To go short or to not go short? Please help me decide!

[honeybadger65]

Hello all,

I am trying to decide between the 16.5" Remington 700 AAC-SD and the 20" Remington 700 AAC-SD.

I will be using this rifle for hunting and will likely keep the range under 500 with most shots around 300 or so. I will be attaching a AAC brake and a SDN-6. A threaded barrel is a must.

Weight is a real concern for me and I want to keep it light. I looked at the shorty thread and really like some of those rifles. I'll likely put a Vortex 2.5-10x32 as those scopes are nice and handy.

What should I go with? Are there any other options?

Thanks,

-HB65

 

[BoilerUP]

You'll be fine with the 16.5...

 

[R.Walters]

16.5"!

 

[yellowXJ]

Sounds like 16.5 will suit you just fine.

 

[AMG04]

I've been contemplating the exact same thing. I have a Gemtech Sandstorm on the way and wanted a short compact 308 to hunt with suppressed. I've done a little research on both the AAC-SD rifles. How do they perform from the factory?

 

[honeybadger65]

Anyone have thoughts on the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 vs the Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 on a shorty for hunting? I will be doing some low light hunting as well, which was my concern.

 

[BornToHunt]

rigidity and stiffness= greater accuracy but loss of velocity 16.5 will be fine to 300 and more

 

[Smcarroll]

Anyone have thoughts on the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 vs the Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 on a shorty for hunting? I will be doing some low light hunting as well, which was my concern.

The smaller of the 2 pst's should be fine for your needs on that rifle. I am putting a vortex 4-16x50 on my favorite 300 Wm hunting rifle. They are both good Scopes.

 

[308sako]

I picked a 16.5" up on a Black Friday sale. Took it home and changed the stock to a Tan HS Precision one I had from a previous VSSF deal. Also changed out the new trigger to an older Remington that would adjust to a crisp 2 pounds. Took the rifle out with a Leupold 8.5 x 25 LRT and my AAC Cyclone. No barrel break in at all. rounds 16 - 20 with a FGMM clone using IMR 4064 and Nosler 168 CC seconds yielded this:

Oehler 35P was running and the velocity was 2480 ft/secs for 20 rounds.

I can't wait to get to the range tomorrow and test my load work up with 175 SMK's.

 

[tt66]

I have a 18" .308 shorty with a Viper PST 4x16x50 FFP. I love the setup, but I don't hunt with it. To me, the 2.5x10x32 would be perfect for a shorty hunting rifle.

 

[corey4]

i had my 20" AAC cut down to 16" and threaded for a hunting rifle.

i love it. it is so handy in the brush.

when we were walking thru the woods on monday, i noticed my buddies rifles always getting stuck on twigs, branches, etc. then it dawned on me, that it hasn't happened to me yet! i looked behind me when my rifle was slung over my shoulder, and the muzzle was below my ear.

i am considering cutting my 5R down to 16".

 

[AMG04]

The only concern I would have with the 2.5-10x32 is the small objective in low light conditions. If you plan on hunting any hogs the 50mm objective should help pull in the light at dusk.

Do any of you have first hand experience with the PST 2.5-10x32 in low light hunting scenarios? I was leaning towards the 2.5-10x44 as a middle ground solution (size vs objective clarity).

 

[M.rolen]

16.5" is my vote

 

[clrems77]

I use a Remington 700 16.5 and it works great. Shoots out to 800 with ease using 168G match and is great on weight. Cant go wrong with your set up! Goodluck!!

 

[honeybadger65]

The only concern I would have with the 2.5-10x32 is the small objective in low light conditions. If you plan on hunting any hogs the 50mm objective should help pull in the light at dusk.

Do any of you have first hand experience with the PST 2.5-10x32 in low light hunting scenarios? I was leaning towards the 2.5-10x44 as a middle ground solution (size vs objective clarity).

This was my main concern, how does the x32 work at dusk/dawn?