Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

[captmike03]

Hi, this is my first post here as I just registered, but I have been researching the forum to gain knowledge as to what rifle would be best for me. I have settled on two and tried to make the comparison as fair as I could. The cost difference between the following two rifles is approximately $570 and that would go a long way towards the glass should I choose the 700 AAC/SD. First a little about me:

I am 66 years old and retired military (Army). In addition to my 23 years of military training (no sniper training) I have been sport shooting & reloading since 1970. I do not compete nor do I plan to compete. I will be using the rifle I choose for pleasure or whatever comes up.

Here is where I stand with my research:

<span style="font-weight: bold">FN SPR-A1 308 $1670.35 delivered</span>
20” 1-10 twist barrel (fluted, not threaded)
McMillan fiberglass stock
Stock trigger
Detachable 4 round magazine
Picattiny rail

<span style="font-weight: bold">Remington 700 AAC/SD 308 $1100 delivered</span>
20” 1-10 twist barrel (not fluted – threaded)
B & C Medalist stock
non detachable 4 round magazine
Timney or Jewel trigger
Picattiny rail

Both rifle will exceed my abilities so my question would be which rifle would be the better investment? Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

Personally, I'd go with the Remington 700. Much more aftermarket support if/when you decide to upgrade bits and pieces.

Where in GA are you located?

 

[captmike03]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

Elberton, GA, just East of Athens.

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

With what you have listed, the FN is the better gun. $100 and you can thread and cap the barrel on the FN.

The FN has the better stock and comes with the scope base, according to FNUSA's website. Not sure if the stock on the FN or the Remington is bedded, if not that is an easy fix. Is the Remington new or a semi custom build buy someone/builder?

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

The R700 SPS AAC-SD comes with a 1-10" twist from the factory. Has the barrel been changed on the R700 that you have listed?

The factory R700 AAC-SD comes with an overmolded Houge stock. Has the model you have listed been custom built? If so, is the stock bedded. You stated that the R700 has a 1-12" twist. What kind of barrel is on this rifle? like I said, the factory R700 AAC-SD comes with a heavy 1-10" twist barrel.

 

[captmike03]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

The 700 AAC/SD I have listed is as it would be configured after purchasing the basic AAC/SD, the B&C stock, new trigger and optic rail. I got the twists backwards. According to the Remington site the 700 SPS comes with a 20" 1-12 non threaded barrel http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-sps-tactical.aspx. The AAC/SD comes with a 20" 1-10 threaded barrel http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-sps-tactical-aac-sd.aspx.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

I think the FN is the better rifle, and comes from a maker with a better reputation for consistent quality. I think it's probably a better place to start from.

Glass is an evolutionary thing, IMHO. You start with enough to get you up and running; then upgrade later, when time and resources permit. The 'lesser' scope then becomes a 'hot spare/fallback' scope living on your rimfire trainer, which comes next in the order of evolution. A basic rimfire bolt gun, with basic glass, should be the real work horse.

People who believe in 'buy once, cry once' tend to spend more idle time during the 'saving up' period. My preference is to get up on the horse soonest, and see how far it will take me before I absolutely need to spend more. It's about the learning, and not about the spending.

Greg

 

[SEREK82]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

I would go with what you prefer and what suites your needs/budget also don´t skip on the glass.

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

What B&C stock is going on it? I know you said a Medalist. But what type?

 

[captmike03]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

The stock I am looking at is the Varmint/Tactical model. It usually runs a little over $200.

 

[captmike03]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

Decision made! I just placed an order for a 700AAC/SD in 308 and a Bell & Carlson Tactical Medalist Style 3 w/ "Hook" Model 2956 Long Range Lightweight Remington 700 Short Action Stock (97 Olive w/ Black Web, BDL Hinged Floor plate.

Now for the "other" stuff.
I am looking at the Weaver Tactical Extended Multi-Slot Base and the Weaver 6 Hole Picatinny Rings (about $50 total)to mount the scope on (does this sound adequate).
Bipod: Harris type S - Suggestions?
Flash suppressor - Suggestions? (until I can get a can)
Trigger -Suggestions?
Bolt Handle - Suggestions

Thanks for everyone's input...this place is awsome!

 

[jc98ss]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Capt Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Decision made! I just placed an order for a 700AAC/SD in 308 and a Bell & Carlson Tactical Medalist Style 3 w/ "Hook" Model 2956 Long Range Lightweight Remington 700 Short Action Stock (97 Olive w/ Black Web, BDL Hinged Floor plate.

Now for the "other" stuff.
I am looking at the Weaver Tactical Extended Multi-Slot Base and the Weaver 6 Hole Picatinny Rings (about $50 total)to mount the scope on (does this sound adequate).
Bipod: Harris type S - Suggestions?
Flash suppressor - Suggestions? (until I can get a can)
Trigger -Suggestions?
Bolt Handle - Suggestions

Thanks for everyone's input...this place is awsome! </div></div>
congrats, that's going to be a great little rifle for you......i would go with an EGW base with TPS rings......this setup is extremely solid and is the best "bang for your buck" for those on a budget

 

[Nisils14]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

The AAC-SD is a great shooter and you're already setup with a better stock and trigger which are huge improvements already. What was already recommended for base and rings is a good setup. If you want a step up in rings, Seekins is hard to beat imo. With bases, it's endless. There's a lot out there for bases and rings, so take your time looking. I would leave a flash suppressor on the back burner unless you get one for a quick detach suppressor. Either trigger should be great.

 

[captmike03]

Re: Need Your Input on Rifle Selection!

I now have my R700 AAC/SD in hand and am waiting on the B&C Stock. Will order Badger rails and Seekins mounts soon, but the scope seletion is kicking my a$$. So many stocks, so little time! I am narrowing it down a bit. For the price I like the Vortex and the Bushnell Elite variable power scopes, but the more I read on fixed scopes the more interested I am. When I get closer to making a decision I will start a new thread and get everyone's expert opinion.