Upgrading my R700 AAC-SD .308

[rob232369]

I'm very content with this rifle. Its shooting pretty accurate for the range I'm at currently. This is currently what is on it (mostly still stock) and I was wondering what you more advanced shooters would suggest upgrading first. I'm shooting off a bench 1/4in MOA at 100yards with 168gr HPBTs from MagTech. I'm hand loading Hornady A-MAX 178gr (looking for Varget heard it shoots very well with the A-MAX...but then again every gun is different).

R700 AAC-SD .308 16in Barrel

Stock: Original Hogue Over-mold Free Float (Checked after 100 rounds to ensure it was still free floating which it was, heard some reports on this stock not being a true free float). Looking at upgrading to a HS precision M24 style stock.

Trigger: Remington 700s new stock 2-4 adjustable trigger.

(upgrading to a Timney Trigger eventually)

Harris Bipod: Don't need to upgrade for a while.

Scope Rings (forget the brand but they were $90.00 and its shooting 1/4in MOA at 100yards which imo is pretty good.)

Optic: Leopold 3-9x40 (single duplex hunting scope)....saving up for a Vortex Viper or a Leopold.

Scope Mount: LaRue 20-MOA Rail

I think the first upgrade was going to be either the stock or the trigger.

Integral Magazine: Thinking about getting the HS stock that is prefitted for the detachable magazine (anyone have suggestions regarding this?)

Bolt: Will be upgrading to a Badger Ordinance probably.

Any other suggestions I'd appreciate. Thanks

Rob

 

[MosesTheTank]

Scope Rings (forget the brand but they were $90.00 and its shooting 1/4in MOA at 100yards which imo is pretty good.)

On my AAC-SDs I've immediately upgraded the stock and trigger. But before that, you have a 1/4 minute gun? A lot of people would say don't change a thing. I'd say don't change a thing. But for the stock, and seeing that you would like a detachable mag system, Manners offers their DBM mag system. If you want to stick with a traditional style the EH4 would be a great choice with that short barrel. But you didn't say what type of shooting you will be doing. That will impact your stock style choice. I only use Timneys on my bolt gun builds now.

As for the other items, Harris bipods are great and if you like them there is no reason to ever change that. Although, if you are getting a new stock I'd have a bipod rail put on it and get a quick detach system. I ordered a new QD system I saw at my local builder just yesterday but can't recall the name. I'll update when I get it.

I like Badger knobs but find them a bit large. There are numerous good choices so look at plenty before you decide. If you can, get your hands on a few. Personally, I like the smaller Stiller knobs. Pro Precision rifles, which you can find on here on the Hide as Bolt Fluter, offers some good options.

As for scopes, go as big (high quality) as you possibly can. You will want to invest a lot of time with this one and you will definitely want hands on before you buy. Scour the optics forum here as there have been many threads covering everything you want to know. There are quite a few reticle, knob, and magnification choices involved so educate yourself first.

Use the search function in the upper right of your screen as these topics have been well covered in the past and a few minutes of reading them will make you a much more informed consumer.

Good luck and let us know how your upgrades proceed.

 

[ptaylortx]

I upgraded the trigger, stock, bedding job, quality optics and hardware, and mine still shot like crap. Around 2 MOA loaded inside the mag length. I just got the call from my Smith yesterday my REAL upgrade is finished, a new Hart barrel and action truing.

 

[rob232369]

On my AAC-SDs I've immediately upgraded the stock and trigger. But before that, you have a 1/4 minute gun? A lot of people would say don't change a thing. I'd say don't change a thing. But for the stock, and seeing that you would like a detachable mag system, Manners offers their DBM mag system. If you want to stick with a traditional style the EH4 would be a great choice with that short barrel. But you didn't say what type of shooting you will be doing. That will impact your stock style choice. I only use Timneys on my bolt gun builds now.

As for the other items, Harris bipods are great and if you like them there is no reason to ever change that. Although, if you are getting a new stock I'd have a bipod rail put on it and get a quick detach system. I ordered a new QD system I saw at my local builder just yesterday but can't recall the name. I'll update when I get it.

I like Badger knobs but find them a bit large. There are numerous good choices so look at plenty before you decide. If you can, get your hands on a few. Personally, I like the smaller Stiller knobs. Pro Precision rifles, which you can find on here on the Hide as Bolt Fluter, offers some good options.

As for scopes, go as big (high quality) as you possibly can. You will want to invest a lot of time with this one and you will definitely want hands on before you buy. Scour the optics forum here as there have been many threads covering everything you want to know. There are quite a few reticle, knob, and magnification choices involved so educate yourself first.

Use the search function in the upper right of your screen as these topics have been well covered in the past and a few minutes of reading them will make you a much more informed consumer.

Good luck and let us know how your upgrades proceed.

