Rem 700, I need advice!

physikal · January 31, 2011, 11:52 PM

So I was looking at a Howa 1500, but I can't seem to find a configuration that I like. So I think I'm going back to Remington 700.

I'm stuck on this:

http://www.remington.com/products/fi...s-varmint.aspx

Or this:
http://www.remington.com/products/fi...ong-range.aspx

Is it worth the price difference to go for the Tac XCR Tac?

I'm not sure which to go with. I know I love bull/heavy barrels. I know I want to use it in the 400-600yrd range most. Help! Oh, and I have a Nikon 4-16x42 Monarch 4 I am going to put on it.

-Phys

ice monkey · February 1, 2011, 12:27 AM

Either will do right by you ... go with the one that fits best.

What you going to do with it? What cal are you looking at?

physikal · February 1, 2011, 12:35 AM

Forgot to mention those things!

.308 win
Hunting / Target shooting.

jeepman4804 · February 1, 2011, 12:37 AM

I have a regular 700 XCR in 30-06 which will drill a 1/2-3/4" 5 shot group at 100 yards with a couple different brands of factory ammo. The fit and finish is excellent and I really enjoy shooting it.

ice monkey · February 1, 2011, 12:42 AM

I like shorter barrels and lighter rifles when hunting - even in open country. But that's just me. I just don't think a .308 needs that long a tube.

shooter_john · February 1, 2011, 12:50 AM

My "go to" precision rifle is built around a 20" SPS Tactical. You may want to look at the Tactical over the Varmint because of the barrel twist too. IIRC, the Varmints come with a 26" 1-12" barrel and the Tacticals are a 20" 1-10". The 1-10" may serve you better with match bullets, and you get the benefit of a shorter barrel. I shoot a couple of matches a month with mine and the 20" barrel has NO trouble with that distance.

As a matter of fact, I had my 26" 700PSS cut down to a handy 16.5"... In the winter it is my primary hunting rifle, and otherwise she wears an 8" suppressor.

ice monkey · February 1, 2011, 12:54 AM

Quote:

As a matter of fact, I had my 26" 700PSS cut down to a handy 16.5"... In the winter it is my primary hunting rifle, and otherwise she wears an 8" suppressor.

Nice!!!

emcon5 · February 1, 2011, 01:11 AM

First of all, what is your budget? If it is high enough to afford the XCR Tactical LR, I would go with "neither".

My choice would be to find a old used Remington 700 and get the action squared and a good match quality barrel installed, and drop it in the stock of your choosing. The Bell and Carlson the XCR sits in retails for about $240, that wouldn't be a bad place to start, or the factory 700 Police stock is a good choice for $320.

You could build a pretty good custom rifle for the ~$1400 MSRP of the XCR.

physikal · February 1, 2011, 01:32 AM

I wouldn't say I really have a set budget. If 2k is worth it, then I would just save up for that. But I really wouldn't want to spend more than 2500 on a rifle.

But it sounds like the 20" SPS Tactical would suite my needs perfectly. I totally forgot to look at twist. So shooter_johns comment makes sense.

Can a 20" SPS tactical be pretty consistent out at 600 yards? What about 800?

Incognito · February 1, 2011, 06:44 AM

Another option would be to get the 700 SPS-V and change the stock on it for a quality one. If and when you ever get to the point your accuracy is better than the rifle's, change the barrel, true the action, swap triggers, ect... but that's a big IF.

My SPS-V on a B&C stock is capable of sub-MOA accuracy and can ring an 18" steel plate at 600 yards easy (if I do my part).

mr renwick · February 1, 2011, 08:32 AM

my recommendation would be pick up this rifle
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/51944

and a stock from here
http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/StoreFront

I like the longer barrel and the slower twist so you are better suited for long range if you want to stretch its legs out.

