Rem 700 Short Action Question....

[Brushout]

Hi Guys,

Here is what I am wanting to do. I have a buddy at work that has a Rem 700 SPS in .243. It is so cheap, it is crazy not to buy it. I was wondering how difficult it is for a gunsmith (ie GAP) to change this from .243 to .308. Is this possible? Both are listed as a short action, just didnt know if they have the same receiver and bolt parts.

Should I do that or keep it as a .243. I like both rounds a lot. Is it just the barrel that has to be changed out? What about the bolt?

Thanks for all the help!

Mark

 

[jasonk]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

Same/same, just install the barrel you want.

 

[RADcustom]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

I wouldn't be too quick to change calibers. The only advantage the 308 has is more choices for factory match ammo.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

Depends on what he wants it for, assuming it's an SPS sporter than it'd make bad LR gun.

 

[Brushout]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

Thats kinda what I was thinking. Only problem is that it is a SPS 700 with a super skinny barrel and it was his farm rifle. Just tossed in the Jeep and go kinda thing. He doesnt shoot it anymore and told me I could take it. Was thinking about sending it to George and Co. and let them do their magic. I have a spare McM A5, so no waiting on that. Just wondering if it would be a good investment to have that in my safe. Ideas on barrels? Makes or length for the .243? Does anyone make a can for the .243?

 

[Chance]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

Yes, buy it...its probably a great deal. The 243 uses the same bolt face as the 308, 7-08, 260, etc.... You can make it into whatever you want, just add the barrel of your choice.

Good luck

 

[darrenk75b]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

1:7.5" twist .243 with a 26" Rem Varmint contour barrel. George likely has some barrels on hand that would work.

 

[jwmurff]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

hey I have a 700 sps in 308 and I am looking to buy a new tactical stock, heavy barrel, and scope for it, what gear would you guys recommend?

 

[RADcustom]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Depends on what he wants it for, assuming it's an SPS sporter than it'd make bad LR gun. </div></div>

I never said don't change barrels, just don't count out the 243 caliber.

 

[Joel45]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Depends on what he wants it for, assuming it's an SPS sporter than it'd make bad LR gun. </div></div>

I never said don't change barrels, just don't count out the 243 caliber.

</div></div>

+1 Nothing the matter with a .243--changing out barrels can get spendy--make sure it doesn't become "regular price" by the time you are done.

 

[chad3]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

243 is more like a "racer" than the 308. I've done the same, but if you are looking for a long distance shooter, you may stick with the .243. Wizz it fast, burn the barrel and have a great shooter. 308, stay clam, run tons of good bullets and have tons of rounds.
FWIW, I don't have a 243 yet...
Chad

 

[RemingtonSPS]

Re: Rem 700 Short Action Question....

Why not a 260 rem GAP. Good selection of factory match ammo. Great 6.5mm selection of bullets. Great LR rig but you wouldn't be sold short with the .243. 6mm bullets are cheap and 243 lapua brass is awesome.