Precision rifle choice

[Rem700SD]

I'm saving up for a high end rifle. Cost is measured in months of patience and waiting, not simple dollars. I have multiple rifles, multiple calibers, semi and bolt, including a cheaper precision(rem700PSS) rifle or two. I could take an existing action and build it into something else, but then I'd be left with a buch of parts left over, with almost the same expense as a new one.

The question is should I go with a custom build on a Rem700(Surgeon) action, or go with an AI model. Both are in the not cheap category, and both are acurate.

 

[taliv]

assuming freezing issues associated with arctic weather aren't factored into many equations south of Houston, i'd think about a surgeon action in the rem700 pattern and put it in an AI stock

 

[Will Fennell]

assuming you want a .308

I'm making the assumption you want a rifle chambered in .308 since you mentioned the Rem700pps. If that is the case, you should take a strong look at the SAKO TRG22.

 

[Rem700SD]

A custom would be .260 remington, off the shelf would be .308 if .260 not available. I reload and have plenty of .308 brass.
Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[redneck2]

We had a rather extensive thread about this on the 6mmbr website. Lots and lots of input from precision shooters. If you are really serious about something that shoots well...

Factory...Savage. Now, I have three Rem 700's in my safe and no Savage....Still, if I were getting a new precision factory rifle it would be a Savage. I have a friend that builds very high end competition rifles off Remington and custom actions. He shoots a Savage in Factory Class. IMO, they're ungodly ugly but they shoot.

For the money, THE best option is to get a used bench rest rifle. You can get one that still has a lot of life left in the barrel for about the same money as getting a Remington action trued and a good barrel screwed on. Most likely won't be in a factory caliber. 6ppc for shorter range, or 6BR or 6.5x284 for 500-1,000 yards.

 

[9mmepiphany]

you left off the Beretta TRG-42

 

[ar24095]

I would use a Bat action if money is not a problem they are a work of art.
http://www.batmachine.com/products/products.htm

 

[USSR]

What action you use is not nearly as important as what barrel and gunsmith you use. I build all my rifles using the Winchester M70 action. I buy a used rifle, sell off all the parts except the action (this typically reduces the actual cost of the action to less than $200), and send it off to some of the country's top smiths (G.A. Precision, Terry Cross, Krieger) with instructions on the chambering.

Don

 

[Broken11b]

Get a FN SPR, out of the box MOA or better, no work needed, just put good glass on it and go.

 

[gearheadpyro]

Haven't done it yet but I'm headed towards a Surgeon action myself. Will probably put a bartlien barrel on it (it's what the simth has, and I've heard good things about them). Will be in .308.

 

[essayons21]

If you have the money and don't mind a bit of a wait call TacOps. Best precision rifle money can buy.

 

[USSR]

Get a FN SPR, out of the box MOA or better...

True. Mine was a .75MOA rifle right out of the box with Fed. Gold Medal Match ammo. Then I sent it to George Gardner at G.A. Precision to install and pillar bed it in a McMillan A5 stock, and now it's a sub .5MOA rifle with my handloads.

Don

 

[tango2echo]

With the crap I've seen come from Remington recently "I" would not be buying anything they offer.

I tend to agree with Don (USSR) on how to build a custom rifle. I own several "long-range" rifles, (Jarrett, AI, Savage FT/R, others...) but I think you ened up with EXACTLY what you want with one you built, not bought.

My current build is on a Howa 1500 action, Mcmillan stock, custom bottom metal that uses AI mags, custom rings/bases, Nightforce optic, one piece bolt...
It will do .5-.75 MOA with reloads. With a better barrel I believe it will do .3-.5 MOA.
I paid $440 for the orginal rifle. I sold the stock, scope, rings, bases, and barrel for $350. The Mcmillan stock I bought used from a friend for $250. The scope was purchased new, and all the gunsmithing/barrel work was done locally. I traded the smith an old Remington Model 4 .22lr for the work. The bottom metal, rings, bases were made in a friends machine shop for the cost of the metal (about $40) I did the bedding. I am having a new barrel made, and they are going to rebed the action at the same time. I am still using the original trigger that I polished, adjusted, and lightened myself. I have done, will do, all of the Duracoat work.

I have about $1200 in the scope IIRC. About $1000 in the rifle with the new barrel and bedding work.

t2e

 

[Maverick223]

I would, and did go for the DTA-SRS (though the choice of a .260Rem. chambering would be a problem). Strong action, Krieger barrel, and short package...topped it with a PRH 5-25x56mm Mil/Mil with MTC adjustments.

 

[Rem700SD]

What's the price range and accuracy on the DTS? I've seen articles, but they are not exactly ubiquitous.

 

[Maverick223]

What's the price range and accuracy on the DTS?

The SRS runs about $4300.00USD with two mags, 40MOA scope mount, when chambered in .300WM, the .308 version is less, the .243 version is the same, and the .338LM is a little more (of course optics, bipod, and sling not included). IIRC that is a little less than a comparable AI, and before you ask the trigger is great. Accuracy is guaranteed sub-0.5MOA.

 

[Rem700SD]

what do barrel changes run? I just saw the Youtube bbl change. I shoot .308 and 300WM, and would like a .338 eventually.

 

[Maverick223]

I don't own a change kit (and it honestly wasn't a big seller for me), but IIRC they are $1300.00-1500.00USD with the bolt, bbl, and one mag.

 

[snakeman]

T/C icon precision hunter or warlord. Maybe an AR platform of some sort. Custom guns are always a thought too.

 

[rangerruck]

I was gonna say the sako, but if you can find a CZ 750-E, or their tactical 750 version, it will be less money than the others, but just as good or better. So says a dude i know who shoots all 3 of them.

I guess it has morphed into this now;
http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-750-sniper/

 

[blackops]

USSR, you have many toys I envy! ha

I think it's pretty difficult to beat Surgeon in the action department if you are going to fling the $$$. I myself like the M70, but I also don't want to spend 1k on my action alone. The 591 short action repeater with a krieger barrel is as accurate as I would think you could get. Montana also offers some fine actions.

 

[Afy]

Savage 6mm BR. Difficult to beat, especially with an aftermarket barrel. Plus you can swap barrels in less than 30 minutes.