We have built 2 remy setups with mark 4 luepolds 4.5 -14 night force 20moa rail luepold rings and bedded them for under 2k

pabuckslayer08 · February 1, 2011, 09:42 AM

For just target the xcr tactical for sure but you said you may go hunting with it to and neither of them is a good hunting gun. Why not get a regular XCR II. They will shoot nearly the same for you

shooter_john · February 3, 2011, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Can a 20" SPS tactical be pretty consistent out at 600 yards?

Yes. 800 too I'd bet. When I built my rifle I got my SPS Tactical from Bud's (Remington was running a rebate at that time too) and my Manners T4 came direct from Manners (I talked to Tom Manners several times before finally deciding on the T4 and they are TOP NOTCH folks to deal with). With my Remington rebate and LEO discount on the stock my rifle came in at under $1K. I topped it with a Leupold 4.5-16x40 with target turrets that I bought as a demo model for $600. I couldn't be happier with the package.

Rob96 · February 5, 2011, 08:21 AM

I bought a 700 ADL Varmint at Dick's for $419 after rebates in November 2009. with the factory stock I get .59moa with my handloads. This rifle is for the range and hunting from a blind or stand.

hooligan1 · February 5, 2011, 06:16 PM

That tactical is sick dude, but expensive, but totally cool. You could find something in a custom probably that would do what you want.

.300 Weatherby Mag · February 5, 2011, 06:20 PM

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=214928326

shepherddogs · February 5, 2011, 06:36 PM

I have the SPS Varmint and it's as accurate as I'll ever need it to be. It shoots an inch or better with most everything I've tried. I really wish I had gotten the 20 inch Tactical rifle. The 26 inch barrel is cumbersome and heavy. A little too heavy for hunting.

Fat White Boy · February 5, 2011, 07:47 PM

I have the Varmint version in .308. It has a K4 Weaver scope. it kills the pigs right now...

bullspotter · February 5, 2011, 09:49 PM

I have a xcr long range tac, its a good shooter. getting 1.2-1.4 groups at 200 yards with my loads, I was getting better with anouther load at a lower velocity, I chose the slightly larger groups with the faster loads for my long range shooting. No prob hitting at 1080 with it on days my spotter is doing his job...... its topped with a night force nxs 3.5-15x50 w/zero stop in mills. Also night force 20moa base and rings. The setup is fairly heavy to lug around, not terrible but wouldnt be my first choice for a hunting rifle for sure.

rottieman33 · February 5, 2011, 11:22 PM

I have the 700 SPS in .308 cal at 1000' i can hit a clay target with me reloads using a 3x-9x,40 scope. And I use mine for hunting to

pabuckslayer08 · February 6, 2011, 08:55 AM

Rottieman33, is the 1000 your refering to feet or yards, if its yards that almost unbelievable to hit a 4" clay at that range unless your gun is very customized and you didnt mention that.

twins · February 6, 2011, 09:04 AM

If he can see clay targets at 1000 yards with a 3-9x40 then I want to know what type of scope he has. But if it's 1000 feet, that would equal to about 300 yards...and seeing a fluorescent orange 4.5 inch circle at that range is more realistic.

hooligan1 · February 6, 2011, 09:37 AM

Still that's a little iffy dude,,,,,3x9x40? I have a VXII 3x9x40 and I don't think I could see a clay at 300 well enough to kill it. But hey more strange stuff has appeared on this forum before.

rottieman33 · February 6, 2011, 12:05 PM

1000 feet laying down with bi-pod. I have seen old guys at a shooting range cut straws in half at 25 yards with open sights using 22's. If you practice enough you can do about anything. Friend of mine hit a clay at 100 yards with his 45/70 marlin open sights. I also have this gauge that tells me if my bullet is not straight its made by hornady and that makes a big difference.

riverwalker76 · February 6, 2011, 12:34 PM

I own both the Remington 700 SPS Varmint & SPS Tactical in .308 and they are the "Bees Knees".

I have the SPS Varmint decked out in a HS Precision Stock and can shoot ragged holes at 150 yds. on a calm day with my handloads.

