Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

[aard3]

Hey Guys,

I'm interested in building a long range rifle for target shooting, some training classes, and possible some competitions in the future. I've been reading all the threads and FAQs (good material), and LoneWolfUSMC's great intro to building an entry rifle... I think I have narrowed my choices down and wanted some opinions.

I'm non-leo, non-military, but I do like to buy quality components...buy honestly I can't spend the money on ultra-high-end gear (US Optics, etc. I would love a KAC or Larue 308 platform eventually) right now, nor do I want to for my first gun. So here's my proposed build

Rifle:
700 SPS-Tactical AAC-SD 20" or 700 SPS-Varmit 26". I suspect that I'm going to eventually replace the stock anyway, so that doesn't matter to me. The AAC does have the threaded barrel, which having a suppressor eventually could be nice, but I don't have an immediate plans for it. If I can't get the AAC, I might just get the SPS Tactical 20" also... that is if barrel length isn't a huge factor.



My main questions are

1.) I understand that the 6" barrel difference will result in a velocity difference... will this affect the accuracy (err. or potential accuracy) a lot? I suspect the 20" will be a little easier to move around with if need be...

2.) 1:10 vs 1:12 Twist... 1:10 is better suited for heavier bullets... got it. Should 1:10 be able to stabilize 168gr well, or will I always need to use 175gr... or does it just depend?


Optics:

Vortex 4-16x50 Viper PST MIL/MIL FFP. Looks to be the optic with the best features for my price range ($1,000 or so). I'm not opposed to dropping a tiny bit more, (or less!) if there is a real reason too. Essentially I'm looking for pretty good glass clarity, tactical turrets, FFP, Mil/Mil, and a illuminated reticle. Any thoughts? Also, There is the option of the 6-24x version... any insight into how "far" I can expect to see targets with the 4-16x vs 6-24x?

Mount/Rings
TPS Tactical Tactical 1 Piece Base 20MOA
TPS Tactical Scope Rings Low (.92") Steel

It seems TPS, Seekings and Badger are all recommended... TPS is slightly cheaper... if someone has a good reason, I could afford to step up, other wise I'll just spend the money in ammo.


Is there anything I'm overlooking? Any recommendations for little stuff that I should get?

Thanks Guys,

Aaron

 

[JCH]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aard3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">



My main questions are

1.) I understand that the 6" barrel difference will result in a velocity difference... will this affect the accuracy (err. or potential accuracy) a lot? I suspect the 20" will be a little easier to move around with if need be...

<span style="color: #FF0000">accuracy will not be affected. The shorter barrel will be easier to swing. </span>

2.) 1:10 vs 1:12 Twist... 1:10 is better suited for heavier bullets... got it. Should 1:10 be able to stabilize 168gr well, or will I always need to use 175gr... or does it just depend?

<span style="color: #FF0000">You should be good with both on the 10 twist.</span>

</div></div>

 

[264win]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

You are on the right track . your overall set up looks good.
my only suggestions would be to check out a rem pss or ltr rifle as they come with a good hs stock and sometimes seem to be a bit better in overall quality.
i like both badger and tps rings, but my favorite is seekins or nightforce. all of them will work great.
dont forget to budget in a good 20 moa scope base .
on the barrel length and twist, both lengths and twists will do everything you need. if you can, find a shop that has both and see if which you like after you handle them .
on the scope, i liked my ffp viper 4-16 but i like my bushnell 4200 and new elite better. both are good scopes for the $, just my personal preferance.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

Short tubes are LOUD to the folks shooting next to you, BTW

Why cut the bbl?
Learn to shoot.
Learn to reload.
Learn to "range".
Find out just what YOU want to do.....THEN, pimp your junk.
Cheers,
LG

 

[aard3]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the good input so far.

I hadn't thought about the 20" being loud for the people next to me...and honestly I'm not trying to "pimp my junk", but if I'm going to be spending 1.5k-2k on a rifle/optics...I want to try to get good quality components, and use it for something I can continue to learn on... don't want crappy stuff that's going to give me problems!

I agree though, I want to learn the fundamentals...that's why I'm here ;-)

Thanks again!

