• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

remington 700 factory accuracy

stork23raz

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 14, 2010
25
2
38
east Tennessee
I am considering a remington 700 in 308. My question is what would be honest expectancy for a factory 700 in accuracy. I was considering maybe the 20" tactical but most likely the 26" varmint. I hear people say that their factory rifles are shooting 1/4 -1/2 moa. Apparently all the ninjas today are able to shoot outshoot F class rifles with there $400 walmart rifles. I call BS. So I want a realistic expectation. I would probably put a Mk4 scope or maybe vx-3. It will probably get a trigger upgrade or tuned down the road but that will most likely be it for several years. Id really like the gun to shoot close to a minute or so out to 600 with good loads. Is this reasonable or am I asking to much? I'm pretty sure thats asking to much, but i just want to double check. I dont shoot past 600, so 1 Moa is good enough for me at that range......for now.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I bought an SPS Varmint that would shoot sub 1" groups even with the crappy stock it came withand factory ammo. I dropped it in a HS Precision stock and it will always shoot sub 1" 5 shot groups at 100 yards. Typically around 1/2-3/4" with reloads, but if it shoots wider it's me. I can't wait to ditch the X-Mark Pro trigger for a Timney and skim bed the action and see what this thing can really do.

I've only taken it to 400 yards, but I plan on going to around 1000 depending on what I can get in the mountains around here.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I think 1/2 to 1 moa is a realistic expectation. I have two M700's in .308. A 700V in a HS precision stock and 700 AAC-SD AICS. The best groups I was able to obtain were 1/2 moa and that was after extensive load development.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I've shot 3 groups out of my new SPS Tac. 308. All 5 shots at 100 yards. Gun is stock except for an HS stock.
2012-05-19_14-38-54_479.jpg

2012-05-19_14-38-23_711.jpg

2012-05-09_15-40-55_517.jpg
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I also have a Remington 700 SPS tactical which is a 1/2 moa rifle, but i actually prefer my Savage 10 fcp-sr much better build quality and consistantly more accurate. I would look into Savage's law enforcement line.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

The tactical I own has been restocked, bedded and retriggered but it is an honest .5-.6 inch grouper at 100y with frequent .3 inch groups thrown in. I don’t shoot paper at distance but as long as I judge and hold the correct wind it is still grouping at or under .75 moa at 600 and 700y. Things tend to open up for me thereafter. At 1000y I think my best 5 shot was around 11” with 14-18 the norm for my 175’s that are subsonic by then.

While this isn’t my best group at 700 it is a picture I have.

700 yards 175smk@2550fps handload. Held .5 mil wind. 5 shots 8" spread counting the one I pulled low (shot triggered out of respiratory pause), 4 were less than 5". Not bad for a factory Remington Tactical and 10x nikon... (can of chew for reference
wink.gif
)

Forsale008.jpg



and some load development pics, all 5 shots at 100

bulletsandstuff004.jpg
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I have a Remington 700 Varmit with a 26" barrel, factory stock, Jewell trigger, and Nightforce glass. The gun consistently shoots 0.75"-1" 5-shot groups with Black Hills factory ammo (at 100 and 200 yards). When the groups grow beyond 1" it's usually me not the gun. At 600 yards I would expect the groups to be less accurate but if you are shooting from a bench with a good rest, good glass, and good loads I think 1 MOA at 600 yards might be a reasonable expectation especially if you are a trained marksman. I am a hobbyist target shooter not a service trained marksman so my accuracy reflects my experience.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I have a rem700 sps tactical. And its sub moa all the way out to 600yds. That's the furthest I've shot so far. I'm talking 3rd groups though... once I shoot my 4th,5th rounds my factory stock affects my accuracy. If my bipod is deployed my barrel is no longer free floating. So I'm limited to 3 rounds before they start to drift. I've got an AICS waiting at home on me. Can't wait to install it! This rifle is a fine shooter. You can't go wrong with any 700 you buy. And I've got a MK4 scope like you mentioned. Its a great combo.

