I have a choice to make. Selling a few things to get a bolt gun. I like the detachable mag/chassis idea. Is the Ruger precision good to go as is or is it all lipstick? My other option that would put me into same budget appx is a rem 700 in an MDT. I looking at it like I could buy the 7oo and glass and shoot right away and do chassis later where there rpr is done already. Glass may be a bit of a wait if I want to stay married. Just looking for opinions on each as out of the box accuracy. Will be 308 also have option of 16.5 or longer in Sps. Opinions? I know the Remington would be a lifer and more open to modifications
What would you do rpr or 700
- Thread starter hfx123
- Start date
I see you are in Cowtown, if you want I have a pretty done up 700 that you could fondle to see what you can do to one.
At my competitions I have seen lots of RPRs and lots of M700s. I wouldn't really say one is better than the other just different.
I do know that I would take a 700 in an MPA chassis over a RPR.
At my competitions I have seen lots of RPRs and lots of M700s. I wouldn't really say one is better than the other just different.
I do know that I would take a 700 in an MPA chassis over a RPR.
It comes down to what you want personally. I Found a lot of small personal issues that didn't affect the firearm at all with the RPR. Just ALOT to the RPR... Didn't like cleaning it, taking it apart ect...
What do you want to shoot distance wise? That will help you decide on barrel length.
What's the budget?
What's the intended distance shooting?
Do you mind a more complicated take down?
Do you like sturdy and simple?
Do you want to have the ability to find aftermarket triggers?
Are you hunting with this gun? (the RPR is a pig to lug around, most heavy target rifles are mind you.. I just found the RPR more so)
What do you want to shoot distance wise? That will help you decide on barrel length.
What's the budget?
What's the intended distance shooting?
Do you mind a more complicated take down?
Do you like sturdy and simple?
Do you want to have the ability to find aftermarket triggers?
Are you hunting with this gun? (the RPR is a pig to lug around, most heavy target rifles are mind you.. I just found the RPR more so)
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
If the RPR fits what you want in a rifle and it FITS you, then it is a simple way to get into a chassis rifle. The aftermarket has exploded for these so plenty of toys to change/add as desired BUT you retain the core action/mag system.
The Rem 700 SA is like a Chevy V8... the options and uses are limitedless. This is THE industry darling with more stuff offered then anything else by a wide margin. BUT it is a quirky and more expensive action to service and set up. Custom actions work to resolve many of the factory short comings but that adds more costs.
For ease of modification and set up, have a look at the older Savage SA's. The aftermarket is not far behind the Rems and being able to do alot of work yourself can save a ton of money and time.
My personal fave right now is the Rem 783 due to the many features in the action I really like. Parts are very light but there is enough to keep things interesting. As a donor, doesn't get cheaper then these rifles. Built in the new KY factory, the quality far exceeds the Rem 700 of recent years built elsewhere. As a clean slate action, it really incorporates many positive features from both the Rem and Savage. I like what I am able to do with these actions and the performance offered.
Finally, the Tikka.... for a factory 60deg bolt lift action, I would choose this over the Ruger anyday of the week. More and more parts are coming online as shooters start to see what a gem of an action these are. Can't say much on the new T3X as I have not seen one but likely differences are not huge.
For bolt action, chassis wearing rifles, these are the 4 receivers/rifles I would point to for a start... but alot will depend on what you actually want in your hands, its role and parts you prefer.
Then you go into the full on custom stuff but likely the budget of these exceeds this discussion.
Jerry
The Rem 700 SA is like a Chevy V8... the options and uses are limitedless. This is THE industry darling with more stuff offered then anything else by a wide margin. BUT it is a quirky and more expensive action to service and set up. Custom actions work to resolve many of the factory short comings but that adds more costs.
For ease of modification and set up, have a look at the older Savage SA's. The aftermarket is not far behind the Rems and being able to do alot of work yourself can save a ton of money and time.
My personal fave right now is the Rem 783 due to the many features in the action I really like. Parts are very light but there is enough to keep things interesting. As a donor, doesn't get cheaper then these rifles. Built in the new KY factory, the quality far exceeds the Rem 700 of recent years built elsewhere. As a clean slate action, it really incorporates many positive features from both the Rem and Savage. I like what I am able to do with these actions and the performance offered.
Finally, the Tikka.... for a factory 60deg bolt lift action, I would choose this over the Ruger anyday of the week. More and more parts are coming online as shooters start to see what a gem of an action these are. Can't say much on the new T3X as I have not seen one but likely differences are not huge.
For bolt action, chassis wearing rifles, these are the 4 receivers/rifles I would point to for a start... but alot will depend on what you actually want in your hands, its role and parts you prefer.
Then you go into the full on custom stuff but likely the budget of these exceeds this discussion.
Jerry
I'd like to keep the entire setup around 2500. Custom is not an option. I could buy 2-3 other things I like for what I'd sink into a custom. just overkill I think for my plans. I want to be able to shoot 600-800 occasionally and take some courses. Most shooting would be 400 and under.
