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Posted: 10/1/2002 9:46:47 PM EDT
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I'm looking to buy a bolt gun. Something for long range shooting on(yeah, I know....a grossly over used term) a tactical platform. Went to my local shop today and looked at the Remington 700 PSS....and the FN SPR. Both were priced at $799.00. I leaned towards the FN simply because of the detachable box magazine it comes with. I was also told that the FN's action is based on the Winchester action, and for whatever reason, the guy at the shop felt it was slightly better. Why? Didn't get that far...I was on my lunch break. If you had between $800.00 & $1,200.00, what bolt gun would you choose, and why? I don't know much about them, but I plan on buying just one, so I'd like it to be a nice one. Doesn't have to be "crazy" nice, but a real sweet rifle. What direction would you folks recommend I go? P.S.- Is .308 the obvious choice....or would something different be a better all around selection in caliber? |
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Yes, the .308 is, IMO, definitely the caliber to get. Great variety in bullet weights to choose from & obviously with a bolt you have no worries about a light load causing cycling problems. Everyone & their freaking brother seem to be getting the Remington. Personally I would go the FN route as they're a bit more accurate. Again, IMO. I **think** Sako & Sig also offer tactical rifles in your price range. Either would be top notch. |
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Remington 700 is the rifle to own, more trigger, stock, scope mounts and barrel options available for this rifle than all others put together. As far as a detachable mag, here's your Rem 700 option for that: trexlerindustries.com/kwik_klip.html, their very nice and fit and function are flawless, (at least w/ mine). Looks like this:  Best 1000 yard accuracy w/ Remington 700 action rifle is probably 6.5mm-06 as the better/higher BC bullets appear in 6.5mm. Note this is a custom barreled rifle. Just my 2 cents, Mike |
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I know all the arguments for the .308 and they are valid. However, in .308 you have the Knights SR-25 and ArmaLite AR-10 (T) both of which are capable of sub MOA and in a semi-auto at that. The U.S. military and at least three foreign governments seem to be moving toward .308 semi's for sniper work. I'm buying my bolt gun in .300 WinMag for distance shooting and have decided on the ArmaLite AR-30. (M4, don't forget that you're going to need to budget some dollars for a good scope and mount.) |
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M4, BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR, REM 700 IS YOUR WAY, REMINGTON IS KNOWN FOR IT`S OUT OF THE BOX ACCURACY. MAUSER STYLE EXTRACTOR OR CLAW ARE FAMOUS FOR THERE RELIABILITY OF FEEDING AND EXTRACTING, IT IS THE PREFERED STYLE FOR BIG GAME HUNTERS. BUT FOR A SERIOUS SHOOTER LOOKING FOR SUB-M.O.A. GROUPS STAY WITH A REMINGTON STYLE PLUNGER. THE WINCHESTER MODEL 70 WAS BASED ON THE MAUSER 98 DESIGN. RON KONTOWSKY ACTIONS BY R.A.K. |
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I've seen PSS's shoot one hole groups and only open up to an inch at 200 yards. Doesn't the FN come with accuracy robbing chrome plating in the bore? The aftermarket loves the Remington, so I'd go with that choice. Its an action that has many many many parts for, especially in triggers, although the stock trigger is VERY CAPABLE. Go with the 700, you won't regret it. |
That "accuracy robbing chrome plating in the bore" was sure what most of us thought !! The bore on the FN IS chrome-plated but check out the below for accuracy: Winchester Supreme Competition 168grn Nosler HPBT Match 100 Yards Smallest group - .3" Largest Group - .8" Average Group - .5" Federal Gold Match 168 grn Sierra HPBT MatchKing 100 Yards Smallest Group - .5" Largest Group - .7" Average Group - .6" The introductory price on the FN was $1000 and this rifle outshot the Dakota Longbow ($4000+), the Robar ($5000+) and the Autauga Tactical (Price unknown). |
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You can get great accuracy and spend around $800 -$1200 if you build it from pieces. Don't waste your time with factory garbage. Buy the components and have a competent gunsmith put them together. Brownells is a good place to start. Rem 700 are the easiest to build, and the best balance between accuracy and money. As far as chambering (remember, caliber is barrel diameter, in thousandths of inch) I would go with the 6.5-284 over the 6.5-06 for the case capacity. You will not need a magnum action for either, but I suggest getting a long action although it is not required. This allows the super long VLD bullets to be seated to the lands. Short actions won't allow that, except in single-shot, no magazine configurations. My suggestion for parts is as follows: Hart or Krieger barrel, twist dependant on your choice of bullets. Rifle Basix trigger, Leupold dual dovetail rings, Burris Fullfield II scope, McMillan stock (with the aluminum bedding block) and a bipod to suit you shooting style. A good set of bags and a nice Ransom or Hart front rest. This set-up should be capable of 1/2" holes at 200 yds, and deer lethality beyond 800 yds. Don't forget the Wilson Chamber type dies from Sinclair. Good luck with your new project, Jimno |
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I bought a FN earlier this year, which I have yet to do anything with, and kind of regretted not getting a 300 win mag. I figure that since you are going to use match ammo or reload (v. shooting SA surplus) that 308 isn't really any cheaper to shoot, I don't have to worry about ammo type supply problems like the military and I'm not worried about overpenetration so for me 300 Win Mag would have been a more fun long range shooting rifle. Oklahoma Police Supply still has some of the less expensive 1st Generation FNs for $ 900. They also sell Rem PSS and LTR in various calibers for around $ 700. I don't know if these are good deals pricewise or not. 800-627-8027 Keep in mind the cost of a good scope and rings when thinking this over, I didn't... |
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Thanks for the replies fellas, great info. Would the Styer tactical bolt guns be a choice worth considering...or are they out of the price range? The guys at the shop thought they were real nice guns, but no more accurate...or better than say the Rem 700's or the FN's. I have noticed a ton of after market stuff for the 700's.....like the Accuacy Int.stock sets, which seem really nice. SIG...Steyr....worth considering...or just overkill for a new bolt gun guy? |
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www.cdnninvestments.com CDNN had a bunch of Steyr rifles ealier this year that they were trying to move. I don't remember if any were tactical types. You have to download the catalog and read it with adobe to see the guns, I don't think they are listed on the regular website. |
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The 700 PSS comes with an H-S Precision stock with aluminum bedding bar. Sweet shooting out of the box. Mine shoots tight groups every time. I think Steyr and Cooper are over priced for what you are getting. The wood isn't that fancy, and no outside access to the box magazine. My AR-10A4 will shoot with the 700 PSS but costs about twice as much. |
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