Aaron

 

[JCH]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

20" tubes aren't that much louder than a 24-26"

Don't let that determine what you go with.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">20" tubes aren't that much louder than a 24-26"

Don't let that determine what you go with. </div></div>

ONLY if you are behind that 20" 30 cal bore and not next to it.

To the OP...Check out the for sale section on this forum for some deals.
Cheers,
LG

 

[Kalman]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

OP: 168-175 is fine on either a 1:12 or 1:10. Decide between 1:10 and 1:12 on the matter if you want to shoot 150s or 190s.

As far as 20" vs 26" and velocity, it's very little at your stage, forget about it. The velocity between 20 to 26" will be nearly exactly the same unless you've specifically developed a handload for that specific rifle. Even then, it's really not that much.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lumpy grits</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">20" tubes aren't that much louder than a 24-26"

Don't let that determine what you go with. </div></div>

ONLY if you are behind that 20" 30 cal bore and not next to it.

To the OP...Check out the for sale section on this forum for some deals.
Cheers,
LG </div></div>
It's a gun range. Things are loud. When you start talking about adding a muzzel brake, then you can start complaining.

 

[YN*Dotte]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kalman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP: 168-175 is fine on either a 1:12 or 1:10. Decide between 1:10 and 1:12 on the matter if you want to shoot 150s or 190s.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lumpy grits</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">20" tubes aren't that much louder than a 24-26"

Don't let that determine what you go with. </div></div>

ONLY if you are behind that 20" 30 cal bore and not next to it.

To the OP...Check out the for sale section on this forum for some deals.
Cheers,
LG </div></div>
It's a gun range. Things are loud. When you start talking about adding a muzzel brake, then we'll talk.

</div></div>

That short of a barrel with a muzzle brake will be substantially louder, but something else to consider is the concussive blast and kick up from the brake. Shooting the XM3 on a dusty surface is like having a RPG going off by your head every time you pull the trigger, just saying, it's very annoying, and something to consider before you start thinking about muzzle brakes on short ass barrels.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kalman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP: 168-175 is fine on either a 1:12 or 1:10. Decide between 1:10 and 1:12 on the matter if you want to shoot 150s or 190s.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lumpy grits</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">20" tubes aren't that much louder than a 24-26"

Don't let that determine what you go with. </div></div>

ONLY if you are behind that 20" 30 cal bore and not next to it.

To the OP...Check out the for sale section on this forum for some deals.
Cheers,
LG </div></div>
It's a gun range. Things are loud. When you start talking about adding a muzzel brake, then we'll talk.

</div></div>

I don't want other people to have the hearing damage I have from those damn short blast sticks and that was WITH wearing plugs and "muffs". Been shooting for over 50 yrs.
You will know what I mean when your 60(I am)and have trouble hearing your grandkids talk to you.

X2 on those MB's on short bbls

Cheers,
LG

 

[paraiso]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

Your planned setup will work just fine for you, and will give you a great base to start learning.

The 20" is easier to handle, and the loss in velocity is minimal. As others have said, they both will shoot 168 and 175's.

Use the Post Exchange here on the hide, and if you aren't in a big hurry, you can piece yourself together a very strong setup and stay within your budget.

I don't buy all of the newest gadgets. I don't have gunsmith work done to any of my guns (other than barrel swaps). .5 MOA guns work just fine for me, and my stock guns (with handloads) will give me these groups. My SPS tactical is quite the performer, and I think that you will be happy with it.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Sanity check on first tactical rifle.

After getting into sport shooting, I got caught up in "tacti-cool" and thought short barrels were the way to go. That was before I started shooting a lot. Now I shoot thousands of rounds per year and almost without exception my barrels are growing longer as they get replaced. 26" is not long. In a sport where people are trying to get every fps possible, why would you lop 6" off a barrel and lose 100fps? What is the real benefit of a short barrel? For door stompers yes, for the rest of us .... nadda. A longer barrel has tangible benefits: more velocity and less noise. Hunting is a case in point. Most of us hunt without ear protection. Using a longer barrel will noticeably reduce the noise level at your ears: priceless if you like your hearing.