Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

[brentsurace]

So it seems my questions never end...

In reviewing options for a Tact Bolt Action 308 Rifle, I am left at a crossroads that im sure many a Shootist has stood at.

Remington 700 or something else, in this case the Tikka Tac.
Might I hear your thoughts on which rifle is best for all purpose hunting?

Also, is a 26 inch bbl a much better option for hunting or will a 20 inch bbl be fine? And to what ranges can bbl differences be noted?
(I know that depends largely on the optic used, plz assume same scope used on both).

Specifically, I've limited my choices to:
--> Tikka Tac
--> Rem 700 XCR™ Tactical Long Range
--> Rem 700™ SPS™ Tactical AAC®-SD™

 

[jpspeeddemon]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

you may want to consider a rem 700 5r, they're about $940-$1050. The tikka has the smoothest action and shoots as good as any other factory gun. The sps tactical is also a good beginners gun, its capable of being very accurate with a different stock, the Hogue it comes with is not good.
the most common barrel lengths for 308 are 20-24 inches. 26 is not necessary for a 308

 

[71firebird400]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

I don't know what your budget is, but if I was "starting over" I'd go with a FN SPR as my first rifle.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

I agree on the FN SPR. Its a helluva rifle that essentially needs zero upgrading.

On barrel length:

A 20" barrel makes for a much "handier" rifle while giving up very very little in 308. If I was going to get a rifle I could honestly justify for hunting use, I'd choose the shorter barrel. It will go through the woods easier, be carried into a treestand easier, into/outof the car easier etc etc.

Personally, the way I use my rifles, I prefer to deal with a longer barrel for the velocity increase, but thats just me. I certainly respect/agree with the concept that a shorter barrel is stiffer, easier to handle, lighter and gives up little velocity.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VortexTikka308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remington 700 or something else, in this case the Tikka Tac.

Might I hear your thoughts on which rifle is best for all purpose hunting?</div></div>

I don't have any experience with the Tikka and I don't hunt critters much so I fear my input may not be as helpful as some others.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VortexTikka308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Also, is a 26 inch bbl a much better option for hunting or will a 20 inch bbl be fine? And to what ranges can bbl differences be noted?
(I know that depends largely on the optic used, plz assume same scope used on both).</div></div>

Assuming that most of your shots while hunting are going to be done at less than 600 yards, the difference between a 26" and 20" barrel will not be realized by you or the target when using factory ammunition. If you are handloading, you can squeeze some extra energy/velocity out of the 26" tube, but will it really matter?

What will matter is the kind of terrain you are hunting in. In some areas the little length and weight saved with a 20" can be a big difference. In those areas the velocity lost will never be noticed because the terrain prevents any long shots. In fact if rifle hunting were allowed where I live I doubt I would field a rifle barrel longer than 16". It's not that I have a problem lugging a 26" tube around. It's just that it's not needed.

Scopes have little to do with the difference.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VortexTikka308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Specifically, I've limited my choices to:
--> Tikka Tac
--> Rem 700 XCR™ Tactical Long Range
--> Rem 700™ SPS™ Tactical AAC®-SD™ </div></div>

I would toss our the 700 XCR. You pay way too much for what you get. If you can't hunt with a suppressor and you are not using bullets heavier than 180gr then I would also mark out the AAC-SD. You would just be wasting money on the features that make that rifle more expensive than the standard SPS-Tactical.

I like Remington because they are a good value and parts are plentiful. I would not be adverse to trying a Tikka, but I don't have any hands on experience with them.

 

[jpspeeddemon]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

do you plan on target shooting or only hunting? I assume all-purpose hunting means walkin thru woods, sittin in deer stand, and long shots from prone position.

If so, my bet would be sps tac, get a bell and Carlson m40a1 style stock for about $210

btw, the aac model is the same as the sps tactical only threaded for suppressor...its makes it more expensive

 

[rlr]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

These are all good choices, as well as the SPR.

Each of them have different barrel/twist rates, so you should also consider the heaviest bullet you will be shooting.

