.308 Shorty Build - Need SCOPE help and Opinions

[Mattrmvpd]

Ok... for some time I have been wanting to play around with a "BACK PACK" .308 Bolt Action.

Well... play time is over.

I have a 16" Rem 700 AAC SD on the way and I am looking to put it in the CHOATE Folding S/A Remington Stock.

It may not be the sexiest stock on the planet but... it is VERY workable... and VERY affordable.

I am looking to put a scope on this setup but I am having an issue deciding on what to use.

Should I go with a:

1-4 power
3-15 power
5-15 power

I was leaning towards a VORTEX 5-15.... or 4-16 power...

The reason I am NOT going with a fixed power scope is that I do NOT want to be stuck on 10X.... I really want this for a 500 and in weapon... but it would be NICE to stretch it out and have the optics to make that possible.

I am wanting this to be a light...portable....dependable system... ALL while keeping the cost down as much as possible.

Let me know what you all think...

Matt.

 

[sniperdude]

I have a similar set up , but with the aics folder.
I have the leupold 4.5-14 x 40 with the covered target turrets, just to lesson the chance for windage or elev movement while in the pack

I would think 3-15 or 5-15 would be good low to high end magnification for that

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Sniperdude,

Thanks for the response. I was NOT even thinking about covered turrets. THANK YOU! That would be much better...

 

[strike33]

Leupold Mark 6 3-18... especially if you fall into the mil/leo discount

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Strike33 - I like the Mark 6... but the prices are just way up there.... even with the LEO pricing... they are very expensive..

I have though looked at the NEW Vortex HS-T 4x16-44 VMR-1 MRAD... VERY VERY VERY nice scope... the price is VERY good as well.

I might be giving it a try here very soon...

Matt

 

[jsimonh]

I'm building a similar setup and just went with a Vortex in 4-12 SF with covered turrets and their BDC. It came down to it or the 4-16 HS model but I got a really nice deal on the 4-12 and jumped on it. 4 power will be nice to hunt hogs with and 12 should get me out there a little ways.

 

[BoilerUP]

Buy the Vortex HS 5-15x I'm selling

Seriously though, I briefly owned the exactly same 700 16.5" 308 and ran a Weaver GS Tactical 3-10x40 mil/mil...with a 20MOA base I had 14mil+ from 100yd zero with 168gr TAP (2524fps) and it worked great out to 900yd. The lil' Weavers are very nice optics if you've never tried one, and for $299.99 (less with a discount code) they are good values.

 

[xcDave15]

This is pretty much the exact set up I'm putting together for my next build. Very interested to see the responses (I was thinking a fixed 10x leupold, not what you want I know)

 

[Mattrmvpd]

XCDave15,

I was looking at a 10X fixed in the beginning but after playing around with one... I just dont know if that is the way I wanted to go... I know that this setup has the ability to still be a very good LONG RANGE rifle... but my eyes are just limited...soo I would rather have the higher magnification IF possible.... I just do not really want to be stuck on 10X the entire time.... That is why I was leaning towards the Vortex now...in a 5-15 or 4-16 range... somewhere in there.

I will try and get some pics posted next week. I am getting ready to order the stock (CHOATE FOLDER).

Matt

 

[GotM118LR]

I have the same basic rig you are thinking about, except with a 18" AAC barrel. It wears a 3-9x Mark 2 with covered low profile turrets. 9x is plenty for 500-600 yds if shooting at "practical" targets. And covered turrets are definitely the way to go for a truck/pack rifle. You can pick up a used Mark 2 or a Mark AR (the older ones with covered 1/2 MOA turrets) for $300-ish used. There are 4-12x and 6-18x models too if 9x isn't enough.

 

[proneshooter]

+1 for the Weaver 1" 3-10X40 mil/mil. Steal of the century for $299 and perfect for what you are doing.

 

[alexm_mechanic]

Look into the swfa scopes, they have good glass and return to zero after dialing in dope.

 

[dsf]

One of the smaller scopes I've seen and used is the Burris Timberline in 4.5 to 14X. The scope has a 32 AO front bell and is fairly short. Midway lists the specs but is out of stock, others have them in stock.

Burris Timberline Rifle Scope 4.5-14x 32mm Ajustable Objective

I know the Timberline is Burris's economy line, but the glass is fine and quality is excellent.

 

[S12A]

New pst 2.10x 32 milmil

 

[Changed]

I haven't seen it mentioned, but I would rock the Bushnell Elite Tactical in 3-12 with the G2 Reticle. That with a 20 MOA base should give you everything you need. I suggest the G2 Reticle because it will be super fast for holdovers, without being overly complicated.

