WTB my father an R700

T

theriddler

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 24, 2011
354
43
36
South Dakota
#1
Hello. I want to get my father a new Remington 700 for christmas this year and need some help. He's been shooting the same old savage way too long and its starting to show. He's too cheap to buy anything nice so I want to do it for him.

I want to stick with the Remington 700 action due to its reliability and affordability. I need something thats very light and extremely accurate. Hes getting in his 50+ and carries his rifle all over the hills of SD.

He uses it for deer and coyotes mostly. He does shoot off hand for most of his shots. Doenst take the time to set up bipod. He will usually sit somewhere close to a rock, fence, pole, or something he can rest the gun on but will take kneeling shots often.

Want to stick with a round thats easily purchased everywhere at retailers. .270 or 7mm.. Something with light recoil but with alot of energy to take down a deer.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Edit: Budget is $2500 +/-
 
#2
Re: WTB my father an R700

Turns our Remintgons lightest rifels are 6 pounds. Willing to spend a bit more if theres a lighter more accurate brand out there.

This area is completely new to me.. Id rather lug around a 12 pound rifle and set up with a bipod. My dads getting old and frail
laugh.gif
 
#4
Re: WTB my father an R700

I applaud you desire to "upgrade Dad" but in my own experience to doing the same I found that "I" was the one that got frustrated. Hunting rifles are a very personal thing (especially to seasoned citizens) with lots of history and memories tied to them. That is not something easily set aside for something new.

If your Dad is a 20 shots a year guy he will not invest the time or effort in learning a new rifle (Savage to Remington in this case) he will also not learn a new cartridge. If due to that he misses or makes a bad shot that is with in his "normal" the new rifle will never see daylight again unless you are there in which case he won't shoot it, confidence.

IMHO the best thing you can do is buy him some good glass in the same size/configuration/power range that he is used to. Older eyes ALWAYS appreciate better visibility. That way it's still "Besse" but with a better view.

JMHO, YRMV, etc.

Cheers,

Doc
 
#5
Re: WTB my father an R700

Mountain Stainless

I would look at this rifle as it is stainless and it is only 6 1/2 pds...when you get it take it to a smith to get a brake put on it as to smooth the recoil out even more. They make these in 270 Winchester.
 
#6
Re: WTB my father an R700

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doc76251</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I applaud you desire to "upgrade Dad" but in my own experience to doing the same I found that "I" was the one that got frustrated. Hunting rifles are a very personal thing (especially to seasoned citizens) with lots of history and memories tied to them. That is not something easily set aside for something new.

If your Dad is a 20 shots a year guy he will not invest the time or effort in learning a new rifle (Savage to Remington in this case) he will also not learn a new cartridge. If due to that he misses or makes a bad shot that is with in his "normal" the new rifle will never see daylight again unless you are there in which case he won't shoot it, confidence.

IMHO the best thing you can do is buy him some good glass in the same size/configuration/power range that he is used to. Older eyes ALWAYS appreciate better visibility. That way it's still "Besse" but with a better view.

JMHO, YRMV, etc.

Cheers,

Doc </div></div>

You got a pretty good point. He shoots with a shitty Bushnell. Ill probably have to talk with him and see if hes willing to part with his savage. the thing doesnt shoot right anymore. He was having trouble getting a tight group and had me get behind it. the groups are terrible at 100 yards. Almost to the point of where its not usable beyond 200.



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

I would look at this rifle as it is stainless and it is only 6 1/2 pds...when you get it take it to a smith to get a brake put on it as to smooth the recoil out even more. They make these in 270 Winchester.</div></div>

Thanks for the link.. I was checking that one out too if i decide to go with a remington. Ill put a brake on it and replace the trigger with a timney or something.
 
#7
Re: WTB my father an R700

With $2500 you could do some serious "undercover" upgrades. New tube (same cartridge) new base & rings to go with the new scope and get it bedded. Same gun, new guts.

Cheers,

Doc
 
#8
Re: WTB my father an R700

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doc76251</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With $2500 you could do some serious "undercover" upgrades. New tube (same cartridge) new base & rings to go with the new scope and get it bedded. Same gun, new guts.

Cheers,

Doc</div></div>

Thought about that too but I dont like the action, and he hates how the safety operates. Alwyas complains about it. It doesnt have a floor plate so he has to put the rifle on fire and chamber and eject every round to get it out.

He shot my sendero i had a few years ago and liked how smooth the acion was, which is why i said r700 for my choice if i had a preference. For 2500 i could probably build a pretty serious rifle. Just wouldnt know where to start. Like i said before im new to the whole "light gun" thing.
 
#9
Re: WTB my father an R700

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Semmens</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Thought about that too but I dont like the action, and he hates how the safety operates. Alwyas complains about it. It doesnt have a floor plate so he has to put the rifle on fire and chamber and eject every round to get it out.

He shot my sendero i had a few years ago and liked how smooth the acion was, which is why i said r700 for my choice if i had a preference. For 2500 i could probably build a pretty serious rifle. Just wouldnt know where to start. Like i said before im new to the whole "light gun" thing.
</div></div>

Ahhhhhh, that makes a difference. Winchester M-70 feather weight is tough to beat.

Cheers,

Doc
 
#10
Re: WTB my father an R700

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doc76251</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ahhhhhh, that makes a difference. Winchester M-70 feather weight is tough to beat.

Cheers,

Doc</div></div>

Ill look into that one also. With the leftover money from my budget ill take whatever rifle i get in to get a brake installed, a bedding/free fload job, action fluting, ect. Will be in contact with a gunsmith to hear his opinions on making it lighter/ more accurate.

also will put about 500-700 on a good scope for him.
 
