Remington 5R 20" vs 24" advice coveted

[6stringsling]

Good morning. I have been reading these awesome forums for over three years. I have decided to purchase a Remington 5R in 308. My question is would I be better served with a 20 inch barrel that is threaded versus a non-threaded 24 inch barrel. I understand that there may be some velocity loss going with a shorter barrel. My intended purposes for this gun include range time, some type of competition and hunting. And I am coming to the 308 platform from using a 270 Winchester since age 13. I am now 39.

I sincerely appreciate any wisdom, advice or opinions. Thank you!

 

[gimpy]

I had one that was 24" and it was a beautiful shooter. I don't think you'll go wrong with either one. 20" would be nice if you want to add a brake or live in a state that allows suppressors.

 

[RyeDaddy]

I have a 24" 5R and a 20" AAC-SD, both in 308. Since I acquired the 20"-er I seldom take the longer 5R out anymore. They both shoot the same, but the 20" barrel suits me better whether I'm carrying it around all day or getting into and out of a truck with it out in the sticks. The 90 FPS velocity difference I get between my 2 rifles is nothing to me, with a 308 it really doesn't increase effective range much at all.

If I were choosing between the 2 you have in mind I'd get the 20" 5R. The threaded barrel is useful for adding a suppressor or muzzle brake(either of which are really worthwhile additions). I had my 24" 5R threaded and use a suppressor on both my Remingtons. With the can attached the 20" is much more handy, the 24" barrel is cumbersome with an extra 8" on it.

 

[Niles Coyote]

I really like my 24” 5r, but my 20” tactical’s are well loved. Personally I’d go 24” just because it gives you an advantage in velocity. My 20” barrel is slow unless you are pushing max/over max pressures. But it is just a little handier too... I have a couple rifles with 26” barrels and when walking around in the field, had the thought “I wish this barrel wasn’t so long” but I have never felt that way about my 24 and 20 inch barrels...

 

[KYpatriot]

The real question is why are you taking a step backwards in long range hunting/ballistic capability from the .270Win? The 308 is a great round don't get me wrong but are you going to be satisfied with going backwards ballistically? If you want a short action you could go 7-08, .260, 6.5 Creedmore, .284, 7RSAUM, 7WSM etc and all will have better ballistics and unless your are very close as good or better performance on game (way better for the mags obviously)

I like shooting a 308 for LR because the limited ballistic performance can actually help you improve your wind reading ability because it is easier to miss when you have as much drift as a 308 does out past 800 yards. It is cheap to shoot, easy to learn to shoot and reload for, and ammo/components are widely available. Those are all excellent reasons to buy a 5R, and mine as been as advertised or better. But if you need performance or want to be handicapped ballistically at comps just realize their are better rounds for your stated purposes....

 

[Randoman5]

I have a 24" 5R and a 20" AAC-SD, both in 308. Since I acquired the 20"-er I seldom take the longer 5R out anymore. They both shoot the same, but the 20" barrel suits me better whether I'm carrying it around all day or getting into and out of a truck with it out in the sticks. The 90 FPS velocity difference I get between my 2 rifles is nothing to me, with a 308 it really doesn't increase effective range much at all.

If I were choosing between the 2 you have in mind I'd get the 20" 5R. The threaded barrel is useful for adding a suppressor or muzzle brake(either of which are really worthwhile additions). I had my 24" 5R threaded and use a suppressor on both my Remingtons. With the can attached the 20" is much more handy, the 24" barrel is cumbersome with an extra 8" on it.

Do you think the 5R is worth getting instead of an AAC-SD?

 

[RyeDaddy]

The 5R has some benefits over the AAC. I like that it's stainless, although I've never had a rifle rust if properly maintained.

My 5R cleans up faster than the AAC-SD with it's traditional lands, but not by much. The triggers are the same, changed both X-Mark Pro's to old style 40-X's. The biggest benefit of the 5R over the AAC to me is the stock. The HS Precision is much better than the plastic one that comes on the AAC. My AAC-SD is in a McMillan A5 that I bedded with Devcon and I added pillars.

If you are debating going with something like an AAC over the 5R you have to factor in the cost of replacing the AAC's stock, it needs it. Even with replacing the stock with something like a takeoff the AAC is still cheaper than a 5R, and it comes down to whether or not stainless is worth the extra to you. They (in my case) shoot to the same level of accuracy. If you want to shoot subs the 10" twist of the AAC would be of benefit. If not, meh.

Bottom line for my money: I like the AAC-SD better for the $ spent, but it does require upgrading the stock.

 

[onethousandmeters]

Good thread. I'm looking at that choice as well. The rifles in the "Shorty" thread are very nice, and makes me curious about the shorter rifles.

 

[6stringsling]

Thanks so much for all the great responses! I do appreciate the advice. Bottom line is that either way I go, it's a win. I do live in a suppressor friendly state, so the thought of a shorter barrel capable of utilizing a suppressor is intriguing.