The guys claiming 1/2 moa at normal ranges aren't necessarily lying. Its a VERY capable rifle!
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

OP. You're asking for honest accuracy of factory rifles on an Internet forum? Don't you know that everyone on here shoots half moa "all day" with their factory SPS? That's why every time you see pictures or groups they show a close up of one group while cutting out the rest of their groups. LMAO! I'd like to see pictures of factory rifle targets with five or more five shot groups in one picture all half moa...unlikely...
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

My pics are of rounds 16 through 31 out of my rifle. I'm not only showing good groups. Every round out of it so far has been posted here.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I may just do that for you cox380

Of course it won’t make much of a difference as you would still have to take me at my word and/or disqualify the rifle since it is no longer 100% factory...
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stork23raz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what would be honest expectancy for a factory 700 in accuracy</div></div>The factory standards are in Mike Lau's book.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

It's plenty accurate to have lots of fun with, especially with hand loads. You won't be disappointed and there is plenty of room to grow. I recommend the AAC though. Faster twist and already threaded. I shoulda done that since I had my SPS-V cut to 22" and threaded anyway (AAC is 20"). In a cheap bell and carlson stock, mine does anything I want so far. Had no trouble hitting an IPSC at 835 and 2 moa squares at 800 and 900. It doesn't really like the 175's at 100 though. Hovers just over a minute with Southwest, but it likes the HSM 168 A max's. But the comps I've been in had targets out to 900+ so I stick with 175's.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I think 1 to 1.5 MOA is a good estimate on what it will do.. You may get better but don't expect it. If you want one that will shoot sub 1/2MOA out of the box try a Savage Model 10 I only say this because they have proved to me over and over to out shoot the pants off Remintons factory rifles.I own 3 Remington rifles but I have had them all custom built. I own a savage predator .223 and it shoots like a Custom My Dad has the new predator and it shoots one hole and I have seen 6 or 8 others do just that all right out of the box. But i can also see wanting the 700 to build on. But I would recommend a used one for that or if you had the money get a Remington clone of some flavor and build on it. But it sounds like you are on a budget so i would say with my experience and I wanted a good rifle ready to shoot with the money I had to spend now......It would hands down be the Savage 10.. I know ill probably stir the Remington lovers pot, But I am also a Remington fan. I just want you to get the best bang for your buck.. Good luck.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I may just do that for you cox380

Of course it won’t make much of a difference as you would still have to take me at my word and/or disqualify the rifle since it is no longer 100% factory... </div></div>

Niles, I see that you back your claims up with pics. Hats off to you. You got a good rifle there and you are a hell of a shot. I dont dought you or disclaim your group because of a aftermarket stock or bedding job, trigger etc. My post was directed towards the other 98.6% of the guys who don't or can't back up their "all day" claims.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

Mine's pretty much a stock 26" varmint action. Just bedded the stock, dropped the factory trigger to 2.5 lbs, and dropped on a NF and some rings. It's pretty much a 1" gun although I have managed a couple lucky .6"-.7" groups.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

My experence is that unless you get a good one, an average of 3/4" at 100 is about what can be extected with proper load develement. Some might shoot a little better, some a little worse. My 2 rifles that "might" shoot .5" all day long and shoot a .2 or .3 once in a while both have about $1000 worth of work and parts invested in them
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

Well my original intention was to get into Ft/r. I thought about getting a Savage Ft/r 308, sightron 8-32x56 and sinclair fclass bipod. problems being that would be ALOT of money for me to try to come up with. Also it kinda limits the use of rifle to just a target rifle. I do own savage rifles and have shot a modified 700. I think I would like a 700 due to major industry backing in aftermarket modifications. I did say it would stay factory for a while, but realistically somewhere down the road it would be upgraded, Prob in a couple years a AI stock and then match barrel once that one expires. The rifle will remain mostly factory for a long time so that's how it will be shooting it at 600. I do plan on shooting at 1000 one day but only after upgrades of course in the rifle and after my skills develop more.

Yes I have to agree if you want to show groups. On one piece of paper I like to see 5-10 groups of 5 or 10 shot groups.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I have been impressed with my new 5R, although it didn't start out that way. I had to send it to Remington after 30 shots (horrible extraction issues, 2" groups). After I got it back I commenced load development. Yesterday was the 1st positive day with the rifle.
Doing my OCW, I managed a few .3 - .5" groups (3 shot groups, due to OCW).

Now, to get this rifle to where I'd like I will need to drop it in a real stock, and put in a real trigger...as both of those are absolute crap in my view. So....that is another $1300 most likely. That is without any blueprinting or tuning either, so if you did that you are easily talking about custom rifle prices.

So sure, it could probably be turned into a thing it was not designed to be, but at a cost!
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cox380</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP. You're asking for honest accuracy of factory rifles on an Internet forum? Don't you know that everyone on here shoots half moa "all day" with their factory SPS? That's why every time you see pictures or groups they show a close up of one group while cutting out the rest of their groups. LMAO! I'd like to see pictures of factory rifle targets with five or more five shot groups in one picture all half moa...unlikely... </div></div>

This is pretty close to your requirements, and .4 if you average all 5 groups. Shot with a 5R Milspec with a 1.5# Timney off of a rest using FGMM 168.

