First Build, Could Use Some Advice.

S

surffly

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 30, 2013
110
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#1
I started shooting a few years ago, mostly target .22lr and wanted to step up to a larger round.
Just bought a Remington 700 AAC-SD 20" in .308.

Will just be using it for a target rifle. Local range goes out to 300 yards.
The goal is to have something to grow into not only in accuracy but also something that can shoot longer ranges should I travel.

While the focus isn't really to stay on a budget, I'm thinking more "bang for the buck" type focus.

I'm fairly sure I want to run a SWFA SS 10 power scope.
Not sure mil dot vs mil quad. Would love to here opinions.
Swfa has a package with rings for the mil dot that is kind of attractive. Not sure the mil quad is worth the added expense at that point.

Plan to run swfa rings and a tps 20moa rail.
Need to know if I can run the low rings, or need to go with the medium?

I have a caswell bipod right now.
When set up the barrel is still free floated. While I do think the stock moves around a bit, I don't see it as being as bad as some have stated.

What would other "bang for the buck" parts or modifications be for this set up?
I would like a detachable magazine, Harris, nightforce, crazy stock, ect ect ect. But don't think that will be the difference between me making and missing a shot at this point.
Am I on track to a rig that will perform for me?

Thanks for any help.
 
#2
first step would be the stock. Get a a hold of a HS take off stock if you want to stay on a budget. You may find some good deals on some B&C stocks as well, but between the two I would get the HS. The stock is definitely the weak link in that setup. If your shooting paper/steel only at known distance targets at a max of 300 yds then the reticle won't matter much. The Quad is easier and a bit more accurate for estimating holds.
 
#3
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Package deal.
Don't care about the hat or patch, but seems like a good price for a nice set up.
Side focus/mil dot

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I would like the shade and cap so I added them to this scope.
Rear focus/quad mil

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Side focus like the package, but mil quad.


So for slightly less then the package deal I can get he mil/quad but I loose the side focus.
For a fair bit more I can get the quad/mil and the side focus.

So what would you guys do?
Side vs rear?
Dot vs quad?
 
#4
If you are looking to get "more bang for your buck" and also have a great resale value on parts, (this is assuming your budget is generous ) look at a chassis system where you can just take it off and sale with there being no modifications to it. Mcree, AICS (my go to) and much more out there to choose from. Also what's your goal eventually on distance ?? Only reason I ask is your going to need some thing more than 10x. Bushnell makes some really great scopes for lr shooting with great glass.
As far as your sps AAC SD.... I've taken the 1:12 version out to 1,000 yards with factory everything .... Stock, trigger, ect.. Zeiss mc 4.5x14 glass with 20 moa EGW rail with hand loads.
I JUST bought the AAC SD last week and shot it a few times. 1/2 moa gun. And I agree that the stock on that rig is a little stiffer than the other houge I had. Free floats with no tweaking with a Harris brms bipod and a NF NXS 5.5 x 22x 50. I had plans to upgrade stocks but as long as the throats are on those rifles , the only thing that would probably shoot at mag length is FGMM ammo.
 
#6
I went the more expensive route getting everything that I would ever want in regards to my rifle. I didn't need a S&B but in the same breath I definitely got a scope that I would have for the rest of my life and be happy with. SWFA makes a great scope and I have recommended them to buddies but I think you may want more than the 10x fixed at 1000 yds a 12"x12" plate is really hard to see with my 5-20x Vortex. The cliche 1000 in a consistent wind when you get great equipment is actually pretty simple, if it is gusting you have to fight the wind. I was just at thunder valley precision in Ohio and within two shots was hitting the plate at a 1000 and after four consecutive shoots ringing the target I just stopped due to no point in wasting ammo it seemed easy....... I am not a super shot I justify my last statement to the fact that if you have great equipment made to preform at those distances. So definitely look at the long run and I really bought into the saying here on the hide of Buy once cry once. And you can do this on a budget to good luck.
 
#8
Chassis might be in the cards, but I don't think I'll be spending that kind of money right off the bat.
Figure I'll shoot it as is for a bit and keep upgrading when needed.

Kind of set on the swfa SS scope as I think its a great value.
Was set on 10 power, but now starting to think differently.....
 
#10
I was reading that the 10x is enough to get out to some fairly long distances. Thought I read the M40 used a 12x.
I'm in Long Island, so I'm limited to 200-300 yards right now. Like I said if I travelled I would like the option to shoot longer.

Am I better off with the SS 16x or 20x?
I figured in the off chance I take the rifle hunting it would be a bit much scope wise.
 
#11
Assuming your vision is decent, I have used a 10x at 700 and 1000 yards and can still see a 5 inch target fairly easily. As long as the crosshairs are fine (not thick), anything 10x and up is fine unless you will consistently be shooting at that range.
 
#12
Depending upon your vision, I'd stay away from going to heavy on the magnification, especially on a fixed power. Even WHEN you start shooting at 1000, a fixed 10x will treat you just right. At closer ranges, you'll play hell at times trying to even find the target.

If I were in your boat, I'd definitely consider the 3-15 ffp. If that is too rich for you, look into the SSHD 3-9. You get that beautiful SWFA HD glass in a substantially durable optic. Also, whatever you go with, get the mil-quad. Once you learn all of the nuances/subtensions, you'll love the shit out of it.
 
#15
surffly said:
Chassis might be in the cards, but I don't think I'll be spending that kind of money right off the bat.
Figure I'll shoot it as is for a bit and keep upgrading when needed.

