Hi, sorry this post is so long, feel free to skip it if you're not interested!
I am relatively new to rifles (my only other is a Ruger 10/22) and looking into getting my first bolt-action. Due to space and budget and issues, I would like to have only one bolt action capable of handling a wide range of uses, from hunting to target shooting to zombie sniping. It doesn't have to do any of them perfectly but I would like it to be capable of any of them. I am pretty set on a Remington 700 chambered in 308.
I have researched several different models from old A/B/CDLs, SPS, SPS Varmint, SPS Tactical, VTR all the way up to 700P LTR and 5R Milspec. Out of all of those, the SPS Tactical and the new VTR A-TACS stand out as best suited to my needs and budget, while the LTR or Milspec would be more of a buy once cry once ideal setup (but probably overkill for me). I would probably choose the VTR hands down based on the marketing, features, and looks except that it has gotten really mixed reviews and many people tell me the VTR is a gimmick and to just get the Tactical because it's cheaper and more accurate out of the box. Maybe it's just the fact that Remington markets the VTR as a hybrid that appeals to me-- and the muzzle break, dual swivel studs and camo are certainly nice to haves over the Tactical. I know the Tactical comes with a better Hogue rubber stock but still not up to par with the HS Precision on an LTR or Milspec. I really don't see myself swapping out the stock anytime soon no matter what I get, I just don't expect to be a good enough shot for it to matter that much.
At the same time I have the issue of trying to come up with a scope to go with the rifle. Again, the versatility I am demanding makes this really hard. From what I understand you want a fixed 4,6 or 10x for sniping, a variable 3-9 for hunting, and higher magnifications for varmint or bench rest shooting. I think a good compromise for me would be something like a 3-10 or 4-12. Also I like the idea of a Mil/Mil scope so that narrows the options a lot. My ideal scope would be a 3-12, Mil/Mil, FFP, AO, Illuminated reticle that comes with flip up lens covers and a sunshade for under $400-- yeah right! Actually, this one from BSA comes pretty close minus the illuminated reticle, and on sale for $250 right now it seems like a steal, but I have read that BSA scopes are junk and won't hold zero on anything but a 22LR and I should stay away even at that price.
Sooo.... to retain my sanity I have tried to break this up into 3 different "packages" and choose from them. Here is what I am considering:
Budget option (~$750): SPS Tactical + Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 10x40
Pros: Common, highly recommended setup. Very upgradable if my needs change in the future. Best bang for the buck (both rifle and scope on sale right now).
Cons: Stock is not perfect (pillar bedded, no dual front swivels). No variable power on the scope will make it much less useful for hunting (I do not really plan to use it for hunting, but would like the option).
Mid-level option (~$1050): VTR A-TACS + Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40
Pros: Most versatile. I like the 22" barrel length (though I understand only 20" is actually rifled and the last 2" is the muzzle brake). Weaver scope is not as well known but highly rated (optics are comparable to Bushnell and SS). Seems like the only mil/mil in variable power around at that price.
Cons: Stock is cheap plastic with rubber overmolded areas, accuracy not as good as the Tactical even though it costs more $$. Scope lacks parallax adjustment (though so does the bushnell above). Neither rifle nor scope are currently on sale
High-end option (~$1800): 700P LTR or 5R Milspec + something like the Bushell Elite Tactical 3-12x44 Illuminated Mil-dot
Pros: Best out of the box accuracy, no need to upgrade the stock.
Cons: $$$$. Worried this is just too much to spend for a starter rig, even if I can afford it. This particular scope is also a bit on the heavy side. If I did go with this price range I would probably want to research other similar scopes, but this gives an idea of what kind of scope I'd want to match this rifle.
Obviously the costs above don't include base, rings, and other accessories. For any of the above I would probably get an EGW 20 MOA base and Burris XTR rings.
So.... any thoughts? Am I completely crazy and overthinking this? Have I missed any obvious considerations?
Thanks for your input!