KYpatriot, I hear you on the fantastic capabilities of the .270. I will still utilize the ole girl. I bought my .270 used at the ripe old age of 13. She has never failed me, never missed a deer and looks better than the day I first brought her home (the stock needed lots of tlc).

Also, I would love a 6.5 creedmore. Unfortunately, where I live, I can't locate one that I can go and see, hold and evaluate. Same for the .260, 7 RSAUM, and .284. I did find a used 7-08 in a 700, but it has some flimsy Tupperware style stock. I want to bring home a platform, mount a solid base, rings and scope and go get on the trigger. The LGS did suggest rebarreling the 5r to the caliber of my choosing, but why do that? I would forgo the benefits of the 5r barrel that I am paying so much for. Now if a switch barrel can be utilized in the platform with a 5r barrel from a custom barrelmaker without breaking the bank, that's a different story altogether.

Lastly, it would be cool to have a precision bolt gun and a semiauto rifle in the same caliber. Thus my thinking of going the .308 route to utilize an AR10 platform one day. And I do love those .30 calibers!

Am I way off base?

 

[KYpatriot]

Thanks so much for all the great responses! I do appreciate the advice. Bottom line is that either way I go, it's a win. I do live in a suppressor friendly state, so the thought of a shorter barrel capable of utilizing a suppressor is intriguing.

KYpatriot, I hear you on the fantastic capabilities of the .270. I will still utilize the ole girl. I bought my .270 used at the ripe old age of 13. She has never failed me, never missed a deer and looks better than the day I first brought her home (the stock needed lots of tlc).

Also, I would love a 6.5 creedmore. Unfortunately, where I live, I can't locate one that I can go and see, hold and evaluate. Same for the .260, 7 RSAUM, and .284. I did find a used 7-08 in a 700, but it has some flimsy Tupperware style stock. I want to bring home a platform, mount a solid base, rings and scope and go get on the trigger. The LGS did suggest rebarreling the 5r to the caliber of my choosing, but why do that? I would forgo the benefits of the 5r barrel that I am paying so much for. Now if a switch barrel can be utilized in the platform with a 5r barrel from a custom barrelmaker without breaking the bank, that's a different story altogether.

Lastly, it would be cool to have a precision bolt gun and a semiauto rifle in the same caliber. Thus my thinking of going the .308 route to utilize an AR10 platform one day. And I do love those .30 calibers!

Am I way off base?

Nope, not at all. Just making sure you had thought about it and a reason before you spent that hard earned money. If you work up handloads for the bolt, just realize that they may not be suitable for the AR10, they handle less pressure than a bolt. It would be a happy coincidence if the handload you work up for the AR10 also shot well in the bolt gun.

Fed Gold Medal Match usually shoots pretty well in everything so when it becomes available you will be good to go if you want a turnkey no fuss solution, never heard of a 5r that didnt like FGMM, in 168 or 175SMK. I am partial to the 175s myself since I often shoot beyond 800, which is where the 168s start having trouble. Either also shoots well in my AR10 platform

 

[Mike407]

I'd go with the 20 as well. I have a 24 and it is muzzle heavy. if you plan to hunt with it or shoot suppressed you're going to appreciate that shorter barrel. you won't lose enough velocity to make the 24 worth while, IMO.

 

[Landon]

I have an 18" 308 and a 24". I think the decision between the two is going to be primary use. I shoot the 18" at shorter ranges and will use it this year when hunting. I still break out the 24" if I am going to be spending a majority of my range day over 600 yards. Both wear a sas arbiter. While the shorter rifle is easy to carry around a 90% carbon manners stock and some barrel fluting could take a lot of weight off the 24" rifle and you would still have the velocity for competition shooting.

Either way you go I think you will have fun shooting it. You could get the 20" 5r, have the action trued and get a second barrel in 260, or 7 mm-08 or something more competition friendly.

 

[Rade1MOA]

I have a 24 inch 5R and a 20 inch LTR. The 5r is a much smother shooting gun and is really accurate at well under a half min, strait out of the box. The LTR is much easier to deploy with and is my go to LE sniper rifle. I just depends on what you want to achieve with the rifle. If you are going to shoot on the range go with the longer barrel, If you are going to in the woods and rolling around in the mud, the blood and the beer, go with the 20.

 

[Night Eagle]

Let us not forget the resell value of a 5R. They usually sell on the hide in about a day an u can bet they hold there dollar value. They are stainless barrel and jeweled bolt. Standard remmy doesnt have those features. Just the cool factor alone makes this rifle worth the extra couple of hundred dollars.

Night eagle

 

[1slow01z71]

Either one is going to be pretty heavy to cart around in the woods. My 24" 5r is a heavy turd to hang off your shoulder all day. Might look into an ebersolstock pack to help out with the heft if you really plan to hunt with it.