Kind of set on the swfa SS scope as I think its a great value.
Was set on 10 power, but now starting to think differently.....
Click to expand...


With your ultimate goals, I highly recommend going with a higher mag optic. Save a little longer and spring for the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50. The SS HD 5-20 is one the best optics in it's price bracket. When considering glass quality alone, there is no question in my mind that it is the best. I own more S&B PMII 5-25x56 than anything else but also own and use several Premiers, a couple of USO's, and a couple of March FX 5-40x56. Not long ago I received a SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 which was on back order since last year. I've used many different scopes in the SS HD's price range, including Bushnell DMR/ERS and XRS, Vortex Razor, several Nightforce, and others. In my opinion the SS HD has been the best in the $1400-$2k price range. Even though I primarily use Schmidt and my others, my SS HD sees at least weekly usage. I do not feel that I am missing a whole lot when going from my S&B's, et. al. to the SS HD. Obviously the glass quality is not up to Schmidt type quality, it is still very good glass. More importantly, so far this scope tracks reliably with good repeatability. Good luck.
 
#17
surffly said:
I was reading that the 10x is enough to get out to some fairly long distances. Thought I read the M40 used a 12x.
I'm in Long Island, so I'm limited to 200-300 yards right now. Like I said if I travelled I would like the option to shoot longer.

Am I better off with the SS 16x or 20x?
I figured in the off chance I take the rifle hunting it would be a bit much scope wise.
Click to expand...
For the price and what you're wanting to do, the 20X would do well, may have to deal with mirage at distance on some range trips. SS is a good tracking rugged scope for the money.
 
#18
jtrax said:
With your ultimate goals, I highly recommend going with a higher mag optic. Save a little longer and spring for the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50. The SS HD 5-20 is one the best optics in it's price bracket. When considering glass quality alone, there is no question in my mind that it is the best. I own more S&B PMII 5-25x56 than anything else but also own and use several Premiers, a couple of USO's, and a couple of March FX 5-40x56. Not long ago I received a SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 which was on back order since last year. I've used many different scopes in the SS HD's price range, including Bushnell DMR/ERS and XRS, Vortex Razor, several Nightforce, and others. In my opinion the SS HD has been the best in the $1400-$2k price range. Even though I primarily use Schmidt and my others, my SS HD sees at least weekly usage. I do not feel that I am missing a whole lot when going from my S&B's, et. al. to the SS HD. Obviously the glass quality is not up to Schmidt type quality, it is still very good glass. More importantly, so far this scope tracks reliably with good repeatability. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Great to hear some confirmation that the SWFA is good value for the money.
I understand and agree with you about the idea of getting a scope like that to "grow into", but it's just more investment then I think I can handle for my use. I don't get to the range as much as I would like and see a really small percentage of use past 300 yards. If my uses changes I can always invest in a better scope at that point.
 
#19
I worry that the 20x is to much at closer ranges.
Also I would like to learn more about using a scope properly.

Right now my other rifle is a marlin .22 with a BSA sweet 22.
Scope maxes out at 18x and I find myself at max magnification most of the time. I also feel like I am reliant on the magnification to make good groups. When I read about guys using a 12 power scope to make a 1000 shot I can't even fathom it. This is a skill I would like to develop. Not sure if any of that will make any sense.
 
#22
OP,

I don't have any experience with the mil quad but I really appreciate mil dots more and more as I become better at ranging and practicing subtension manipulation using the ranging feature on ballistic ae (often with a beer in the other hand). It translates very readily to ranging using the reticle when shooting targets of a known size and unknown distance (think clay pidgeons). I don't think you are going to go wrong with either choice.

By the time you develop a like/dislike of your reticle, you will know what you like/don't and why (for all equipment related to that rifle). It is important to realize that you will most likely upgrade every piece of equipment you are shooting. You will know when your trigger, or your stock, or your optic (you get the picture) is holding your abilities back. When you get through all those (if you do), you may realize your ammo is holding you back and will get into reloading. Enjoy that new rifle...

Adam
 
#23
Original idea was to run standard mil dots as that's what a lot of people have and I can learn from their experience.
I went .308 in a remington 700 for similar reasons. They are well known items. Maybe not the most "modern" or best, but something with a large well of knowledge to draw on.
 
#25
I wound up ordering the package with the mil/dot and .25moa turret.
I figure this gives me a well known and traditional set up that I can learn.
Once I get this system down I can upgrade my glass or change other parts as I go.

Thanks
So much for the advice and comments.
 
#26
Well the TPS rail is STILL on back order with zero information as to when it will be back in stock from SWFA.
How could some parts of the site have accurate stock info and the rest not?

Ordered the 10x package, came with low rings instead of the medium it says it should.
I would prefer lower rings, if they clear....

Started looking at stock options.
Not a whole lot left in the toy find, so that might wait for a bit.

Saw a ACC single chamber brake and was thinking about installing that. Not sure. Any opinions on the brake?
 
#27
Since your being budget minded just pick up a weaver tactical base. Cost around $30 and good piece of kit for the price. Check the classifieds for a remington 5r take off hs stock. They can be had for around $200. Much better than the tupperware stock you have now. I know you have already ordered your scope but as others have said its best to save for a better scope instead of settling for something you think will do. Trust me you will be buying another scope.
 
#28
I probably will buy a different scope down the line, probably a whole new rifle too.
The rig now will out shoot me and the goal is to get to the range and start learning and shooting.
I have been casually looking for a stock, but in in real rush.
 
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