Chip

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Ok... Here is what I have coming in. Keep in mind I wanted a LIGHT...COMPACT...DEPENDABLE....and DURABLE Pack rifle.

- Remington 700 AAC 16" with AAC Brake
- Stock - CHOATE Folder
- Base - 20 MOA Night Force
- Scope - Weaver GS Tactical 3X10-40mm MIL/MIL
- Rings - Burris Tactical LOW'S (6 Screw)
- Stock Pack

**I will have to drill (2) sling studs in the stock... 1 for a bipod...other for a sling attachment.. It should be NO issue at all

I will post pics when the packages show... and some when it is done.

Matt

 

[Changed]

Ok... Here is what I have coming in. Keep in mind I wanted a LIGHT...COMPACT...DEPENDABLE....and DURABLE Pack rifle.

- Remington 700 AAC 16" with AAC Brake
- Stock - CHOATE Folder
- Base - 20 MOA Night Force
- Scope - Weaver GS Tactical 3X10-40mm MIL/MIL
- Rings - Burris Tactical LOW'S (6 Screw)
- Stock Pack

**I will have to drill (2) sling studs in the stock... 1 for a bipod...other for a sling attachment.. It should be NO issue at all

I will post pics when the packages show... and some when it is done.

Matt

I would really thing about the Bell and Carlson Light Tactical. It's lighter by a pound or so, but a much better stock over all. Of course you give up the folding option, but with a 16" barrel its not much of an issue.

Chip

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Chip,

I have a B/C LT on a different rifle. Good stocks... But I need the portability on this one. I just wanted something different. I have played with a CHOATE Folder in the past. To be honest it runs a VERY similar aluminum skeleton inside just like the B/C. They do NOT require bedding at all... and are EXTREMELY strong stocks.

Im mainly doing this for a pack rifle... smalll compact... and keeping the price down.

Will this compete with a GAP rifle... or similar... NO... most likely not.. but...it should do the trick on dropping "PRACTICAL" targets at range.... and do so at a MUCH LOWER price.

Matt.

 

[bohem]

I missed it or the OP didn't mention but what's the price tag you're looking at?

If interested I might have a solution for you, shoot me a PM and we'll discuss over the phone.

 

[Chiller]

New pst 2.10x 32 milmil

What will be on mine as soon as I can get my hands on one.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Chiller,

I looked at the same scope... I love the Vortex scopes and have SEVERAL. I wanted to go that way... but... in the end.. wanted to keep the cost down some more but still have a ROCK SOLID scope.

The funny thing is the Weaver and the Bushnell 10X scopes are some of the strongest made scopes. I remember a time when the Bushnell 3200 was on Barretts .50 cal. rifles... That says alot!

I will keep everyone posted.

As on now... scope...stock and accessories are on the UPS truck getting ready to head my way.

Rifle should be here Tuesday of next week..... so pictures will be coming soon.

Thanks for all the help guys!!!

Matt.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Ok... As usual everything in on order and MOST is inbound.

The STOCK (Choate Folder) is 2 weeks out. They had NONE in stock but are going to build one up late next week.

I will update when all the junk gets here.

Thanks again for all the help,
Matt.

 

[Will Fennell]

I've got the Vortex PST 2.5-10x32 FFP for my 700AAC-SD/16.5".....its a great scope...and its the right size for this rifle!

 

[JoshcBoucher]

I'd go 4-16. Just me. Having the ability to go to 16, is nice, for those long shots.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

The ONLY problem with the 4-16... and 6-24's... and I have one of each... is that that are TOOOO long of a scope. I wanted something more compact. That was the whole reason for the build was to keep it compact... and still very usable.

Matt.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

UPDATE:

Rifle is due in TODAY.

All accessories EXCEPT the stock are HERE and waiting.

The stock is about another week out......

I will try and post up some pics of the goodies tonight.

Matt.

 

[TX03RUBI]

I'm doing something similar but in 6.5CM. It's a Rem 700 action with 18" Rock Creek barrel sitting in a KRG Whiskey 3 folding chassis. On top it will wear a Leupold MK6 3-18 TMR. The rifle should be finished sometime in a couple weeks. It's being built by SAC right now. It's my light and short 1000yd rifle.

 

[docdredd]

Warrior talk has a thread called "Guerrilla sniper rifles" that discusses pretty much your exact build. The folks there were a little intense for me so we parted ways under less than amicable means. But if you can get past the armchair badasses who want to nuke anyone thats not christian, then the forum has some pretty good information.