But I won't claim I can do this "all day". I've had batches of FGMM where I couldn't shoot under .75 MOA from the same rifle.

So IF you get a good shooting factory barreled action, and IF you get a good batch of ammo, and IF you do your part, you MIGHT be able to pull off 5 x .5 MOA groups - but it likely won't be the norm.


20DollarBarrel.jpg
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

^^^ NICE! ^^^ Remington's doing something right when they're making the 5R's. Its almost in another class compared to other factory 700's. I also helps a lot to have a shooter such as yourself behind the rifle. Hand loads might get you that "all day" sub half moa! Then you'd be that 2% that can say it and not be full of shit! Isn't your rifle also in a AICS? I hope that I'm not going to be disappointed in my 5R after seeing that target! lol
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

The only problem you could run into is the last few on the production runs for the barrel tooling are not the best and it's not like you are going to know which ones those are. Unfortunately anyone producing factory barrels tend to squeeze every last bit of use out of their tooling but it is usually past the point where it is forming great rifling. It has gotten better over the years but you can still run into that issue.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

My xcr tactical shoots sub MOA easily with a 175 smk @ 2550 fps, I actually placed 2nd in the factory class at the Hickory NC Groundhog Shoot with it this year.

I try not to expect that accuracy out of a factory rifle but I would expect it to hold MOA, sometimes you happen to get a really good one, most of the time an average one, and every one in a while one that won't hit the side of a barn.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I was planning on getting a Mk 4 4.5-14x40LRT, which would be a better choice, the 26" varmint or the 20" tactical? the 20 of course would lack on muzzle velocity
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

Stork23Raz, I know your talking about a 308, but what I have to contribute to this is that I have owned several Rem 700's, some were very accurate and some were not. those that were not I got ride of right away. at one point I got ride of all of them and went to a Sako TRG 308 which I absolutely love. Well we are not talking about that, I recently for some unknown reason picked up a 700 Compact Tactical in 223 I thought it was a neat little rifle for maybe plinking and varmint hunting. Well I have to say that I have been impressed with this rifles accuracy, I normally can shoot 1/4 to 1/2 moa groups at 100 yards with no problem and I do not reload anymore. It loves the Partizan 69gn match bullet, and of corse the FGMM ammo but I shoot the Partizan because it cheaper. Although this model Remy is no longer made you can still find them NIB on the net also in 308, these rifles come factory equipped with the 40X trigger. Check these out you might be surprised. Good luck...
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cox380</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Isn't your rifle also in a AICS? I hope that I'm not going to be disappointed in my 5R after seeing that target! lol </div></div>

That was shot with the H-S Precision stock, before I got the AICS. The AICS doesn't shoot any better, but I prefer the feel.

Think you'll like the 5R. They seem to be consistently good shooters. Maybe it was just me getting used to it, but it seemed to shoot a little better after about 400 rounds.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I have been impressed with my new 5R, although it didn't start out that way. I had to send it to Remington after 30 shots (horrible extraction issues, 2" groups). After I got it back I commenced load development. Yesterday was the 1st positive day with the rifle.
Doing my OCW, I managed a few .3 - .5" groups (3 shot groups, due to OCW).

Now, to get this rifle to where I'd like I will need to drop it in a real stock, and put in a real trigger...as both of those are absolute crap in my view. So....that is another $1300 most likely. That is without any blueprinting or tuning either, so if you did that you are easily talking about custom rifle prices.

So sure, it could probably be turned into a thing it was not designed to be, but at a cost!
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cproflow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been impressed with my new 5R, although it didn't start out that way. I had to send it to Remington after 30 shots (horrible extraction issues, 2" groups). After I got it back I commenced load development. Yesterday was the 1st positive day with the rifle.
Doing my OCW, I managed a few .3 - .5" groups (3 shot groups, due to OCW).

Now, to get this rifle to where I'd like I will need to drop it in a real stock, and put in a real trigger...as both of those are absolute crap in my view. So....that is another $1300 most likely. That is without any blueprinting or tuning either, so if you did that you are easily talking about custom rifle prices.

So sure, it could probably be turned into a thing it was not designed to be, but at a cost! </div></div>

I think you double posted, just a few days in between.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

My 700P averages about .65MOA with me at the wheel. I shoot the occasional quarter minute group, and I shoot the occasional minute and a half group. But day in and day out the average with 168 gr FGMM (and factoring in the shooter as the biggest variable) is .65 MOA.

HRF
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hrfunk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 700P averages about .65MOA with me at the wheel. I shoot the occasional quarter minute group, and I shoot the occasional minute and a half group. But day in and day out the average with 168 gr FGMM (and factoring in the shooter as the biggest variable) is .65 MOA.

