Precision Field Rifle

[Chris Rhines]

After much scrimping and saving, I'm looking to purchase a rifle for USPSA Manually Operated Rifle and field rifle competition (ITRC and such.) I kinda blew my budget on the optics, so I can afford right around $1000 for the rifle itself. Requirements as follows:

- Chambered in .308 Win.
- MOA accurate out to at least 600 yards (assuming match ammo and a machine-rest like hold, which I have one of...)
- Drop-free detachable box magazines.
- Reliable and durable with a minimum of TLC.

A couple of rifles that I'm looking at:

- A Remington 700 (maybe a -5R) with the Badger Ordnance detachable magazine bottom metal would only come in a little over budget.

- A CZ550 Varmint. Not sure about the accuracy at long range, but it has the detachable magazine and excellent build quality.

- A DPMS AR-10 of some kind. I know it's not manually operated and it would put me out of the USPSA MOR class, but it's still a contender.

Any thoughts?

- Chris

 

[El Tejon]

Why not a Remington 700?

There have been a blue million made, used market should be cheap, parts, stock and aftermarket, galore, lots of manuals and dvds about for working on them.

Optics? Tell me you got a S&B (with the target towers)!

 

[Chris Rhines]

Ahem...

A Remington 700 (maybe a -5R) with the Badger Ordnance detachable magazine bottom metal would only come in a little over budget.

The 700 is definitely a top choice, especially if I can find a deal on a 700-5R stainless.

Optics? Tell me you got a S&B (with the target towers)!

U.S. Optics SN-3/H25, Seekins Precision rings and flat rail. Can't wait until it arrives.

- Chris

 

[Harold Mayo]

Field expedient? Not sure if I understand but my own choice is an older Remington 700P (it would actually be a PSS) with 24" barrel, stock replaced by the stock from a LTR for better all-around handling. I had an HS Precision detachable magazine assembly but got rid of it. Not bad but not what I wanted. I've been considering the Badger unit but, since my newest job move, I don't shoot anywhere near as much.

Also been considering a McMillan/Sub-minute Solutions HTG stock but, again, can't see doing it until I'm shooting more or just have the money to burn.

Love that scope choice.

 

[IV Troop]

Tikka T3 Varmint:

Guaranteed sub MOA by the factory. Most shoot WAY better.

Very nice detachable magazine. Actually probably the best det. mag I have seen in years. Yes, I know it is a plastic mag. So are my glock mags.

I have hunted, competed and attended sniper instructor school with mine and it has held up pefectly to a lot of hard use.

It is a flat out tack driver. Best factory rifle I have ever owned.

 

[GreenMtnTac]

The problem with a Rem 700 is that they're seldom run stock, so you'll blow your budget on things like a McMillian stock, blueprinting the action, replacing the bottom metal, replacing the barrel... you get the idea. Suddenly it's a custom rifle. Not that there's anything wrong with that, just keep the cost in mind.

I have a 700PSS as described above, probably have $1500 in the rifle. I also have a DPMS LR308 that set me back $900. They both shoot better than me, so it is difficult to pick one over the other on performance. The DPMS rifles are definitely impressive for the money, and I've not experienced any issues with mine.

If there are no compelling reasons to do otherwise, I'd go with a .308 gas gun. But that's just me.

 

[Harold Mayo]

The problem with a Rem 700 is that they're seldom run stock, so you'll blow your budget on things like a McMillian stock, blueprinting the action, replacing the bottom metal, replacing the barrel... you get the idea. Suddenly it's a custom rifle. Not that there's anything wrong with that, just keep the cost in mind.

I haven't had a Remington 700 that DIDN'T shoot well.

My current one:

Base rifle: $500 at a pawn shop
Change out PSS stock with LTR stock: actually made about $20 in the trade
IOR rings and 20 MOA base: $160 (got them about six years ago)
Scope: Leupold Mark IV M1 LR 3.5-10x40mm w/TMR (scope was $600 used, TMR conversion was $200)...$800
Trigger group: Shilen was $65 or so

Rifle shoots (with 168 gr Fed) along with custom guns. Non-typical experience but you certainly don't need a custom gun to shoot with the "big boys".

From what I've seen of Chris's postings over the years, I think he'll make a good decision.

Gas guns ARE more than a viable option, too. In some respects I'm wondering at the actual need for bolt guns within "reasonable" distances (600 yds and less).

 

[Sunray]

"...blew my budget on the optics..." No you didn't. There's no point spending a grand on a rifle only to put mediocre sights on it.
As for the rifle, the detachable mag may give you grief, but look into a Savage 12V in .308. $569 MSRP Internal 4 rd mag, heavy barreled.
Forget the machine rest. You can't use one in competition anyway.
Think it terms of 168 grain match bullets(they're not cheap either) with IMR4064.

 

[Zak Smith]

Remington, and either go with the Badger bottom metal in a decent stock, or keep your eye out for an AICS deal. The problem I have with most 700 stocks is that they are too short and leave my head much too low.

 

[USSR]

FN SPR. It's a little more than the $1,000 you want to spend, but when you consider it's McMillan stock, it's money well spent.

Don

 

[rangerruck]

I have 4 cz's, and there is not one that is not sub moa, with a variety of ammo, including milsurp, believe it or not.

 

[nico]

Based on the reviews I've seen, the Tikka T3 varmint seems to be the best fit for your needs in a factory rifle. You might look at the Super Varmint or Tactical models if a threaded barrel, adjustable comb, picatinny rail and extra sling swivel are worth it

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I don't do any precision shooting, so take this comment as absolutely uninformed for the most part. However, I do see a fair amount of guys doing precision shooting classes out at Tac Pro Shooting Center.

It seems like every single Precision Rifle class they have at least one guy who decides to ditch his Remington 700, Tikka, etc. and buy an AE or AW. Every single one of them tells the same story. They didn't want to spend the money on the AI rifle, so they got the other rifle because it was cheaper. A year or two later, they have as much custom work in the other rifle, etc. as they would in a new AI. They take the class and decide they still like the AIs better, so the old rifle goes up for sale and they buy an AI.

Obviously, not every person who takes the class feels this way; but I'm amazed at the regularity of this happening. Of course the AE version is about three times your current budget; but whatever rifle you buy, it may be worth considering whether you want to go the budget route now and possibly be less than perfectly satisfied or just save for a little longer and get what you want later.

 

[atek3]

dude I'd troll the classifieds on sniper's hide, SC, gun broker, and auctionarms. Then buy the first well set up 700 you see. Then save your ducats, and two years later buy a t2k or AI. Heck, put your deposit down on the t2k now, and in two years maybe you'll get one, LOL

atek3

 

[garrett1955]

Another place to look for rifles, and optics is. www.6mmbr.com