Precision Rifle

[Kdf101]

I am kicking around the idea of getting a precision rifle for my next purchase. I would like a gun that can reliably shoot 1 MOA or better without too much trouble. It also needs to be reasonably light, meaning I can use it to hunt from my deer stand. I have been looking at the Remington 700 SPS. It seems okay for my purposes, but I have no experience with it. Anybody here have actual first hand experience with one? Is it worth it , or should I look at something else? Oh also 308 is the caliber I am wanting. The price seems right and I would like to stay in this price range.

 

[Purdue1991]

I am kicking around the idea of getting a precision rifle for my next purchase. I would like a gun that can reliably shoot 1 MOA or better without too much trouble. It also needs to be reasonably light, meaning I can use it to hunt from my deer stand. I have been looking at the Remington 700 SPS. It seems okay for my purposes, but I have no experience with it. Anybody here have actual first hand experience with one? Is it worth it , or should I look at something else? Oh also 308 is the caliber I am wanting. The price seems right and I would like to stay in this price range.

I'm partial to Savage 10/11/12 series rifles. There are TONS of aftermarket parts/accessories for them and they're excellent shooting rifles. They are also EXTREMLEY easy to work on. And if you want to change barrels, the barrel nut system can't be beat.

I also had extremely good luck with Thompson Center Encore rifles. The 308 I had in the TC Encore easily shot 1 MOA or better. It was a light rifle and the price couldn't be beat.

 

[42769vette]

I am kicking around the idea of getting a precision rifle for my next purchase. I would like a gun that can reliably shoot 1 MOA or better without too much trouble. It also needs to be reasonably light, meaning I can use it to hunt from my deer stand. I have been looking at the Remington 700 SPS. It seems okay for my purposes, but I have no experience with it. Anybody here have actual first hand experience with one? Is it worth it , or should I look at something else? Oh also 308 is the caliber I am wanting. The price seems right and I would like to stay in this price range.

If I looking for a rifle in that 800-900 dollar price range, it would be a Bergara. If not the Bergara it would be a Tikka.

 

[Kdf101]

If I looking for a rifle in that 800-900 dollar price range, it would be a Bergara. If not the Bergara it would be a Tikka.

I have a tikka t3x stainless light in 308. Super accurate. With no work at all, o am getting .75 inch groups. I have considered a tikka CTR, they are within reach ish. The Remington is cheaper and has a ton of aftermarket support. I have had, and still have a savage rifle. I agree they are accurate. Not ruling them out. I want something that can shoot great groups k but do it for more than three shots without cooling down.

 

[two70]

I have a tikka t3x stainless light in 308. Super accurate. With no work at all, o am getting .75 inch groups. I have considered a tikka CTR, they are within reach ish. The Remington is cheaper and has a ton of aftermarket support. I have had, and still have a savage rifle. I agree they are accurate. Not ruling them out. I want something that can shoot great groups k but do it for more than three shots without cooling down.

IMO, the Sako S20 is about the same price as the CTR and is a nicer rifle. It also has the benefit of being able to swap from a precision style stock to a thumbhole stock which you can often get free with a rebate. If you want a Remington 700, Bergara makes a better one. The Remington, while cheaper to begin with, will likely cost you more in the long run.

 

[Purdue1991]

I have a tikka t3x stainless light in 308. Super accurate. With no work at all, o am getting .75 inch groups. I have considered a tikka CTR, they are within reach ish. The Remington is cheaper and has a ton of aftermarket support. I have had, and still have a savage rifle. I agree they are accurate. Not ruling them out. I want something that can shoot great groups k but do it for more than three shots without cooling down.

If you're wanting to take more than 3 shots without heating up the barrel, then you're gonna need something with a heavier barrel, which the Rem SPS has. Your best selection in heavy barrels in that price range is going to be Savage or Remington. Or build a heavy barrel LR-308. If you wanna go real long range precision, the check book will need to open up...

Personally, if I were wanting what you're describing, I would buy a Savage action, get a Criterion barrel (or something comparable), then buy a Boyds stock and bed the action.

 

[kennedy759]

my rem 700 vls in 308, 5 shots at 100 yds with my reloads

 

[drm-hp]

One of my best friends has a pair of SPS's, 223 and 308.
The 308 is the more accurate of the two. Both have 4-32 Nightforce optics mounted in Talley detachable mounts. With tailored handloads both meet your accuracy requirements most of the time.
Your $ desire is not in the picture.

 

[NyleRN]

You want precision but want it light enough to hunt with AND take more than 3 shots without throwing shots? You're gonna have to pick one or the other. There's a reason hunting rifles are lightweight and have sporter profile barrels.

 

[Kdf101]

Thanks for the replies. I have decided to go with a tikka CTR in 6.5 CM. A friend has it and it seems to be very accurate and reasonably light weight

 

[JTL165]

Bergara HMR is the best bang for the buck I.M.O.
If you can shoot 1moa it can.

 

[NyleRN]

Bergara HMR is the best bang for the buck I.M.O.
If you can shoot 1moa it can.

Bergera is a good choice too. OP chose wisely. Not only do Bergaras shoot well but they're a 700 footprint so the world of aftermarket is your Easter basket. The Tikka will shoot just as well but their actions are hands down the best from any mass produced rifle. Their action rivals most of the custom actions.

 

[Kdf101]

Haven’t had a ton of time with it yet, deer season, but my first shots using Hornady factory ammo was a three shot 1/2 group. I need to get a picture of the target to prove it.

 

[Hookeye]

You want precision but want it light enough to hunt with AND take more than 3 shots without throwing shots? You're gonna have to pick one or the other. There's a reason hunting rifles are lightweight and have sporter profile barrels.

FWIW I have had a few 700's. All sporter models.
All but one stayed under 1 moa at 100 for 5 shots. But they all had bedding/stock work and shot handloads.
The one that didn't, was not bedded. It shot 1.2 and was a 7 mag going full tilt.

Current .243 700 ADL does .75 w factory ammo. But it had stock work done, and a FP/shroud change.
It then got an HS stock. Dunno if that improved it over the orig Tupperware I bedded. Haven't reloaded for it yet to see how
good it could be. At .75 I'm not exactly driven to LOL For a yote rifle that's good enough IMHO.

 

[Hookeye]

I like 700 platform more than Savage.
Understand how the Savage system allows for tinkering.
Don't like the looks or feel of em. My dad liked em though.

 

[AndreusMaximus]

Thanks for the replies. I have decided to go with a tikka CTR in 6.5 CM. A friend has it and it seems to be very accurate and reasonably light weight

I'm curious; why 6.5 CM over 308?

 

[Kdf101]

I'm curious; why 6.5 CM over 308?

Because that was what was available! I’ve shot 6.5 before and I like it, but 308 would be preferable to me. I can live with 6.5 though.

 

[Kelsey73]

Have to agree with Bergara. The HMR is a fantastic rifle.

 

[sheepdog697]

I vote Tikkas. I own a few and they all shoot well under 1moa with quality ammo.

 

[Kdf101]

So far I am happy with the CTR. I will have to see if I can get a decent group and get a picture. It is extremely accurate and the bolt is the smoothest I have ever used..