HRF </div></div>

700SPS-V, same barreled action, similar results, but Hornady match 168s, or handloads, and groups in the .3s occasionally. Right around 1MOA with Nosler CC or FGMM 168 loads. A new trigger and stock have made it more easier for me to be consistent and maybe the groups have tightened, but it would do this out of the box.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

My 700p is in its factory stock (bedded though), factory barrel, and trigger. With handloads It shoots anywhere from .5-1 MOA groups on average. Best ever was .3 at 100 but that was a one time deal so i wouldn't really count it. The farthest I've been able to shoot it unfortunately is 300 yds.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I have a 700-AAC that was shooting consistent .5-1moa groups at 100 yards with factory trigger, choate tactical stock, AAC brake and Bushnell 3-9x50 feeding it 168gr FGMM. Since then I installed a Timney 510 set to 2.5lbs and managed a .3 moa group at 100 yards at the end of the day, I was shocked but think a bit of luck was the culprit. Honestly the best out of the box rifle I've personally shot. You won't be disappointed in a Remington!
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I wouldn't go so far as to say you won't be disappointed, just that its not likely to be the accuracy that does it.
The recent 700 triggers are hit or miss, low end stocks are pathetic, feed issues not uncommon, and if you reload forget about the lands and notions of reasonable jump. To believe common lore this combination of issues shouldn't be able to consistantly shoot 3MOA groups but they often do better than 1MOA, mind you generally not in extended strings. Makes you wonder how good they'd be if modern manufacturing processes were put towards qaulity instead of sheer quanity and lawsuit avoidance.
If you want an accuracy guarantee Savage has 1 MOA on heavy barrels, T/C has MOA and sub MOA models, Remington guarantees nothing, but usually delivers.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coug</div><div class="ubbcode-body">on a budget so i would say with my experience and I wanted a good rifle ready to shoot with the money I had to spend now......It would hands down be the Savage 10.. I know ill probably stir the Remington lovers pot, But I am also a Remington fan. I just want you to get the best bang for your buck.. Good luck. </div></div>

Not bashing Big Green, but I am of the same opinion. I'm more a fan of the older Rems. Savage is the hidden gem of commercial rifles.....Oops, I shouldn't have said that. $200 less than a Tikka...

Browning A-Bolts(Mikoru made) are 1/2 to 1 MOA rifles stock as well. Great prices and deals on used Brownings on Gunbroker if you look. Spectacular trigger, bolt feels like it's on glass, but I don't know how easy they are to stock or bed.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I do have a savage 223 and a savage 22. They are both outstanding rifles for the money. I thought the next one might be a Remington since the aftermarket world for the most part solely is toward Remington. Originally I was gonna go with a Savage FT/r (which i am still considering) id like to get into Fclass and well.... it seems like the perfect ready to go package for the money. But i also thought i might want to use it for non fclass stuff, and well do to the size, weight, shiny barrel, single shot capacity it is kind limited. I really do like savage and I am really still considering them, maybe 10FCP HS, but I would like to customize my gun, and savage are pretty much you get super accuracy but your stuck with the factory package. Savage in this case is the higher priced gun to start with.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

here is mine and this is the group i got after load developement. still with the xmark now i have a timney on it. varmint 308 shooting 168 hornadys
700.jpg

five shots at 100 yards
IMAG0474.jpg
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stork23raz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do have a savage 223 and a savage 22. They are both outstanding rifles for the money. I thought the next one might be a Remington since the aftermarket world for the most part solely is toward Remington. Originally I was gonna go with a Savage FT/r (which i am still considering) id like to get into Fclass and well.... it seems like the perfect ready to go package for the money. But i also thought i might want to use it for non fclass stuff, and well do to the size, weight, shiny barrel, single shot capacity it is kind limited. I really do like savage and I am really still considering them, maybe 10FCP HS, but I would like to customize my gun, and savage are pretty much you get super accuracy but your stuck with the factory package. Savage in this case is the higher priced gun to start with.</div></div>


solely toward Remington... are you sure?
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: midkansasguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> here is mine and this is the group i got after load developement. still with the xmark now i have a timney on it. varmint 308 shooting 168 hornadys
700.jpg

five shots at 100 yards
IMAG0474.jpg
</div></div>
Looks like a good setup, what stock is that.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stork23raz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do have a savage 223 and a savage 22. They are both outstanding rifles for the money. I thought the next one might be a Remington since the aftermarket world for the most part solely is toward Remington. Originally I was gonna go with a Savage FT/r (which i am still considering) id like to get into Fclass and well.... it seems like the perfect ready to go package for the money. But i also thought i might want to use it for non fclass stuff, and well do to the size, weight, shiny barrel, single shot capacity it is kind limited. I really do like savage and I am really still considering them, maybe 10FCP HS, but I would like to customize my gun, and savage are pretty much you get super accuracy but your stuck with the factory package. Savage in this case is the higher priced gun to start with.</div></div>


solely toward Remington... are you sure? </div></div>

well maybe not solely, but last I knew their were alot more parts for remmy vs savage. Is the market finally catching up? So do you think it might be a better choice to get the savage and be done?
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

