a Tikka is???

A 783 with match prefit barrel, chassis looks to be possible around $1500.. less if you recover costs from selling off the factory parts. Being able to maintain this action looks to be straightforward and there are some features that make that easier... certainly alot cheaper then other actions.

Eenie meenie.. choose the action you like around the budget you prefer and have at it. The key is come on out and play.. all the talking means nothing if shooters dont get to the matches, ranges and start enjoying their toys in the great outdoors.

Time will tell how the NA market embraces the Rem 783.....

Jerry

 

[driller212]

There are lots of good options for budget precision right now, anything past that is personal opinion for the most part. Lots of good points made by everyone, the rem 783 definitely lacks an aftermarket currently, but there are options.

 

[Ryan.M.Anderson]

Time will tell how the NA market embraces the Rem 783.....

It isn't... Jerry there is no after market at the point in time and one may not even develop, it has been almost 6 years since the gun hit the market. Also, Canada is a drop in the bucket in the shooting world. Probably not even a drop - maybe a tenth of a drop. If there is no demand for 783 stuff out of the US nothing will happen. I have not seen a single mention of the 783 as a PRS gun on SH which is much larger and more active forum than CGN. It is arguably the largest PRS related forum in the world. Manufacturing demand on one Canadian gun forum is not going to turn the tides.

Need I remind you that you have been pushing the benefits of the 783 since you first reviewed it on your blog Jan 31, 2016. It has nearly been 3 years since then - I would guess that if there was demand for a large after market it would have started by now.

There is One chassis option. The Oryx is not even a guarantee. You should know (as an experienced F-Class shooter) that shooter and rifle comfort is a very high priority. I am not sure how in good conscience you can recommend a gun that has so little choice. The aftermarket stock market is so big because people need options. Not only for superficial reasons like looks/preferences but also for fit.

Just realized I am lying - MDT does make the LSS Gen I for it as well. They do not have that inlet in the GenII - that is probably saying something as well.

You sell lots of Savage stuff can you at least push the Savage stuff as there is a decent after market for them?

I would really love to see a capable and up-gradable sub 500 rilfe come out so people can come out and shoot. If they don't like it their investments is small and no harm is done. If they do like it they can upgrade things and spend dollars as they see fit. If one day the 783 turns into that option that is great! At this time that is not the case and recommending it to people is lying to them that the 783 is "Best Donor Action for PRS/Mag Fed Rifles". You occupy a special position on this forum as someone who is looked to for advice - don't abuse that privilege.

The Athlon Cronus and Vortex Razor Gen II debacle is still remembered by a few of us.

 

[MartyK2500]

My 0.02$ as a Savage shooter, non PRS shooter, and as someone that likes to purchase and resell investments (I also tend to do this with guns).

Putting everything aside, except money, the Rem783 doesn't seem like a good choice from a financial point of view.
I have been monitoring the precision rifle EE very closely for some time, and see lot's of Tikka, Rem700, Savage 10 aftermarket parts flying around, the ads also disappear quickly too.
These 3 platforms have a good aftermarket demand in my opinion.

If I take my savage 10 as an example, if I we're to change route, I would sell it individually, part it out. Barrel, receiver, ESS chassis, etc... all separately.
I wouldn't recoup the whole investment, but I would figure a good chunk.
Just a target savage small shank barrel has some demand going for it.

I was going to try the rem783 route at some point as I like certain features of it.
But I am scared, that if I change directions, the loss will be too big.
With (perceived) little demand for it's parts, let's say my 600$ rem783 barrel maybe couldn't sell back for 200$. My 900$ rem783 Chassis couldn't sell back for 300$, and so on.
I wouldn't be scared of losing money of the rifle itself as it's dirt cheap, but would be scared of losing on everything bolted to it.

It's something I had also did in handguns, if I bolt something to an 1911, it better give it value, and the 1911 itself better be STI or SV.
A new bull barrel on an SV gives it value if somewhat used.
A new bull barrel on a Norinco wouldn't make it appreciate by a dollar.

If the rem783 gains traction with let's say McMillan, pro line-up of MDT, and many other aftermarket brands, it would mean it would of made a place for itself, and I would be game to try it out.
As is right now as of October 23rd 2018, I keep my reservations before putting money in something I may not see the colour of again.
I do believe the action is good though, but sinking 1500$ in it is something to be closely considered.

 

[joehunt]

Wow nothing like bashing a site sponsor on a public form.
As well as telling everyone that took part in the bc match that they suck. That’s a good introduction into the sport.