The 5r is an 11.2 twist, and may not stabilize over 175gr.

The Tikka and SPR, I believe, are 12 twist,and are pushing their limits at around 173-175gr.

The SPS Tact is a 10 twist, and should handle over 200gr w/out a problem.

I agree with the stock comments above, and with Remington, these are all production barrels. They will do well enough for hunting, but for grouping, may come in anywhere from 1MOA to sub-1/2MOA

 

[z71rat]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

Rifle:

If you are just a Remington guy... then go with the SPS Tactical. Basic no nonsense rifle, and it will get it done.

Other than that, I have to throw in a Savage. Initial cost, ease of gunsmithing to customize, solid, reliable.

I have had the FN-SPR. Yes, they are good rifles with nice features... but extremely heavy to carry around for hunting.

Barrel length:

20" barrel would be the only choice I would make, or even shorter than that if it was strictly for hunting.

DK

 

[brentsurace]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

Yeah my thought for wanting a threading was just for use of a muzzle brake. I really like the BABC from BattleComp in 308 myself.

And I was planning on trying for a single good qual rifle for both hunting in varied terrain and target shooting.

I like your ideas about bbl length. 20" sounds to be all I would need for my purposes.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

I have owned numerous factory 700's and tikka t3's and i have to say virtually all of the tikka's shot better than the remingtons, the triggers in stock form are noticeably better, action is smoother and has 70 degree bolt lift instead of 90. it also may be cheap plastic but it is very functional and it has a dbm system that feeds so smooth most the time you don't even know if it loaded a round.

all in all the tikka tactical when found used at reasonable price is hard to beat. fully adjustable stock, great trigger, accurate, threaded for muzzle brake, lightweight, already has pic rail.

just my .02cents

 

[Keyser Söze]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

I always suggest this, but if you choose the Tikka, I'd go with the Scout CTR instead of the tactical model. It is $500 cheaper and the only difference is the adjustable cheek piece on the tactical. (and the tactical barrel is threaded, but for sako accessories, so you'd likely have to re-thread it anyway if you wanted to use it)

So you have to ask yourself...is an adjustable cheek rest on a factory Tikka stock worth $500 to you? I don't know many people that would say "yes" to that...

 

[zeme05]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

Decided to dip my toe in the LR shooting sport. Bought a Rem 700 SPS Tac for $595 delivered. Threw away the Hogue overmold stock and added a 5r HSP take off stock for $200. I am pretty happy with the setup (Nikon Monarch 5-20) and definitely will use it this year for deer hunting. Timney trigger wil be next mod.

 

[308Shooter1911]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zeme05</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Decided to dip my toe in the LR shooting sport. Bought a Rem 700 SPS Tac for $595 delivered. Threw away the Hogue overmold stock and added a 5r HSP take off stock for $200. I am pretty happy with the setup (Nikon Monarch 5-20) and definitely will use it this year for deer hunting. Timney trigger wil be next mod. </div></div>

Same here...Went with a Nikon buckmasters scope at first then upgraded to a Nightforce...You wont regret the SPS Tac...If I had known more at the time I might have opted for a 5R or a FN SPR. As stated SPS is a good start and can be easily upgraded as budget allows

 

[okiefired]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

How bout a lightly used Remmy LTR, does everything well.

okie

 

[Boomholzer]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How bout a lightly used Remmy LTR, does everything well.

okie </div></div>

I would say the same. Adding that you have retained resale value, no aftermarket stock or customizing to do on it, and a shorter LOP that works well with jacket and in compromised shooting positions. Palm swell with gloves could be included but I see the original poster is in a more mild climate.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rlr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">These are all good choices, as well as the SPR.

Each of them have different barrel/twist rates, so you should also consider the heaviest bullet you will be shooting.

The 5r is an 11.2 twist, and may not stabilize over 175gr.

The Tikka and SPR, I believe, are 12 twist,and are pushing their limits at around 173-175gr.

The SPS Tact is a 10 twist, and should handle over 200gr w/out a problem.