The same goes for the Tactical, although it is still factory with the Hogue stock at this time.

January 31, 2011, 11:52 PM	#1
physikal Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 135	Rem 700, I need advice! So I was looking at a Howa 1500, but I can't seem to find a configuration that I like. So I think I'm going back to Remington 700. I'm stuck on this: http://www.remington.com/products/fi...s-varmint.aspx Or this: http://www.remington.com/products/fi...ong-range.aspx Is it worth the price difference to go for the Tac XCR Tac? I'm not sure which to go with. I know I love bull/heavy barrels. I know I want to use it in the 400-600yrd range most. Help! Oh, and I have a Nikon 4-16x42 Monarch 4 I am going to put on it. -Phys

February 5, 2011, 06:16 PM	#15
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,619	That tactical is sick dude, but expensive, but totally cool. You could find something in a custom probably that would do what you want. __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

February 6, 2011, 09:37 AM	#23
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,619	Still that's a little iffy dude,,,,,3x9x40? I have a VXII 3x9x40 and I don't think I could see a clay at 300 well enough to kill it. But hey more strange stuff has appeared on this forum before. __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

February 1, 2011, 12:27 AM	#2
ice monkey Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 416	Either will do right by you ... go with the one that fits best. What you going to do with it? What cal are you looking at?

February 1, 2011, 12:35 AM	#3
physikal Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 135	Forgot to mention those things! .308 win Hunting / Target shooting.

February 1, 2011, 12:37 AM	#4
jeepman4804 Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2008 Posts: 216	I have a regular 700 XCR in 30-06 which will drill a 1/2-3/4" 5 shot group at 100 yards with a couple different brands of factory ammo. The fit and finish is excellent and I really enjoy shooting it.

February 1, 2011, 12:42 AM	#5
ice monkey Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 416	I like shorter barrels and lighter rifles when hunting - even in open country. But that's just me. I just don't think a .308 needs that long a tube.

February 1, 2011, 12:50 AM	#6
shooter_john Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2002 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 1,472	My "go to" precision rifle is built around a 20" SPS Tactical. You may want to look at the Tactical over the Varmint because of the barrel twist too. IIRC, the Varmints come with a 26" 1-12" barrel and the Tacticals are a 20" 1-10". The 1-10" may serve you better with match bullets, and you get the benefit of a shorter barrel. I shoot a couple of matches a month with mine and the 20" barrel has NO trouble with that distance. As a matter of fact, I had my 26" 700PSS cut down to a handy 16.5"... In the winter it is my primary hunting rifle, and otherwise she wears an 8" suppressor.

February 1, 2011, 01:11 AM	#8
emcon5 Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 1999 Location: High Desert NV Posts: 2,850	First of all, what is your budget? If it is high enough to afford the XCR Tactical LR, I would go with "neither". My choice would be to find a old used Remington 700 and get the action squared and a good match quality barrel installed, and drop it in the stock of your choosing. The Bell and Carlson the XCR sits in retails for about $240, that wouldn't be a bad place to start, or the factory 700 Police stock is a good choice for $320. You could build a pretty good custom rifle for the ~$1400 MSRP of the XCR.

February 1, 2011, 01:32 AM	#9
physikal Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 135	I wouldn't say I really have a set budget. If 2k is worth it, then I would just save up for that. But I really wouldn't want to spend more than 2500 on a rifle. But it sounds like the 20" SPS Tactical would suite my needs perfectly. I totally forgot to look at twist. So shooter_johns comment makes sense. Can a 20" SPS tactical be pretty consistent out at 600 yards? What about 800?

February 1, 2011, 06:44 AM	#10
Incognito Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 370	Another option would be to get the 700 SPS-V and change the stock on it for a quality one. If and when you ever get to the point your accuracy is better than the rifle's, change the barrel, true the action, swap triggers, ect... but that's a big IF. My SPS-V on a B&C stock is capable of sub-MOA accuracy and can ring an 18" steel plate at 600 yards easy (if I do my part).

