Just couldn't go Tactical...

V

vanfunk

New member
OK. I must admit to myself that I am a traditionalist. After much research and assistance on this forum, I concluded that a Savage Tactical .308 would be my next rifle. So there I am in the gunstore today, looking over the Savage, pricing rings and scopes, when I see it. A 60's vintage Remington 700 .308 with a Bushnell Banner 3-9x scope. Mint bore. Crisp, pre-liability trigger. Fleur-de-lis checkering and ebony forend cap. Perfect deep-polish blue. $300. I bought it. So there it is. Is there any hope for me? I tried so hard to be enthusiastic about the Savage's clarity of purpose, it's ruggedness and practicality. Walnut and blue steel won out.
That's it for the confession. Now the Questions:
What's the twist rate on these old Remingtons? 1 in 12? What bullet weights are generally most accurate? Is there anything one must know about this particular model?
For all of you kind souls who helped me decide on the Savage, I hang my head in shame. It's OK if you want to yell at me.
Thanks!
vanfunk

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semper ubi sub ubi
 
Vanfunk: You got a nice rifle. Remingtons have always been plenty accurate, especially with accurate ammo. Try some Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr Sierra bullet or for hunting the Sierra 165 gr hollowpoint is supposed to provide the same results. You'd have to test it to be sure. I think most .308s have 1/12 twist. My Win. Sharpshooter does and loves match ammo. I'd install a synthetic stock, but that's personal preference. Have fun!

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NRA Life Member
 
Depends on what you're gonna use the gun for. If it's going to spend most of the time at a benchrest or in the safe, blue and walnut is fine. But if it's going into the field, even to hunt, give me synthetic and matte parkerized. I've seen what moisture can do to a really nice wood stock and how easily blued guns get scratched up. No thanks.
 
You're apologizing for buying a vintage Remington instead of a new Savage? Why?

If you really feel guilty, sell me the Rem and go buy the Savage.

The twist is typically 1:10 for .308Win. Best to check it out for yourself. A tight patch on a cleaning rod and a ruler will clear up any question.

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Archie
 
Thanks for being kind to me, guys. Yes, it's true that the Savage would be a better field piece. I think in this case it just boiled down to pride of ownership. Not that the Remington 700 is is unusual in any way- it's that the Savage and I didn't speak the same language at the moment of purchase. I like Savage products very much (I have a '30's 99 in .300 Savage) and thought I wanted the "tactical" package. As it turned out I just couldn't resist a classic. I guess I'm going to have to be dragged into the new millenium kicking and screaming...
vanfunk

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semper ubi sub ubi
 
vanfunk, don't feel bad. I go through periods where I buy "pretty" guns and then alternatively I buy "ugly" guns. The Remington is a fine piece. If you want to feel "tactical" for a day, you can always wrap the stocks with black masking tape ;) .

Dick
Want to send a message to Bush? Sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/monk/petition.html and forward the link to every gun owner you know.
 
Archie,
Remington uses 1:12 on all their .308's, 1:10 on their 30-06's. Least that's what they told me.

Vanfunk,
Great choice. $300 -- where are you located??
 
OK, I don't feel bad anymore. If I can save money successfully in the next two months, I may pick up a Savage Tactical. They go for $349-369 around here (Massachusetts. AAAHH).
Yes, I was thrilled to spy the Remington for such a low price, and in excellent condition. I don't have a borescope so it's difficult to gauge accurately, but I don't think the rifle has more than 100 rounds through it. I think it was priced so low because it's such an "everyday" gun- just one of millions of Remington 700 .308's out there. Curiously, the barrel seems to be of a wider diameter than other Remington sporters I've handled recently. Hardly a varmint weight barrel, but a bit wider at the muzzle than I recall it should be. Is this possible? Thanks!
vanfunk

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semper ubi sub ubi
 
Dont know about those old twist rates, but my 700 VLS in .308 is a 1 in 12"

I was under impression that rem made the .308s in 1 in 12" twist and the 06s are in 1 in 10" twist. Why I do not know. But I am pretty sure that is the deal.
 
VF: Don't worry about the weather. I have used a Rem 700BDL with walnut factory stock for many, many deer seasons. In PA it is not deer season unless it rains, sleets, snows, or fogs on opening day or any day you take off work to go hunting.

The stock has never warped. I guess the shiny plastic coating used by Remington seals OK. However I also checked out the stock inletting when new and sealed any open or open appearing grain. One or two tiny spots looked like they might need sealing and I waxed the exterior with Johnsons paste wax.

I also use auto wax on the metal surfaces. Over 25 years and no rust, no warps.

I am not disputing the superiority of a quality synthetic like HS Precision or McMillian, in foul weather, just stating that your stock will be OK for hunting with a bit of care. Even a synthetic stocked rifle needs to be dryed out after a dowsing to prevent rusting of the ferrous parts.
 
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