I agree with the stock comments above, and with Remington, these are all production barrels. They will do well enough for hunting, but for grouping, may come in anywhere from 1MOA to sub-1/2MOA

</div></div>

Respectfully disagree.

Let me first say that I dig too much twist. The slight negative of a LITTLE extra windage (SLIGHT!!!) is overshadowed by always having plenty of stabilization. However, my 1-12 SPR handles the Berger 185 BTLR, which is very long and therefore requires more twist. My conditions are usually between 2000-4000 density altitude. I argue that a 1-12 twist is plenty for a 308.

Again, I prefer 1-10, but I wouldnt decide against a 308 rifle JUST because it was 1-12

 

[Scoop]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rlr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">These are all good choices, as well as the SPR.

Each of them have different barrel/twist rates, so you should also consider the heaviest bullet you will be shooting.

The 5r is an 11.2 twist, and may not stabilize over 175gr.

The Tikka and SPR, I believe, are 12 twist,and are pushing their limits at around 173-175gr.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #3366FF">The SPS Tact is a 10 twist</span></span>, and should handle over 200gr w/out a problem.
</div></div>

Keep in mind that there is a difference in the SPS Tactical line. The standard SPS Tactical is a 12 twist. The SPS Tactical AAC-SD has a 10 twist barrel.

 

[furburner]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

I LIKE A 10 TWIST FOR SHOOTING HEAVIER BULLETS, AS FAR AS TIKKA OR REMINGTON, ID GO WITH REM JUST FOR AFTERMARKET BUYING, IF YOU PLAN ON JUST RUNNING WHAT YOU BUY NO AFTER MARKET STUFF GO TIKKA TAC THEY LOOK KOOL

 

[JCH]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: furburner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I LIKE A 10 TWIST FOR SHOOTING HEAVIER BULLETS, AS FAR AS TIKKA OR REMINGTON, ID GO WITH REM JUST FOR AFTERMARKET BUYING, IF YOU PLAN ON JUST RUNNING WHAT YOU BUY NO AFTER MARKET STUFF GO TIKKA TAC THEY LOOK KOOL</div></div>

dude, turn off the caps lock. You have posted several time today and all of them in CAPS LOCK. Hard to read and against the board policies.

 

[okiefired]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

I have yet to see a 12 twist barrel that wouldn't stabilize a 175/178 pill.

okie

 

[GSRswapandslow]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

i would look at either the HS savage or the McMillian savage...either will out shoot the remington 99 times out of 100.....and you start with a great action and stock...just adjust hte trigger accordingly, bed the stock...and go shoot bug holes

 

[thespecialist]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zeme05</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Decided to dip my toe in the LR shooting sport. Bought a Rem 700 SPS Tac for $595 delivered. Threw away the Hogue overmold stock and added a 5r HSP take off stock for $200. I am pretty happy with the setup (Nikon Monarch 5-20) and definitely will use it this year for deer hunting. Timney trigger wil be next mod. </div></div>

I have the same rifle, B&CMedalist Light Tactical stock, Monarch 5-20, EGW 20 MOA base, and the Timney trigger. It's a great all around rifle that I use for hunting and target shooting. You'll love that Timney, light years better than the factory Remington trigger IMO.

 

[Heronion]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

Just get a Savage Precision Carbine and be done with it.

 

[USAF SP]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

I shoot M24s fairly regular, love the rifle but for my personal rifle I bought a Savage Model 10 with McMillan stock. The price is right, it has a great trigger, and it's an MOA gun with just about everything you feed it and .5 or better with select loads.

Buy what you want and concentrate more or your optics choice.

Good luck

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have yet to see a 12 twist barrel that wouldn't stabilize a 175/178 pill.

okie </div></div>

+1 my 12 twist's all have shot well with up to and including 190 berger vld's at 35 degrees and 780 asl. Never shot anything heavier in them...

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Tactical Bolt Rifle; pick ur side...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bpnelson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just get a Savage Precision Carbine and be done with it. </div></div>

+1...though I'd personally go with a 10FP so you aren't stuck with the new-style bolt release & smooth barrel nut.