First bolt gun.. Remington 700 sps tactical?

[topslop1]

I'm liking the shorty 16'' as I'm going to put a can on it. What can you tell me about the Remington 700 sps tactical as a starting point or starter rifle? What am I going to lose by going with a 16'' as opposed to some 24''? Velocity I know.. but what else? What would be an upgrade path for increased accuracy and comfort out of the rifle?

Full rifle description

"REMINGTON MODEL 700 SPS TACTICAL .308 W/16.5" THREADED 5/8X24 BARREL, HOGUE OVERMOLD GHILLIE GREEN STOCK"

Also.. are there any deals on this rifle? There's a $25 transfer fee at a local shop so I'm not 100% against purchasing it online somewhere.

I already have:
SDN6
Leupold Mark 6 3-18.

I realize the SDN6 is not the best choice for this, but I'll get a thunderbeast when funds appear.

 

[BoilerUP]

My 16.5" 700 Tactical got 2524fps with Hornady 168gr TAP, verified on steel at 900 yards.

Upgrade path? New trigger and stock ASAP, the Hogue is rubbish and so is the recalled X Mark Pro trigger.

 

[hollowoutadime]

At the risk of upsetting others, that gun would sit in my gun safe unused forever. While it might accomplish the task at hand, a longer barrel will shoot flatter, a slightly smaller caliber will shoot longer. Good to get it threaded, a brake will make it more enjoyable. If I could have only one bolt action, it would be a .243 or .260 braked at 24 or 26".

I foolishly bought a few .223 bolts, and some AR type varminters. I also have .30x calibers, none of those make it to the range often or out on hunting trips - when a single shot matters.

 

[29aholic]

Do what I did, get the regular 20" SPS in the 1:12 twist then have that threaded. If you are planning on beyond 500yds you are going to need velocity so to make up for lost barrel shoot lighter bullets like the 155's. I think they work better in the 1:12.

 

[djskit]

Upgrade path? New trigger and stock ASAP, the Hogue is rubbish and so is the recalled X Mark Pro trigger.

^^^^^this and this.

 

[redbullitt]

I would say that is a fine rifle to start with. I still shoot my SPS all the time. It is 223 rem. I replaced the stock (hs precision take off from ebay) and trigger and am very happy with it. Accuracy is plenty good.

Honestly that 308 does not really need an open port muzzle brake IMHO. Shoot it until you get your suppressor, then enjoy a real brake lol.

16 inch barrel should be great. Very handy and I would expect you to get 2400-2500 fps with 175 class bullets. All of my 16 inch barrels have done 2400 or better on just 43.0g of varget and a 175 smk. This is not a hot load. Adding some more fuel may even get better results.

I think either one of those scopes will do well, which one will just depend on how you plan to use the rifle.