I don't mind complicated take down that's not an issue its just that I see the rpr and then the pieces to make a 700 similar and I come out with around the same number. I read somewhere else you grow out of an rpr and into a 700 lol so I understand what you guys are saying about it being a Chevy v8. The action on the tikka is so smooth that I have thought about it as well. The 700 is on sale now for about 200 off but non threaded. What's cost to thread? Down the road maybe a barrel change to 6. 5 but if I know myself the gun will always be better than my shooting regardless of what I choose. I won't be hunting with it and I do like the chassis and detachable mags it's just that I don't have a thing in the arsenal now to reach out further so it's basically my start into a longer range bolt and needed some input
I don't mind complicated take down that's not an issue its just that I see the rpr and then the pieces to make a 700 similar and I come out with around the same number. I read somewhere else you grow out of an rpr and into a 700 lol so I understand what you guys are saying about it being a Chevy v8. The action on the tikka is so smooth that I have thought about it as well. The 700 is on sale now for about 200 off but non threaded. What's cost to thread? Down the road maybe a barrel change to 6. 5 but if I know myself the gun will always be better than my shooting regardless of what I choose. I won't be hunting with it and I do like the chassis and detachable mags it's just that I don't have a thing in the arsenal now to reach out further so it's basically my start into a longer range bolt and needed some input
I know that I am choosing to go the rem700 route. I found a used rifle on the EE for a good price, with some extras I can sell off of it to help pay for the chassis and trigger upgrades. My budget starts bigger than yours but that's likely because I already know what I want. Nevertheless a good 700 budget build can be had for under $2500, depending on what you want for glass. If the $2500 is just for the rifle consider: used rem. 700 @800, chassis @1500, trigger @170.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Even with our crappy dollar, there are many ways to reach this budget and have a great shooting rig. it boils down to your priorities. You can buy a chassis that is over $2000 or you can buy a great quality stock for $250... both will let you shoot to the mechanical limits of the barrel.
Create a list of the must haves on your build... then see what it all costs and where the "budget" options are. Actions that use prefit barrels will be substantially less money to create the same shooting performance vs a gunsmith built rifle.
The range of options is as wide as the shooting industry so there is no one answer... just decide what is important to you and choose the parts accordingly.
There are things that help with the performance... other things are for appearance. You have to decide where you want to spend your money.
I am testing a factory everything Rem 783 in 243. It is blessed with a very good shooting barrel and I hope to get it averaging 5X3rds around 1/2". With Rem rebate, this thing was $400 all in. I have done the bedding, trigger tuning, swapped in a new firing pin spring, changed the bolt knob... maybe another $400 worth of labour if gunsmith done. Until this barrel gets hot, it shoots well above its pay grade....
It will get a match quality prefit ... and back into a Boyd stock set up with CDI DBM for AICS mags. Dirt cheap and should shoot very well.
Is this the type of rifle you would want??? It is well priced but may not give you the "warm fuzzy" of another set up.
Good luck with your build...
Jerry
Sorry all. 800-900 rifle 500 chassis 1k - 1200 glass probably Sightron. That budget is not just rifle. I'm not planning on shooting matches or competitions just want to learn but on decent setup.
Right now I can get a 700 tactical for 759 new. MDT going to run 600 appx mags etc. 2500 is not a hard number but probably 3k would be.
Thanks for you response Jerry I know you are the man for this type of question. I'm going to make that list and see what I come up with.
On an aside..... Does anyone have experience with the magpul stocks? I know nothing about them but curious.
All if this is however leading me away from an rpr and towards a 700 so you have all helped
Right now I can get a 700 tactical for 759 new. MDT going to run 600 appx mags etc. 2500 is not a hard number but probably 3k would be.
Thanks for you response Jerry I know you are the man for this type of question. I'm going to make that list and see what I come up with.
On an aside..... Does anyone have experience with the magpul stocks? I know nothing about them but curious.
All if this is however leading me away from an rpr and towards a 700 so you have all helped
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From the majority of reports Ive read and seen the RPR is an amazing factory shooter and the ones that Ive read that had accuracy issues didn't even handload and more then likely the shooter had very poor technique. The nice thing about the RPR is you walk into a shop and walk out with a rifle ready to shoot vs collecting parts,,,waiting for those to arrive...waiting months for a smith to do the work then spending time working up loads, custom work can take months if not a year. Ive owned many Rugers and they usually sucked in the accuracy dept but the more and more I talk with RPR owners the more intrigued I am about this entry level PRS gun. Either their is a huge conspiracy on these RPRs or guys are telling the truth and they can shoot????? Donno lol
Another up and coming gem could be the the new Tikka Tac A1 and should be in your budget....Tikkas are excellent shooters.
Another up and coming gem could be the the new Tikka Tac A1 and should be in your budget....Tikkas are excellent shooters.
I have both, a RPR in .308 and a built 700 in .223, and the RPR was a very satisfying choice, I'd never replace it with a built 700. A buddy of mine wanted to to get into distance shooting and set up out on his farm to shoot out to a 1000 or so, I went through the options with him of built Rem, savage or RPR, chose the RPR, was less money to buy the RPR and have all the options he wanted to start right away.
