Which Varmint gun to buy
- Thread starter Mac_63
- Start date
I have 5 Savage rifles (4-.223 rem / 1-.308) we coach with, they're very sturdy, dependable and accuracte rifles and not too expensive.
Two summers ago I had a RUGER MK II in .220 Swift, it had been bedded and had a Douglas barrell, it shot absolutely fantastic, it would have been perfect for varmints.
1/4 min. groups all day.(wish I had of kept it)
One of the guys that came to an Intro course recently had bough a Remington SPS in 300 WSM, brought it in to the class to show it to me and ask my opinion.
Now i've had a few remingtons, never had any problems, they were decent and real easy to upgrade, my Son still shoots one, an XR 100 that's a tack driver.
I looked at buddy's gun (indoors) it was raining on and off that day and told him what he'd need to make it a 1000 yd gun and that since he hadn't sighted it in yet that it was best he not use it today , I'd get him out to a private range (not Military) and help him out next week. He put it back in his car (in a case).
This is a brand new Remington from Bass Pro in Woodbridge, he took it home and put it down stairs over night. He got a surprise the next morning when he opened his case.
I have pics, this is AFTER we,ve tried cleaning it up with cleaners/ oils and rags, no scrubbing yet.
(this is an NEW UNFIRED rifle)
We wiped off alot of the mess (rust)
Do you still want a new Remington on your list ?
M.
Nice Rifle and my second toe is bigger than the big one!
Bob
lineofsight
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lower Mainland, BC
Saw a Savage 12 FVSS listed for $669.95 at Corlanes - SS, heavy barrel, oversize bolt knob, accutrigger - for the price that be my choice.
I believe that Remington is shooting itself in the foot from a brand perspective by fighting to keep prices low and competetive. The Model 700 can be and is an excellent gun, but at the same time is a thoughtless cheap piece of junk. They have over expanded the options and product line under the moniker of Model 700. Just like the 870, it ranges from the express, express super mag, Wingmaster, Police and Marine Magnum. While all the same action, the internals and finish are highly differentiated, just as the cost goes from around ~$300 to ~$1000.
Just as the Model 700 goes from SPS, to all the tacticools to XCR BDL and CDLs. While they all share the same action, they are far from the same gun. I suspect those who buy the pricier CDL and XCR are perfectly satisfied with them. (I love my 700 XCR) The cheaper SPS, is mostly cheaper because of stock and metal finish. Like the 870 express, it is some form of cheap rusting paint, not real rich blueing which we all know and love.
Saying a 700 is bad, is like saying GM cars are bad. MSure GM makes lemons, but man of man would I ever love to own a Corvette or a Cadillac.
As to MHO for a varmint gun, I would go Savage for price and outta the box accuracy, or 700 if you want to upgrade the trigger. A jewel trigger (700's only) is a thing of beauty that no other manufacturer can compare both factory and aftermarket. Also some 700 have excellent stocks and are pillar or full length aluminum block bedded. They just aren't as cheap as the SPSs. While I have no experience with them, I've also heard that remington's latest trigger "X-Mark pro" or some such thing is quite an improvement, so some remington 700's like the BVLSS TH, or Sendero and the like need no upgrading.
I never liked the Tikkas, they felt cheap and too plastic-ey for me. The Sako 75 was much nicer IMHO.
Either way, don't buy the cheapest thing around, then complain that you got a poor product. Remember the market AXIOM: "At best, if your lucky, you will sometimes get what you pay for. You will never under any circumstance get what you don't pay for."
Just as the Model 700 goes from SPS, to all the tacticools to XCR BDL and CDLs. While they all share the same action, they are far from the same gun. I suspect those who buy the pricier CDL and XCR are perfectly satisfied with them. (I love my 700 XCR) The cheaper SPS, is mostly cheaper because of stock and metal finish. Like the 870 express, it is some form of cheap rusting paint, not real rich blueing which we all know and love.
Saying a 700 is bad, is like saying GM cars are bad. MSure GM makes lemons, but man of man would I ever love to own a Corvette or a Cadillac.
As to MHO for a varmint gun, I would go Savage for price and outta the box accuracy, or 700 if you want to upgrade the trigger. A jewel trigger (700's only) is a thing of beauty that no other manufacturer can compare both factory and aftermarket. Also some 700 have excellent stocks and are pillar or full length aluminum block bedded. They just aren't as cheap as the SPSs. While I have no experience with them, I've also heard that remington's latest trigger "X-Mark pro" or some such thing is quite an improvement, so some remington 700's like the BVLSS TH, or Sendero and the like need no upgrading.
I never liked the Tikkas, they felt cheap and too plastic-ey for me. The Sako 75 was much nicer IMHO.
Either way, don't buy the cheapest thing around, then complain that you got a poor product. Remember the market AXIOM: "At best, if your lucky, you will sometimes get what you pay for. You will never under any circumstance get what you don't pay for."
leveractionjunkie
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, BC
I think remington shot themselves in the foot when they quit bluing guns and began coating them in that retarded finish, like the SPS's and express shotguns have. That finish is so rough and porous it's a wonder they don't rust in normal air humidity, plus it looks ####ty and feel like sandpaper.
V
V29189896
Guest
Just picked up today - Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless Heavy Barrel. in .22-250
I know where you are coming from, frustrating isn't it? Place a very nice tactical 6-24x50 scope on it...
first rounds are this weekend.
I know where you are coming from, frustrating isn't it? Place a very nice tactical 6-24x50 scope on it...
first rounds are this weekend.
Congrats on your new purchase! Great choice. I would love one of those in blue......and wish Tikka would a run of them in .220 Swift.
