I have a Rem 700 SPS Tac with the original Rem trigger (x-mark). I have a marginal scope which is fine for the distances I shoot now (a couple hundred yards). I have some money to upgrade one now, but not the other, so where should I spend it: a Timney trigger, or a new scope (as I start to branch out towards 500 yards)?
- Thread starter chuckman
- Start date
I'd say trigger since it is cheaper and will give you a more immediate change in performance.
What kind of scope do you have on it now?
What kind of scope do you have on it now?
Thanks for the opinion. I will save myself the embarrassment of telling you what scope...suffice it to say, once I leave 200 yards I will need a new one.
If the scope isn't good enough to mention, I'd start with it.
A scope.
What's your budget?
What's your budget?
Always the Trigger first !
Trigger. If you are anything like me you want to really take your time picking a scope you are completely content with. The timney's are superb and swapping out the trigger will not only save you money right now but give you time to make your scope decision right.
The Rem is on a B&C M40 stock, so I am good there. The scope is a cheap BSA mil dot that was given to me. So there.
I'd go with a decent steel 20 minute rail and a decent set of rings there's been many times where that change alone can make a world of difference in groups
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scope, make sure its a buy once cry once type of scope so that if you ever decide to change guns or platforms, you can take it to your next rifle.
Take what I say with a grain of salt but if it were me I'd save my money and invest in a quality piece of glass. My experience with Remington's factory trigger is that it's entirely serviceable. In fact with a little tinkering, a trigger pull gauge and 20 minutes I got my x-mark from 6lbs to a safe 2.5lbs. Although I do understand not all remington triggers are as easily adjusted as others. If you don't already have a good base and rings that would also be money well spent.
I agree fully with this. I am already shooting pretty tight groups within two trips of ever shooting a bolt rifle. I watched a bunch of videos in the online training section and practice the fundamentals at home. It helps me focus at the range.
My Xmark trigger isn't great, but it is consistent at least and breaks crisp. Focusing on fundamentals will help more than new parts. Someone behind a GAP rifle, who doesn't breath properly , has poor trigger control, and doesn't follow the basics....isn't going to shoot better because of the rifle. Poor skill = poor performance, regardless of equipment.
You don't always need to buy an expensive trigger. Work on the one you have, get the trigger pull lightened and see how that works first. If your stock is touching the barrel then that is actually the first thing you NEED to change if you ever want to advance and shoot longer distances.
For what I shoot now, the scope isn't THAT bad. I read you, though, and do plan on some training.
Trigger.
Glass, glass, glass ....
So many suggestions for trigger? For real? If the trigger affects your shooting - it ain't the trigger, it's YOU!!!!
So many suggestions for trigger? For real? If the trigger affects your shooting - it ain't the trigger, it's YOU!!!!
This is the second session with a 700 in my hands.
5-shots at 100yds. X-mark may not be perfect, but remaining calm while shooting, steady breathing, straight trigger pull and follow through netted the group. The fundamentals are where to start. Add equipment as you start to out shoot the rifle.
5-shots at 100yds. X-mark may not be perfect, but remaining calm while shooting, steady breathing, straight trigger pull and follow through netted the group. The fundamentals are where to start. Add equipment as you start to out shoot the rifle.
Well???
Well, with a decent group like that the scope upgrade isn't gonna be a factor in shrinking your group size like a better trigger would. A couple hundred on a trigger will give you more control and feel. A quality scope purchase will set you back $1,200 + and you should really do your homework and try looking through a couple before making that purchase.
^^^Not his grouping^^^
How does your rifle currently group with your setup Chuckman?
How does your rifle currently group with your setup Chuckman?
^^^^Gotcha, I'm gonna post some of my groups too!^^^^ lol
Maybe 1.5" at 100 yards, a bit over 2" at 200 yards.
Incidently the scope I am looking at is the Bushnell Elite 10x.
Incidently the scope I am looking at is the Bushnell Elite 10x.
This is a great scope for the price. I was using this on my .22lr trainer for a bit. My new scope that came on the rifle I purchased was an SWFA 12x42. The reticle is great at longer range, due to the thin lines. They are only about $90 more than the Bushnell, but it is a 30mm scope that would require new rings if you have 1" now.
I'd go for the SWFA myself as well.
Your trigger can be adjusted at $0.00 cost to wring out some additional performance. Your BSA scope cannot perform any better than it does right now. I would upgrade the glass now and the trigger when you start outshooting the stock trigger. If ever.
Me, when faced with larger than desired groups at 100 yards simply moved up to 50 yards. My groups shrunk substantially.
Me, when faced with larger than desired groups at 100 yards simply moved up to 50 yards. My groups shrunk substantially.
Quote: Me, when faced with larger than desired groups at 100 yards simply moved up to 50 yards. My groups shrunk substantially.
Just do this ^^^^ and spend $0. Why didn't the rest of us think of that!?!?!?
Just do this ^^^^ and spend $0. Why didn't the rest of us think of that!?!?!?
Adjust your trigger and dry fire a lot, try diferent ammo and yes the bushnell is a great scope for the price. Don`t forget a good base and rings.
i've adjusted a couple of xmarks. They have a habit of dying. I'd replace trigger first, scope second. Range time is good also. Just my 2 cents for the night, go have fun.
Please elaborate.
Which upgrade first??
Get it! Quality upgrade for a good price. I would also upgrade to a TPS 20 MOA base and TPS low rings. They are good quality and won't kill your bank account.
Get it! Quality upgrade for a good price. I would also upgrade to a TPS 20 MOA base and TPS low rings. They are good quality and won't kill your bank account.
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Someone asked about my statement, "they have a habit of dying." I have had several xmarks which would a.)not adjust to my satisfaction b.) no longer hold enough tension to keep bolt cocked c.) not reset after the bolt was opened. Basically all are the same basic problem - trigger not dependable.
Not trying to start a war....Just my two cents.
Not trying to start a war....Just my two cents.
Update: ordered the Bushnell 10x mil-dot scope today; got it for a song. Next up: new trigger. I think I am on my way. Thanks to all for the replies.
