Help With Entry Level Gun

S

spencer

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Minuteman
Jan 6, 2006
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#1
I am trying to get re-started in target shooting (600 yards and less) and looking for feedback on which stock rifle to choose. I had a Rem. LTR in 308 about 5 years ago and loved it, but due to a baby, I had to sell. I would like to stay less than $1000 for the rifle.

I am leaning towards another LTR, but would like to know if there is something "better for the money" out there. Maybe a Rem SPS Tactical or Varmint????

What I would like is a good platform that I can upgrade over time when extra funds come up. Thanks for any info!!

Joe
 
#2
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

Remington 700 SPS AAC-SD...$780 MRSP
Savage 10 FP-SR $776 MSRP
Winchester 70 Stealth II $850 MSRP

Either weapon is going to be accurate enough out of the box for what you intend on shooting, and all are easily upgradable in the future. However, I'm not as big of a fan of Savage, and since Winchester was bought out by I believe US Repeating Arms, their quality has deteriorated a bit. I would say that a good heavy barreled 700 is the best choice. If you are only going to be shooting to 600 yards, you could even go with a smaller caliber, especially .223 or .243, which also opens you up into a lot of varmint guns. .22-250's are out there as well. The possibility for future upgrades though is pretty much endless with a 700, but you may find that you don't need any for what you want. Check out Iron Brigade and see what they have in the 700 PSS and what their prices are and it may be a little over $1000, but I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
#4
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jea1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm going through the same dilemma right now. Got it narrowed down to two now at least. </div></div>

...and those <span style="text-decoration: underline">two</span> are..what?
 
#5
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

The savage 10fp .308 and either the Remington 700 SPS Tac or the 700 Varmint SF. I guess that makes three
shocked.gif
 
#7
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

Personally I'd stay away from the Rem 700 SPS tactical. After throwing away the stock and trigger, all you have left is a $550. barreled action.

The "best" out of the box Remmy, is the XCR Tactical either regular or Compact. You get a decent stock (B&C), and the 40X trigger, and a coated stainless action. Yes, it costs around $1100. but it gives you a better start, IMHO.

Of course nothing wrong with a 700P, 5R or an LTR. Trigger is still junk, and the action is Chrome Moly (except of the 5R), but it will set you back less than a grand. Add a Timney trigger for a buck and a quarter ($125). and your good to go.
 
#9
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

The Remington 700 VSF .308 looks like a good start for me. I'm really not in the market to buy an $1100 to $1500 rifle right now. I would rather find a good quality rifle between $600 and $800, and put the money I would have spent on the more expensive rifle on a good stock and trigger set up! I just don't have that much extra cash to play with right now
frown.gif
The XCR does sound nice though!
 
#11
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 3rdgss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buy the Savage. Chances of you getting a real shooter are much better than with the Remington. </div></div>

You are not the first person to tell me the Savage is a little more accurate than the Remington! Something to consider I guess! Thanks for your reply.
 
#12
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jea1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Remington 700 VSF .308 looks like a good start for me. I'm really not in the market to buy an $1100 to $1500 rifle right now. I would rather find a good quality rifle between $600 and $800, and put the money I would have spent on the more expensive rifle on a good stock and trigger set up! I just don't have that much extra cash to play with right now
frown.gif
The XCR does sound nice though! </div></div>

Though I have no quarrels with your choice of a Rem 700 VSF, the going rate for these is in the $750 range. Assuming you spend $350. for a good stock and $125. for good trigger, you already spent more the $1100. that could have gone to an XCR in the first place.

But it's good to have choices.....
 
#13
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

id say savage also. you can get a better choice of stocks, change your own barrels and you can get a 5r and supressor ready model too if thats important. also look in the for sale area here. there was a nice 10FCP and a few 700s for sale

ALL YOU GUYS THAT JUST BOUGHT 700 SPS VARMINTS, DO NOT FORGET THAT THERE IS A $75 REBATE FROM REMINGTON UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH
 
#15
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

Thanks for the suggestions. I would like to stay with a 308 since I still have hundreds of rounds loaded from my previous LTR. Never really thought about an XCR. I'll go look at them today. Is there much difference in the XCR compact and an LTR other than trigger, finish and a different stock?
 
#16
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 3rdgss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buy the Savage. Chances of you getting a real shooter are much better than with the Remington.</div></div>

+1
 
#17
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jea1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Remington 700 VSF .308 looks like a good start for me. I'm really not in the market to buy an $1100 to $1500 rifle right now. I would rather find a good quality rifle between $600 and $800, and put the money I would have spent on the more expensive rifle on a good stock and trigger set up! I just don't have that much extra cash to play with right now
frown.gif
The XCR does sound nice though! </div></div>

Though I have no quarrels with your choice of a Rem 700 VSF, the going rate for these is in the $750 range. Assuming you spend $350. for a good stock and $125. for good trigger, you already spent more the $1100. that could have gone to an XCR in the first place.

But it's good to have choices..... </div></div>

Does the XCR come with an upgraded trigger and stock. I would hate to spend $1100 and hate the stock too
frown.gif
 
#18
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: spencer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the suggestions. I would like to stay with a 308 since I still have hundreds of rounds loaded from my previous LTR. Never really thought about an XCR. I'll go look at them today. Is there much difference in the XCR compact and an LTR other than trigger, finish and a different stock? </div></div>

Nope, those are the differences: XCR compact: Stainless TiN coated barrel and action, B&C stock, 40x Trigger.

LTR: Parkerized Chrome Moly barrel and action, H-S Precision stock, Mark X Pro Trigger.

I've owned both the LTR in 308 and the XCR Compact in .223. The XCR Compact is worth the bump in price over the LTR. Although neither is a bad choice.
 
#19
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

I had the same problem, saved some more coin and went with the remmy 700 xcr tactical long range in 308. No complaints, it's everything and more I need in a entry level rifle.
 
#20
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jea1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jea1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Remington 700 VSF .308 looks like a good start for me. I'm really not in the market to buy an $1100 to $1500 rifle right now. I would rather find a good quality rifle between $600 and $800, and put the money I would have spent on the more expensive rifle on a good stock and trigger set up! I just don't have that much extra cash to play with right now
frown.gif
The XCR does sound nice though! </div></div>

Though I have no quarrels with your choice of a Rem 700 VSF, the going rate for these is in the $750 range. Assuming you spend $350. for a good stock and $125. for good trigger, you already spent more the $1100. that could have gone to an XCR in the first place.

But it's good to have choices..... </div></div>

Does the XCR come with an upgraded trigger and stock. I would hate to spend $1100 and hate the stock too
frown.gif
</div></div>

The XCR Tactical of which there are two Models: Long Range w/26" Fluted barrel and the XCR Compact with 20" Fluted barrel. Both come with the 40X trigger.

XCR Long Range

XCR Compact

Look if you hate the BC stock on either of the XCR Tactical's you can sell it for $200.on the used market. The Rem 700 VSF stock, at least on the current models is worth maybe $50.
 
#21
Re: Help With Entry Level Gun

Found a shop in town that had an LTR and XCR in stock. The main difference I could tell was the finish. The XCR had a much smoother bolt. If my deal falls through on this used LTR, I will be getting a XCR compact (I think).

One other thing the gunsmith was telling me was that he has repaired two XCR bolt knobs/handles that have broken off and never had that problem with an LTR, so he was pushing me towards the LTR. He said the LTR was "better" made since it was intended for military/police use. Is he correct or just misinformed?

Thanks for all the info!
 
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