Hey man thanks for the reply. I know I was very suprised as well......the change really happened when I put new scope rings on the rifle (wish i knew the brand off hand.....not bushnell but I think it started with a B....they weren't cheap....the ones that were on it from the previous owner well lets just say they looked like airsoft ones? lol). Of course its shooting pretty darn good (those were three shots out of a cold bore....when I went to look at the target I couldn't believe what I had jus done. Grew up shooting .22 NRA around 12/13yrs old and well I learned the right ways to shoot of course through there....and well I guess I haven't lost that). Will be happy to start posting my upgrades.....currently out of the country (sandbox)...but with some of the money i'll be upgrading atleast the trigger and prob the stock. I saw a video on youtube a number of guys took the same gun (I'll be honest I'm looking to model after them).....shot 178gr H AMAX out to 1000yards....i think it was 7 or 8 shots 5INCH GROUP!!!!!!!!!! I was astonished when I watched the video just how easily they pushed the rifle with the right equipment of course and the right load. I'm sure maybe you've seen it already but it was under the 1k yard project. Seemed like a good group of guys who just enjoy the hobby, hunting, and were wanting to challenge themselves.


So I'll state that my reasoning for shooting is obvaiously eventually going the distance (1000 yards). I know this seems to be the "standard" or status once you atain it.....personally being military (I'm an aircraft maintainer so nothing fancy there)....but I have been considering looking into LE when I get out and possibly SWAT down the road after entering LE or other three letter agencies. I'm done in 2017 but with this build of this exact rifle I have (got it for a steal man $650.00 with everything it had on it minus the scope rings I bought). Everyone said I'd be stupid to not get it for that price. The guy I bought it from just didn't have the time to invest into building it up and he was more focused on his ARs. Sorry for getting off on tangents but basically LE is what I'm going for possibly when I'm done with the military thing. Also competition shooting could be alot of fun. I have a buddy of mine whos kinda into the same thing so we are both kind learning along the way. I will def look into the suggestions you've made and PTAYLORTX made a great suggestion of bedding the stock if there is wiggle (which I'm finding from those I talk with there can be at times). Thanks for the info and advice.

Respectfully,

Rob

 

[agbm]

I knew there were other REM 700 .308 aac sd, shooting 1/4 MOA @100 yards
Stock: Welcome to KRG
Bolt lift: Welcome to KRG
Trigger: Jewell trigger HVR
Recoil Killer:JP - Recoil Eliminators

 

[agbm]

Do you have access to a chronograph to see you FPS out of the 16in barrel? My 20 will get out to a 1000 easy.

 

[MosesTheTank]

Rob,

Based on what you plan for the future I also suggest a class and shooting a few comps. Competition is one of the best schools you will ever attend.

 

[rob232369]

Do you have access to a chronograph to see you FPS out of the 16in barrel? My 20 will get out to a 1000 easy.

Unfortunately I do not at the moment bro......would be nice to see what they are running in comparison....but knowing your pushing 1000.....just something i'll look into and i'll see if i can hit you up when i find the answer.

Rob,

Based on what you plan for the future I also suggest a class and shooting a few comps. Competition is one of the best schools you will ever attend.

I'm def interested in shooting Comps....sadly I'm in the middle of nowhere in NM.......they have a range but its only out to 300........and not designed for Comp shooting I guess? I think I'm gunna have to look into some travel time (closest town is about 1.5 hours away.....amarillo, TX or Lubbock, TX). I've heard there are some ranges out there that do some comps ocassionally. Came back from leave and met a guy who was part of a 3-Gun team I guess based out of Amarillo origionally....gun-nation I think he was with. He said Amarillo has some shoots. I'm gunna start looking over the site to see if there are any locations within about an hour-2 drive from where I'm at....don't really wanna drive more than that based on time money and such. Guess I'm a bit on the fence about LE......always thought running with Teams in the military would be something to shoot for.....however its just not for me....based on getting married in DEC. starting that chapter in my life and well.....not saying those who have served in this fasion can't have families I guess its more safe to say one should be more "acustomed" to that way of life prior to adding someone new to it? I have the military life balanced now (currently in for 5.3 years and I'm done in 2017). But for me I enjoy this as a hobby, but major props goes to those who can do unthinkable shots out there. I think trying out for a LE Team in its own right holds a specific place of respect and honor of course. Did they remove the military/LE only spot on this site? Thanks again guys for the feedback and info through here. Oh btw did you guys read the hilarious post that some nutjob kid wrote about wanting to create a "sniper" rifle? was just hilarious....heres the link.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...ion-rifles/248126-new-sniper-rifle-ideas.html

Some of the guys at work got a real kick out of the follow on posts.

I'll be more than happy for posts things down the road (I'll try to create a dedicated post for my build and my results....I'm not the greatest with a video camera or I'd make a doc about it.)