 

[Clint E.]

Ryan nailed it again.
We are just trying to keep others from being lead down the garden path. 60 rounds at a local match does not mean the action is "Best Donor Action for PRS/Mag Fed Rifles". It needs to be proven over a couple of seasons, in dusty conditions, in wet conditions and over thousands of rounds etc.

The Rem 783 set up is one of the lightest bolt lifts on a common action.

You cannot possibly know this with any kind of certainty. I would argue that the Tikka is only marginally heavier with less cocking on close and a shorter throw, so to say one could run a 783 faster than Tikka is laughable. This comment also shows a lack of experience in PRS shooting. I have personally observed some great shooters in matches in the US this year that I have attended and they do not run the bolt as fast as possible. It is rather a very deliberate and smooth motion. The guys running their bolts crazy fast usually are more inexperienced and/or do so to overcome some flaw in the feeding of their rifle.

Bolt stop - the Rem 783 uses a big metal part here and is not pinned into the receiver.. no weak pins to shear. The tab that the bolt stops against is huge... you are not skipping past this part. Quick to operate so the bolt can be taken out easily. For an action that will see alot of vigourous cycling, I really like this design

I will admit that the 783 is somewhat more robust by just looking at it, but that is till to be proven, a 60 round local match does not prove that.

Gravel lists extractors for $11.78... a complete spare bolt looks to only cost $116.52. I like to keep a spare and they will interchange.

Bolt head parts- to my surprise and delight, extractors, ball, spring are similar to the Savage and I have interchanged parts. Factory bolt heads have been robust and I don't see any wear issues. PT&G offers other options and now I have the ability to go 223, PPC, SPC, 308 all with the same action... I don't have a need for a Magnum SA at this time.

Firing Pin Assembly.. yep, the bolt shroud is indeed a cast unit and will wear into the slot in the bolt body. That allows for that smooth and light bolt lift. Being that it is a cast part, I looked into availability and cost of a replacement. Gravel offers them for $9.34 each. I have 3 on order ... why not? At worst, I will toss them with the firing pin spring as part of on my annual maintenance.

While snooping around the Gravel parts list, I noticed that the firing pin tip is available as a part. So I took my bolts apart and to my surprise, the firing pin tip is removable. Chip a tip, spin on a new one $5.38. And can be replaced without taking the firing pin assembly part...again, easily field serviceable

https://store.gravelagency.com/en/replacement-parts-oem/remington/rifle/model-783.html?p=1

I think Rem/Gravel have finally figured out that customers being able to easily maintain their rifles is a good thing. parts are cheap, typically instock and Cdn sourced. Not sure how easy servicing a Tikka is???

Of all the parts you listed Gravel only has the firing pin and bolt assembly in stock, and Gravel will not actually sell the average person the bolt assembly, you have to be a gunsmith. Also I was told by Gravel that they do not sell all the little extractor/ejctor bits and pieces separately, and looking at the parts list on their website. that seems to be the case.

I guess, you could just buy another whole gun for $499 for spare parts, but then it kinda kills the budget argument.

 

[Ryan.M.Anderson]

Wow nothing like bashing a site sponsor on a public form.
Was well as telling everyone that took part in the bc match that they suck. That’s a good introduction into the sport.

I am not bashing Jerry and I do not thinking anyone here is saying the BC match sucked - I am bashing the recommendation that the 783 is a viable beginner platform for PRS matches. If it is all you have come anyways but if you do not have anything yet it is not a good recommendation.

I know Josh, Raul, and lots of other folks who were involved in the BC match and they are all great people. Jerry sponsored the match and that is also very commendable of him.

The only reason why so many people here are against this recommendation is that it is not good for shooters starting out in PRS.

I have spent the last 3 years running PRS matches in Alberta and have put lots of my time and my own money into growing the sport. I want to see it grow as large as possible in Canada and recommending dead-end platforms is not going to help. I will even go so far to lend someone my gear (Custom made 6mmBrs on Defiance actions with Minox scopes) if they want to try a match. I will load the ammo for that person.

Also, this is in the Black & Green Precision Rifle sub forum, if this took place in the Mystic Precision sub forum (which Jerry pays for as part of his site sponsor deal I am sure) it would be inappropriate.

 

[driller212]

Well, I decided to get the LSS chassis instead of the Oryx, just because they said they may not do a run of them at all, plus I don't have to wait months for it if they decide they will. Should be good for hunting and long range plinking. Plus its nice to have that 10rd mag capacity. Will post pics when I have it all assembled in a couple weeks.