School me on the Rem. 700

[Infidel4life11]

Ok, I just got all confused so I'm gonna let y'all clear it up for me. I've had a few custom 700s in the past and now my dad wants me to build him a (tactical) one from an off the shelf 700. What is the difference between ADL, BDL, CDL, and SPS and which one would serve as a better platform for what I'm trying to do.

What he wants:
308
18-22" Heavy barrel
Right hand
B&C or Manners stock with 10rd mag
He'll be using 168gr SMK and shooting targets with his buddies at the range as far as his skill will allow
I'll handle the scope base and rings and maybe a trigger. I'll do all the work to get this together. So which model do I choose?

 

[courtgreene]

I'm thinking SPS, because it's the closest on the list to the rifle they sell for police and such. Or you can just go get one of those to begin with. I think it's the 700p, but a search will quickly explain that better than I could. The detachable mag might be your biggest challenge.

 

[jmr40]

ADL is blind magazine with no floorplate. BDL has a floorplate. There have been many many different configurations of each. Some guys are confused and try to add different features to them which are irrelevent. If it has a floorplate it is a BDL. No floorplate it is an ADL. No other features matter.

Remington really confused things a few years ago when they dropped both the ADL and BDL. The CDL replaced the BDL with a trimmer more classic designed stock. The SPS was meant to replace the ADL as their budget gun.

All was good until they brought back the ADL and BDL in limited numbers. It makes things more confusing. The SPS and CDL are still just a version of a BDL. If you order a custom stock for any Remington you will order a BDL style stock if you want a floorplate, ADL if you want a blind magazine. It does not matter if the gun is BDL, CDL or SPS.

Right now the CDL and BDL are the top end guns. They just have very different stock designs. The CDL is more like the stock styles from the 20's-40's with classic lines. The BDL is a more modern stock style from the 50's-60's when everyone was putting tail fins on cars. The BDL is cataloged, but is only available in limited chamberings and is made in limited numbers. I have seen quite a few showing up in Walmarts lately, so it appears Walmart has made a big purchase.

The SPS is the budget gun with a floorplate. Basic matte finish, with a plastic stock. The ADL is basically the SPS with no floorplate and can be sold cheaper. The ADL is no longer cataloged, but is often seen at great prices in the big box stores.

Remington has in the past offered detachable mag versions. They are not exactly common, but I see a few at gunshows occasionally. If you can find one of these it will simplify you DBM requirement. If not I'd look for the cheapest used version in any configuration I can find since it will require major modification anyway.

I'd personally just go with an SPS or ADL and forget the DBM. That will add considerably to the cost and money would be better spent on a better barrel or optics in my opinion.

 

[Reloadron]

The Remington 700 SPS DM (Detachable Magazine) series might be a good starting point. Unfortunately it does not come in .308 as I see it and I doubt you will find it factory in 10 round capacity.

You could find a used 700 BDL or 700 ADL short action and literally build on it including installing a new barrel and truing the action out. There were once a number of kits out there to replace bottom metal with assorted detachable magazine schemes. Stocks are sold pretty common and the pillar hardware.

Just a matter of how much work you want to do or can do (tooled up for). You do not mention a budget?

Ron

 

[allaroundhunter]

You could start out with a 700 SPS Varmint in .308

I got one in July and it has been a tack driver. You would need to cut the barrel down (it comes with a 26" varmint contour "heavy" barrel), but most gunsmiths can do that relatively cheaply. The stock upgrade is easy, and just install a new bottom metal and you are good to go.

 

[rjrivero]

This place turns out some nice rifles for the price. They use the 700 SPS or 700P models for the base rifle. They do some basic squaring of the bolt and the action, and precision ream the chamber and thread the barrel for about $350. I can't figure out how they do that for the price, but they do.

 

[Infidel4life11]

Thank you all for the info I see the light.

 

[DM~]

There were a LOT of 700 BDL varmiters made with heavy bbls chambered in .308 Win.. They are exellent shooters and would be a good starting platform!

DM

 

[Infidel4life11]

Again guys thank you for clearing that up for me.