I am relatively new to rifles (my only other is a Ruger 10/22) and looking into getting my first bolt-action. Due to space and budget and issues, I would like to have only one bolt action capable of handling a wide range of uses, from hunting to target shooting to zombie sniping. It doesn't have to do any of them perfectly but I would like it to be capable of any of them. I am pretty set on a Remington 700 chambered in 308.
I have researched several different models from old A/B/CDLs, SPS, SPS Varmint, SPS Tactical, VTR all the way up to 700P LTR and 5R Milspec. Out of all of those, the SPS Tactical and the new VTR A-TACS stand out as best suited to my needs and budget, while the LTR or Milspec would be more of a buy once cry once ideal setup (but probably overkill for me). I would probably choose the VTR hands down based on the marketing, features, and looks except that it has gotten really mixed reviews and many people tell me the VTR is a gimmick and to just get the Tactical because it's cheaper and more accurate out of the box. Maybe it's just the fact that Remington markets the VTR as a hybrid that appeals to me-- and the muzzle break, dual swivel studs and camo are certainly nice to haves over the Tactical. I know the Tactical comes with a better Hogue rubber stock but still not up to par with the HS Precision on an LTR or Milspec. I really don't see myself swapping out the stock anytime soon no matter what I get, I just don't expect to be a good enough shot for it to matter that much.
At the same time I have the issue of trying to come up with a scope to go with the rifle. Again, the versatility I am demanding makes this really hard. From what I understand you want a fixed 4,6 or 10x for sniping, a variable 3-9 for hunting, and higher magnifications for varmint or bench rest shooting. I think a good compromise for me would be something like a 3-10 or 4-12. Also I like the idea of a Mil/Mil scope so that narrows the options a lot. My ideal scope would be a 3-12, Mil/Mil, FFP, AO, Illuminated reticle that comes with flip up lens covers and a sunshade for under $400-- yeah right! Actually, this one from BSA comes pretty close minus the illuminated reticle, and on sale for $250 right now it seems like a steal, but I have read that BSA scopes are junk and won't hold zero on anything but a 22LR and I should stay away even at that price.
Sooo.... to retain my sanity I have tried to break this up into 3 different "packages" and choose from them. Here is what I am considering:
Budget option (~$750): SPS Tactical + Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 10x40
Pros: Common, highly recommended setup. Very upgradable if my needs change in the future. Best bang for the buck (both rifle and scope on sale right now).
Cons: Stock is not perfect (pillar bedded, no dual front swivels). No variable power on the scope will make it much less useful for hunting (I do not really plan to use it for hunting, but would like the option).
Mid-level option (~$1050): VTR A-TACS + Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40
Pros: Most versatile. I like the 22" barrel length (though I understand only 20" is actually rifled and the last 2" is the muzzle brake). Weaver scope is not as well known but highly rated (optics are comparable to Bushnell and SS). Seems like the only mil/mil in variable power around at that price.
Cons: Stock is cheap plastic with rubber overmolded areas, accuracy not as good as the Tactical even though it costs more $$. Scope lacks parallax adjustment (though so does the bushnell above). Neither rifle nor scope are currently on sale
High-end option (~$1800): 700P LTR or 5R Milspec + something like the Bushell Elite Tactical 3-12x44 Illuminated Mil-dot
Pros: Best out of the box accuracy, no need to upgrade the stock.
Cons: $$$$. Worried this is just too much to spend for a starter rig, even if I can afford it. This particular scope is also a bit on the heavy side. If I did go with this price range I would probably want to research other similar scopes, but this gives an idea of what kind of scope I'd want to match this rifle.
Obviously the costs above don't include base, rings, and other accessories. For any of the above I would probably get an EGW 20 MOA base and Burris XTR rings.
So.... any thoughts? Am I completely crazy and overthinking this? Have I missed any obvious considerations?
Thanks for your input!
and i would look at the vortex viper 6.5x25-50 scope at $450 there not bad or cheaper yet the millet 6x25-56 LRSF both with 30mm tubes
