Which 700 should I go with? Newbie help...

[98camaro28]

I have been hunting for many years and have just not gotten into target shooting. I would eventually like to shoot out to 1000+. Right now I have a Marlin XL7 .270 I hunt with and a Savage .223 to mess around with, and would like to get a Remington 700 to start doung my long range practice with. I plan on eventually doing a custom build on it, but until I am adequate enough to shoot even a factory 700 good enough, Im gonna leave everything alone. I have a Vortex Viper, and 2 SS's (10x and 16x). Which model 700 should I go with? SPS varmint? SPS tactical? Which round? .300 WSM? .308? Any help is greatly appreciated. Just looking for what will give me the best out-of-the-box performance with great aftermarket support. I also plan to hunt whitetail out to about 400-500.

BTW, I was in the military and have been hunting for years. I just need some advise, as I have never been this involved.

 

[mlh29]

Re: Which 700 should I go with? Newbie help...

Well, If it were me I would seriously take a long look at features you want, items that you may change and what you are truely going to use it for. You mention target shooting, deer hunting to 500(pretty far IMHO but I have always tried to get as close as possible while hunting) You have mentioned that you have hunted for a long time, and been in the military. I am unsure as to your hunting styles. I know I would rather be chasing deer with a rifle that weighs closer to an m4 than one that is weighing close to a m240b.
You mention 300wsm and 308, Both fine choices for lr target shooting or hunting at moderate ranges. More ammunition choices are out for 308 than 300wsm. this may be a concern for you if you do not reload.
I ask what you want to change, improve on in a remington 700 as you may find one already completed used that is close to what you think you want.
If it were me I would handle the various versions and pick the one I like best. The basic barreled actions of all mentioned are the same except the finishes. The main difference on newer 700 are the type stocks they come in, remington plastic, hougue, hs synthetics etc. This may be a concern if you plan to put it into a tactical stock as why spend extra on a something you will have to sell or have sitting taking up space.
I would also question your choice in scopes on an alternate deer rifle, 10x or higher I feel would handicap you in the woods or fields if you have a fast deer. I would try sticking with a 3.5 or 4 on low side of the variable for more versatility.

Just my opinions. and everyones vary Good Luck

 

[98camaro28]

Re: Which 700 should I go with? Newbie help...

I hunt is some plains here in Texas (out to 600 yards), and at my in-laws 500-acre ranch out in the woods. I use the Viper out in the woods usually around 6x. And I use the 10x in the 400-500 range, and have the 16x to use out to 1000 for target shooting, not hunting. I am by no means good enough to shoot out to 1000 YET, but need help on a platform. I will DEFINATELY be putting a stock on it before anything.

 

[BariatricCock]

Re: Which 700 should I go with? Newbie help...

I am in the same situation and I am picking up my Remington 700 5r 300 wm tomorrow(took about a week to get it) ....and I can't sleep tonight.

 

[vman]

Re: Which 700 should I go with? Newbie help...

The SPS varmint/Tac is a good starting rifle. It should shoot well and if you plan on upgrading the stock theres plenty of options.

If you dont plan on changing much, the police models are nice with HS stocks.

Theres always the stainless versions in 700 as well.

Plenty of options.

I myself have a 700 Police model .308 with the 26" barrel. It shoots really well with my handloads. Best so far is a 1/4" group at 375 yards! Not bad for factory rifles these things.