#11
Re: WTB my father an R700

270, and check out the gun finder at Savage Arms. He shoots a Savage because he wants a Savage; I'd respect at least that much of his viewpoint.

I suggest 111 Trophy Hunter XP, listing at $625. 4-Round detachable box mag, mounted/boresighted Nikon 3-9x40 scope with BDC compensation, synthetic stock and Accu-Trigger, and an 8Lb listed weight, complete. It's a good package at a great price, and it provides a lightweight package that's dependable and based on quality components.

I appreciate that his old Savage may not be so spiffy by today's standards. I also appreciate that the R700 has been an industry standard for a long time. But those things have changed over the past several years.

Today's Savages are crisp and smooth, solidly built and accurate out of the box. I have bought two in the past year and the one thing that impresses me is their smooth and solid character. The ball has most definitely left the Remington's court and is solidly in Savage's.

At least check out the Savage website.

Greg
 
#13
Re: WTB my father an R700

My Purchases were a 10 Predator Hunter Max I .260 and a Scout 7.62x39.

The Predator Hunter combines a light varmint fluted barrel with the accu-trigger/accu-stock combination. Heavy enough ty do Tactical comp and hold its accuracy over sustained fire sequences, still light enough to pack around; although it's not the especially lightweight rifle you have in mind. The 260 will do most jobs, but the 270 is more available and has better punch.

The Scout is a pleasant surprise. Very compact and light; it's just astoundingly reliable using simple steelcase Eastern European $5 a box of 20 7.62x39 ammo. I converted the scout mounts to conventional mounts and put on a 2.5-10x42 $80 Tasco scope. Hits every shot on the 10" gong at 250yd, pretty much whatever I feed it. It also comes in .308, and I can only believe that's got to be an improvement over the 7.62x39. I now know what my next 308 is going to be.

Greg
 
#14
Re: WTB my father an R700

yeah i bought a .260 TRG and looking forward to using it out hunting.. However Im a bit more accurate than my father so he might need that extra "punch"
laugh.gif


If i go with Savage i might just get a classic model. Something very similar to what he has now but with upgraded stock and trigger.

hmmm
 
#17
Re: WTB my father an R700

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HunterH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got a Remington 700 LTR with a nightforce mount, titanium rings, leupold mark 4 scope and a harris bipod for 2350.</div></div>

Yeah i know i can do alot with a $2500 budget which is why i chose it. It opens a ton of possibilities..

And my dad deserves the best
 
#18
Re: WTB my father an R700

Your Dad will be the first one to tell you when you've spent too much. And he'll be right, too.

Me, I'd buy two of those Savages, and make him the promise you'll be there alongside him with yours when he goes out and uses his. That's the best thing your money can buy. He'll understand that you got him something you'd want for yourself, and that Savage is worth wanting.

Rather than thinking about the hardware, think about the ways you'll be using it.

My Dad's been gone for 40 years now; and I'd spend any amount I could to get back one hunt with him; but honestly it's not about how much. Honestly, even though you have it to spend, I suspect $2500 is way too much.

If it were being spent on me, I'd want a workmanlike implement, neither fancy nor excessive; and not something that cost such a bunch of bucks I'd be afraid to take it somewhere it might take a beating.

I'd rather have something I don't need to worry about such things with.

Put the rest of the bucks into a good hunt, and make damned sure you're there to share it with him. The chances for such moments are not going to be there forever. Do it now; 'later' is such a vague and meaningless word.

Greg
 
#19
Re: WTB my father an R700

I know where your coming from.. I come back home every year for deer hunting and we always go together. No matter how far away I move ill either be back for pheasant season or deer season. Its the one thing me and my dad can do together. We also work on carpenter projects when im back and have time.

He will not know how much i spend. I could buy a $400 for him and hed say its too much.

I just put out $2500 to make sure i included pretty much every lightweight hunting rifle out there. Id have to buy a top end sako 85 and put a mark 4 on it to break that budget.

The resonable price for a budget for just the rifle would be like $800-1200. with the rest spent on a brake, bedding, rings, scope, bipod, ect.
 
#20
Re: WTB my father an R700

Since you seem very adamant about the M700 (which I understand! I own 5!) I would suggest looking at one of the special series that Remington has done over the years. The M700 CDL SF is one heck of a nice rifle and a blast to shoot. I see that currently Remington is offering it in the 7mmRM caliber. She is a little heavier than the lightest hunting rifle that Remington sells, but still not bad (7-5/8lbs).

I say check into this rifle and look into the rest on accessories. I mine has a Leupold VXIII 4.5-14x50LR on top and the look is absolutely stunning and performance is everything I need out of a hunting rifle!

Simply a suggestion..take it for what you wish!
 
#21
Re: WTB my father an R700

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: iShoot17</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would suggest looking at one of the special series that Remington has done over the years. The M700 CDL SF is one heck of a nice rifle and a blast to shoot!</div></div>

That is a very nice looking rifle. I like the solid wood stock. 7 1/2 pounds might be a bit heavier than i was looking though.

Next time im in a gun shop ill have to handle a few and see which ones fit best.
 
#26
Re: WTB my father an R700

Another shout for Tikka here. I would look at the T3 Hunter in 270 - impact guns has them for $650. The wooden stock will be an improvement over the light plastic stock the T3 Lites come with, and its only 1/2 lb heavier (6.5lb total). 3 round detachable magazine too. And they shoot! Would mean you could buy some top rate glass and have a really nice, light weight package.
 
#27
Re: WTB my father an R700

Take a look at Cooper Arms. They are top notch, 1/2 moa (or better) rifles right out of the box. No need for bedding, trigger work or any other mods. They are light weight and extremely reliable.

They're not cheap, but still well within your budget. I have one and it is the best hunting rifle I have ever owned.

http://cooperfirearms.com/
 
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