Long Range/Precision Newbie's First Rifle

[NeoGeo630]

Hey everyone. Long time lurker, first time poster. Been interested in long range shooting for a couple of years now, but have just been reading and trying to learn more about it. So far I've only been an AR style rifle shooter for the past 3 or so years. This past Thursday, my LGS released their weekly sales ad which had a Remington SPS Tactical for the fantastic price of $499 after current Remington $40 rebate. I couldn't pass it up so I "bit the bullet" and purchased one chambered in 308 Win. This will be my starter rifle and introduction into semi-serious long range precision shooting.

With the reading I have done in regards to the SPS Tactical, one of the weak points of the rifle most everyone points out is the Hogue Overmold stock due to it's un-stiff nature and possible tendency to touch the barrel when a bipod is installed and load applied to the system. So I'm naturally already thinking about switching out the stock before I even get a chance to shoot the rifle.

My question to everyone is, should this be something I do now or should I wait and shoot the rifle a while before I switch out the stock? If yes, which stock would be recommended, something mid-priced for a newbie shooter?

Thanks for everyone's input in advance.

 

[Zan700]

Re: Long Range/Precision Newbie's First Rifle

I am pretty much in the same boat you are, just picked up a 700 AAC-SD and had similar questions here is the link:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...493#Post3602493

Hope this can help a little, good luck

 

[13F48L7]

Re: Long Range/Precision Newbie's First Rifle

The factory stock has it's good and bad poitns. It depends on what you are looking to do with the rifle. If you are going to make it from a rest only, by all means ditch the flimsy factory stock. If it is going to be carried all over the place and through brush keep it. You can always shave the areas you notice barrel contact. This will keep it a light rifle and not cost you anything. This sport is a never ending money pit. Set yourself a reasonable budget and start the process on paper before you start just buying parts. There are plenty of threads on this forum that discuss exactly what you are doing. The search feature is your friend.

 

[230grRN]

Re: Long Range/Precision Newbie's First Rifle

Shoot it for awhile and start learning how to drive that baby, a stock upgrade is probably inevitable because as you get more addicted you will upgrade. A take off HS precision or Bell & Carlson would be good options until you can move up to a McMillan, Manners or chassis type stock.

 

[NeoGeo630]

Re: Long Range/Precision Newbie's First Rifle

It's definitely true that shooting sports is a never ending money pit! That's one of the reasons why I have put off long range shooting. I knew that compared to most other types of weapon systems, this would be the most costly in terms of equipment and ammo.

I will take all of your advice and just shoot it as is for a while until I learn more. There will always be time and opportunity to upgrade later. But I must say, that Manners T4A stock is calling my name!!