February 1, 2011, 08:32 AM	#11
mr renwick Junior member Join Date: January 10, 2008 Posts: 42	my recommendation would be pick up this rifle http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/51944 and a stock from here http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/StoreFront I like the longer barrel and the slower twist so you are better suited for long range if you want to stretch its legs out. We have built 2 remy setups with mark 4 luepolds 4.5 -14 night force 20moa rail luepold rings and bedded them for under 2k

February 1, 2011, 09:42 AM	#12
pabuckslayer08 Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2010 Location: South Central Pa Posts: 692	For just target the xcr tactical for sure but you said you may go hunting with it to and neither of them is a good hunting gun. Why not get a regular XCR II. They will shoot nearly the same for you

February 5, 2011, 08:21 AM	#14
Rob96 Senior Member Join Date: September 1, 1999 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 1,969	I bought a 700 ADL Varmint at Dick's for $419 after rebates in November 2009. with the factory stock I get .59moa with my handloads. This rifle is for the range and hunting from a blind or stand.

February 5, 2011, 06:20 PM	#16
.300 Weatherby Mag Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Posts: 1,777	http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=214928326

February 5, 2011, 06:36 PM	#17
shepherddogs Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 1,007	I have the SPS Varmint and it's as accurate as I'll ever need it to be. It shoots an inch or better with most everything I've tried. I really wish I had gotten the 20 inch Tactical rifle. The 26 inch barrel is cumbersome and heavy. A little too heavy for hunting.

February 5, 2011, 07:47 PM	#18
Fat White Boy Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2005 Posts: 1,276	I have the Varmint version in .308. It has a K4 Weaver scope. it kills the pigs right now...

February 5, 2011, 09:49 PM	#19
bullspotter Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 308	I have a xcr long range tac, its a good shooter. getting 1.2-1.4 groups at 200 yards with my loads, I was getting better with anouther load at a lower velocity, I chose the slightly larger groups with the faster loads for my long range shooting. No prob hitting at 1080 with it on days my spotter is doing his job...... its topped with a night force nxs 3.5-15x50 w/zero stop in mills. Also night force 20moa base and rings. The setup is fairly heavy to lug around, not terrible but wouldnt be my first choice for a hunting rifle for sure.

February 5, 2011, 11:22 PM	#20
rottieman33 Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2009 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 223	I have the 700 SPS in .308 cal at 1000' i can hit a clay target with me reloads using a 3x-9x,40 scope. And I use mine for hunting to

February 6, 2011, 08:55 AM	#21
pabuckslayer08 Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2010 Location: South Central Pa Posts: 692	Rottieman33, is the 1000 your refering to feet or yards, if its yards that almost unbelievable to hit a 4" clay at that range unless your gun is very customized and you didnt mention that.

February 6, 2011, 09:04 AM	#22
twins Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2010 Posts: 393	If he can see clay targets at 1000 yards with a 3-9x40 then I want to know what type of scope he has. But if it's 1000 feet, that would equal to about 300 yards...and seeing a fluorescent orange 4.5 inch circle at that range is more realistic.

February 6, 2011, 12:05 PM	#24
rottieman33 Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2009 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 223	1000 feet laying down with bi-pod. I have seen old guys at a shooting range cut straws in half at 25 yards with open sights using 22's. If you practice enough you can do about anything. Friend of mine hit a clay at 100 yards with his 45/70 marlin open sights. I also have this gauge that tells me if my bullet is not straight its made by hornady and that makes a big difference.

February 6, 2011, 12:34 PM	#25
riverwalker76 Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 993	I own both the Remington 700 SPS Varmint & SPS Tactical in .308 and they are the "Bees Knees". I have the SPS Varmint decked out in a HS Precision Stock and can shoot ragged holes at 150 yds. on a calm day with my handloads. The same goes for the Tactical, although it is still factory with the Hogue stock at this time.