 

[6stringsling]

Thanks so much guys! I went back to the shop today and gave them the once over again. The 24" was much more balanced to me, from a offhand position. Granted, my range time will involve a Harris bipod and hunting situations will typically be seated, kneeling or using an improvised field rest. The 20" felt, um, short. I can see the benefits of the 20" barrel for sure, especially in heavily wood areas, brushy pig jaunts and egress/ingress from a vehicle (but that really will not come into play much, if at all, for me). One thing that will I will need to address with either is the length of pull, as both stocks, being the same, were a little short for me. Is the butt pad (it isn't a recoil pad, as it is maybe 0.5" at the thickest parts of the toe and heel) easily removed and a spacer system able to be added (shame on me....i didn't pay enough attention to this area)? I have made a better system (for me) on my Kimber 82G by using two aluminum pieces to lengthen the pull, as the plastic spacers are just ugly. But that is for a .22LR, not a .308, so i want no part of that on this rifle. I also don't want to have to go and get a replacement stock with adjustable LOP right away either.

I think the ultimate compromise would be to get the 24", have the barrel shortened to 22" and then threaded for future use. I realize there is no perfect system without going the custom route, and that just isn't in the budget for a long, long while. Because you know i gotta get a scope, base, rings, sling and lots and lots and lots of ammo. And i don't want to skimp in these areas at all.

Thanks again for all the helpful responses!

 

[Bradu]

A pachmayer decelerator works great for adding about 3/4" of an inch and reducing recoil.

 

[Skyyr]

24" if you're shooting long range or precision competition, 20" for tactical. I have a 24" in an AICS and, while it handles nicely, it is rather long. It would be even longer with a can on the end.

 

[6stringsling]

Alrightttyy then! I have made a decision and brought home a 24" Remington M700 5R in .308 today. Very pleased with all the reading and research i've done, but more so i'm very thankful for all the great info y'all have afforded me. Thank you!

Of course, i need more scratch to bring home the glass i want (Vortex PST 6-24 x 50), but i have great bones to build off of. The first thing to do is extend the length of pull just a bit to improve stock fit (maybe the decellerator pad???) I also plan on a Timney trigger IF i can't get the current X-Mark pro to perform to my liking, 20 MOA base (local shop has Badger and Nightforce bases and rings, so i'll be looking at that next). I already have a Harris bipod ready to go. I also plan on a TI Quick Cuff sling and a Triad wedge bag, but those a relatively inexpensive. Long range plans include Badger bottom metal for DBM. And of course, boxes upon boxes of quality .308 ammunition, as i don't reload (yet). My reloading buddies are willing to assist me in this, but components still seem rather scarce. So for now, i will just do the best i can with FGMM in 175 grain.

Can't wait to get her out on the property and start the break-in process. Speaking of break-in, anyone have a preferred method?

Thanks again!

 

[Flatbush Harry]

If yours is like mine you're gonna love it. I picked up a 24" Rem M700 5R, factory Cerakoted, yesterday, and had it mounted in an AICS AX chassis, NightForce 20 MOA Picatinny rail, NF med. high (1.265") lightweight rings, a NightForce NXS c173 3-15x56 scope. The smith who set it up bore sighted it for me...first two shots were touching 3.5" low, 2.5" left at 50 yards. Six more rounds and I was dead on at 100 yards, with two shots touching. I put two more on another bull, also touching and decided it was Miller time.

As to break-in, I've never been a fanatic about it...more barrels have been worn out with cleaning rods than bullets. I've put 10 rounds through it...I'll clean it tonight with Hoppe's No. 9 and a .30 cal nylon bore brush. I always clean from the breech end and I use a carbon fiber cleaning rod and jags. I'll shoot it next week with another 20 rounds or so and clean. Third range session will probably be 30-40 rounds and a cleaning. I've had reasonably good success this way. A .308 Win barrel ought to give you at least 5,000 to 6,000 rounds, probably more...clean it when accuracy starts to degrade, typically after a couple of hundred rounds.

YMMV, and while I've done it this way for years, listen to the guys who are serious precision shooters with lots of experience...they may well have better methods.

Good shooting,

FH

 

[Exacting Standards]

I have had my Remington 700 5R in .308 win, for a few years now. It has been a sub MOA gun straight out of the box. I have even gotten some sub half MOA results from time to time. The furthest distance I have achieved so far, is 1264 yards confirmed. That all being said, that was all done on the 20" barrel platform. Only my personal opinion, unless your gun is going to be a benchrest gun, I recommend the 20" barrel.

It should be noted, the gun mentioned had a Jewell trigger added. It also uses a Nightforce NXS scope. Good luck on whatever choice you make.

 

[rdinak]

Have you considered building exactly what you want? Yesterday I was at Academy they had REmington SA for 375.00. Sell the stock and spare parts to bring action to around $300n pick the barrel of your choice...around 300. Send to Chad quickly to jump on the tail end of the group buy. metal work and coating $500-either find a used HS Precision stock or buy a new bell and carson. For just a few dollars more you end up with your first custom rifle that will shoot circles around the out of the box variety.