Dont tread on me - what is a PSS stock? Newbie trying to soak it all in
It is a stock from the 700 PSS which is now called the 700P. All it is is the HS Precision brand stock Remington uses on their LE rifles (like the 700P and LTR).
The LTR stock is also made by HS Precision, but it is a more slimlined profile. Doesn't have as long of a forearm, is thinner in many places. A bit more handy. However, it is still made with fiberglass and kevlar and still has the aluminum bedding block (which greatly helps improve accuracy) and still free floats the barrel.
The Hogue stock that comes on the SPS is kind of cheesy. You can still get 0.9-1.2 groups with a good load, but a stiff stock with a bedding block like the HS or even the B&C (offered on the XCR) will shave 1/3 off the groups or get it near 1/2moa. It will take the rifle from "around MOA" to sub-MOA. So many potential tack-drivers are lost or wasted because companies sell them with flimsy junk stocks to lower the price. Stock is a critical part of accuracy.
I bought one used from Sniper's Hide forums. You see a lot of these stocks for sale. They also sell LTR stocks and "5R" stocks which are very nice. Guys who are upgrading to even better stocks like McMillan or the Accuracy International stocks are unloading these. Kind of funny. What they are getting rid of is my upgrade. LOL. One man's junk is another's gold. Either way, a $300-$350 stock can be found used for $180-$225. And it is just as good as a new one.
I recommended the LTR because it already has a good stock and you don't have to mess with it. LTR can be found from $850-$950. Another advantage of the LTR is that it has the name LTR which gives it better resale and makes it more attractive/valuable.
You can save some money getting an SPS like I did and upgrading the stock later. Just more hassle in price shopping a stock. For example, at the time, the SPS was $520. I got the PSS stock for $175. I sold the Hogue stock for $65. In the end, I got a 20" rifle in a decent stock for $630ish. That saves me money vs. the LTR to buy an aftermarket trigger. The X-mark trigger is pretty good for a factory trigger, but for $120-$150 you can get a crisp, reliable 1lb trigger and never look back. Still, you come in less than an LTR, but you have a better trigger in the end. That's what I did, but it wasn't as simple as just buying the gun. You save a little to spend on mounts or a bipod.
What will you not have? Barrel fluting. But to me that is a useless feature. The other is that the LTR and 700P rifles have a better finish. A tougher finish and not as prone to rust as the cheaper SPS. SPS finish is not that great. If you do not keep it clean and keep a layer of oil on it, you can get flash rust on some areas. I don't mind since I take good care of it, and I will probably paint the rifle. But if you want a better finish that will be more forgiving, go with the LTR.
The same things apply to the LTR as it does to the XCR. Put a better trigger in the LTR and you've basically got an XCR. Of course, check pricing to be sure.
All of them have the same barrel and action. They are all accurate. Some just have better stocks, finish or fluting. That's the difference.