I've never regretted buying my RPR, I've changed parts on it more for personalizing playing around wasting money on it as part of the hobby, but even when it was in stock form I was happy with it and it shot great out of the box.
Added bonus is the short bolt throw, one thing I absolutely hate about the rem, without a change in knob better yet entire bolt handle and knob, enjoy knocking your thumb into your scope side. So as far as I'm concerned add that price along with a good 20 MOA rail into your build, along with receiver truing, headspacing and installing that barrel you bought, precision recoil lug, couple mags for the chassis, it all adds up.
I have way more into my .233 than my RPR was stock, even with a custom barrel on the RPR I'd say less into than the 700.
I've never regretted buying my RPR, I've changed parts on it more for personalizing playing around wasting money on it as part of the hobby, but even when it was in stock form I was happy with it and it shot great out of the box.
Added bonus is the short bolt throw, one thing I absolutely hate about the rem, without a change in knob better yet entire bolt handle and knob, enjoy knocking your thumb into your scope side. So as far as I'm concerned add that price along with a good 20 MOA rail into your build, along with receiver truing, headspacing and installing that barrel you bought, precision recoil lug, couple mags for the chassis, it all adds up.
I have way more into my .233 than my RPR was stock, even with a custom barrel on the RPR I'd say less into than the 700.
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Now that you have mentioned magpul, check out the Remington 700 magpul. Got some nice features already done. 22" 5r barrel threaded for a brake, cerakoted not the crappy finish on the sps. Already in the hunter stock so lots of adjustments to make it fit you and you don't have to try and flog the hogue. Set up for mags. Would've liked it if they offered it in 6.5 creedmoor but two solid choices in 308 and 260 rem. Not sure when it will be up here but would be worth looking into.
I feel the same way, I have so much into my r700 .223 and it's super accurate, but I had to spend a pile to get there.
I have an RPR in 6.5, out of the box it would beat any Remington out of the box, hands down. Anything I changed was out of cosmetics or to suit my needs.
Find a good used 6.5 on the EE and don't look back. Sure the rem is cheaper out of the box, but then you're buying tons of stuff (trigger/chassis, stock, grip, barrel) not to mention most gun smiths are a few month wait to get any work done.
I have no regrets on my RPR, stock out of the box it shoots 2" at 300m, that was with factory ammo! I've had 5 shot groups in the 1.25" territory with hand loads. I spent thousands on my rem700 to get it to shoot 1" groups at 300m
No don't you know only a couple hundred more for a chassis built 700 and twice the gun LOL, I personally could care less what route people take, its more the misleading information that gets posted when these threads pop up that makes me shake my head, $550 for a Tac21? Really? Not trying to start crap just don't want the OP to be mislead on what $$$$ he is going to end up spending if he wants to build a chassis 700.
OP, choose what's best for you, and price all your parts by what's important to you, find some deals in the EE on stuff, ask yourself what you want in the end and what you want to spend, ask what parts you all need $10 here $100 there, shipping here, shipping there, send parts to this gunsmith, pay more shipping to get them back, it all adds up quick.
As Jerry said maybe a good stock is a better choice for you to stay in your budget.
There's always a Tac 21 on the EE ,$550 to $600 asking price. They pop up there weekly.Maybe the seller would take less?
Plenty of barrels and a few actions as well.
I just put it out there,that he could build his own rifle for under $2000.
But hey,if he wants a rem,savage or RPR,there's a ton on the EE
I've seen quite a few RPR on the EE for really low prices.
But as Jerry said buy a 783 and pop a Sightron on there .GTG
Plenty of barrels and a few actions as well.
I just put it out there,that he could build his own rifle for under $2000.
But hey,if he wants a rem,savage or RPR,there's a ton on the EE
I've seen quite a few RPR on the EE for really low prices.
But as Jerry said buy a 783 and pop a Sightron on there .GTG
There's always a Tac 21 on the EE ,$550 to $600 asking price. They pop up there weekly.Maybe the seller would take less?
Plenty of barrels and a few actions as well.
I just put it out there,that he could build his own rifle for under $2000.
But hey,if he wants a rem,savage or RPR,there's a ton on the EE
I've seen quite a few RPR on the EE for really low prices.
But as Jerry said buy a 783 and pop a Sightron on there .GTG
You do know though that those $550-600 pop ups are usually just the main chassis body, you still need the adjustable buttstock and hand grip and magazines to complete, new is $690 just for the short action main body, only chassis you will get into complete used unless a guy is practically giving it away is a LSS with a ####ty buttstock and grip, and a RPR is way above that fixed setup.
I'm not dissing a Rem build, as I said I have one and its great, but no way did 2k cover it.
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I'm sorry sir, I was wrong.
After researching some more, EE parts,Guntech,s labor quotes,etc. $2300 is doable.
I would think you could pick up a used RPR for under $1500???
Not sure what the new RPR are going for.