These days, Savage is no cheaper. Additionally, there are so many variations of Savages, it can sometimes be a headache to get the right parts. Remington is the standard.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I have a few custom guns and a few factory rifles. I have 3 factory rem 700. 2 of them being sps's. One is unfired so that is void, the sps tac is a .5moa gun some days and somedays it is 1.5 or so. Mine was VERY unconsistant so it's at LA presicion rifles to get upgraded. Manners T5A sitting with it. I know the stock had to go. It's as stiff as as 90 year old mans dick. Haha. My savage is much more consistent. But the remmy is not a bad rifle. If you get one and it doesn't do better than 1 MOA then it shouldnt take much to get it there. Good luck
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stork23raz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: midkansasguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> here is mine and this is the group i got after load developement. still with the xmark now i have a timney on it. varmint 308 shooting 168 hornadys
700.jpg

five shots at 100 yards
IMAG0474.jpg
</div></div>
Looks like a good setup, what stock is that. </div></div>

its a bell and carlson a5 picked it up for 400 bucks new. very nice for the price.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: midkansasguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stork23raz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: midkansasguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> here is mine and this is the group i got after load developement. still with the xmark now i have a timney on it. varmint 308 shooting 168 hornadys
700.jpg

five shots at 100 yards
IMAG0474.jpg
</div></div>
Looks like a good setup, what stock is that. </div></div>

its a bell and carlson a5 picked it up for 400 bucks new. very nice for the price.
</div></div>

I do like that stock, I had looked at that one before, but the way I see it, by the time you get that and a mag conversion, I might as well pay the difference get the ACIS chassis, which is very attractive to me. which is probably what I will do eventually if I get a 700.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

I have both remington and savage, my son has a howa.

I prefer the Rem to the savage. The savage shoots well, but the "feel" of the action and the bolt lift on the Rem are superior.

The Howa beats the standard rem SPS and any Savage for the "feel" of the action.

I'm not saying one shoots better than the other, but how a firearm "feels" has a bearing on how happy one is with it.

I have an older Sendero, an SPS tac in .223 and a 5R. The 5R action is noticeably smoother than the sps. The Sendero is an excellent shooter, the SPS is a good shooter and the 5R is also an excellent shooter.

The Tikka and Howa varmint series would be a very good place to start, as well as the CZ varmint kevlar.

If you want to stick with american, I would recommend the 700P.
If you get an SPS, you will really need to replace the stock in order to get consistent accuracy. So add another 230+. You will eventually replace the trigger, another 130 bucks (timney).

If you get the 700P, you get a very good stock that does not need replaced (HS Prescision), though you will need a stock pack, you will also get a very good trigger, that does not need replaced (40X).

If you elect to check out the CZ varmint kevlar, you will also get a very good stock that does not need replaced.
 
Re: remington 700 factory accuracy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both remington and savage, my son has a howa.

I prefer the Rem to the savage. The savage shoots well, but the "feel" of the action and the bolt lift on the Rem are superior.

The Howa beats the standard rem SPS and any Savage for the "feel" of the action.

I'm not saying one shoots better than the other, but how a firearm "feels" has a bearing on how happy one is with it.

I have an older Sendero, an SPS tac in .223 and a 5R. The 5R action is noticeably smoother than the sps. The Sendero is an excellent shooter, the SPS is a good shooter and the 5R is also an excellent shooter.

The Tikka and Howa varmint series would be a very good place to start, as well as the CZ varmint kevlar.

If you want to stick with american, I would recommend the 700P.
If you get an SPS, you will really need to replace the stock in order to get consistent accuracy. So add another 230+. You will eventually replace the trigger, another 130 bucks (timney).

If you get the 700P, you get a very good stock that does not need replaced (HS Prescision), though you will need a stock pack, you will also get a very good trigger, that does not need replaced (40X).

If you elect to check out the CZ varmint kevlar, you will also get a very good stock that does not need replaced. </div></div>
i did not know that the 700p came with the 40x trigger, That looks like it might be the best choice, little higher starting price but a good solid rifle, that still can be upgraded when the time comes.