Thanks to all for the very helpful information on this topic so far (see thread below). Now I need your opinion on an "opportunity" that's come up. I found a Rem 700 VLS for $400--a nice used starter gun for this sport, but it's had at least 500 rounds through it. How much life is in a good long range barrel? Is 500 a lot or not so bad? Also what's the advantage of composite stocks over wood or laminate? The VLS I'm looking at has a laminated stock. Anything else I should look for in a used rifle? Thanks again in advance for your expertise. W
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More on long range shooting
- Thread starter BlackJack
- Start date
Hmmm.
I don't know for sure how many rounds I have put through my 700. At least 500 I would imagine. It still shoots great if not better than when I started. If you get the VLS (laminated stock) you are going to have a gloss finish on it and that wood stock that probably is not glass bedded. You can always buy a nice synthetic stock with aluminum bedding later on. I think either way you are going to get a good rifle. I am not sure how cheap the VLS are now adays new, you might want to look into it as there may not be much of a difference between your used $400 deal and a new VLS. good luck.
I don't know for sure how many rounds I have put through my 700. At least 500 I would imagine. It still shoots great if not better than when I started. If you get the VLS (laminated stock) you are going to have a gloss finish on it and that wood stock that probably is not glass bedded. You can always buy a nice synthetic stock with aluminum bedding later on. I think either way you are going to get a good rifle. I am not sure how cheap the VLS are now adays new, you might want to look into it as there may not be much of a difference between your used $400 deal and a new VLS. good luck.
WalterGAII
Moderator
IF the VS has been properly cleaned, etc., then 500 rounds isn't very many rounds. The problem is, unless you have the bore scoped by a neutral gunsmith, you won't know if the bore's in good shape, or not. A new VLS is $500 plus; the barrel's not free-floated, and they do need to be bedded.
If you can try out the VS, and if it shoots .5 m.o.a. @ 100 yds, or so, then it's probably o.k.
If you can try out the VS, and if it shoots .5 m.o.a. @ 100 yds, or so, then it's probably o.k.
Blackjack
Please see my response on your other topic.
For this question... I'm not sure on "retail" price but below is listed "dealer" price on a few .308 rifles...
Rem 700 Varmint Lam Stock (VLS) - $490
Rem 700 Varmint Synthetic Stainess Fluted (VS SF) - $666
Rem 700 Varmint Synthetic (VS) - $550
If you know someone with a FFL you probably can get one for slightly over that.
I forgot how may rounds my rifle is gauranteed to hold for but I do remember it is well into the thousands. I'll look it up and let you know. 500 rounds is just getting the barrel broke in IMO... that is if it is done right. On the other hand if done wrong....
As for stocks for a precision rifle first choice would be a composite with bedding block or pillers, next would be a laninate with the same, then last one of wood.
Please keep in mind that there is A LOT more to a precision rifle then just a heavy barrel. It is down to a science now. Trueing the action, barrel, locking lugs, race ways, heavy recoil lug, bedding the action to the stock, etc, etc, etc. That is why you can see complete "precision" rifles costing upward of $2K (w/o scope).
Please see my response on your other topic.
For this question... I'm not sure on "retail" price but below is listed "dealer" price on a few .308 rifles...
Rem 700 Varmint Lam Stock (VLS) - $490
Rem 700 Varmint Synthetic Stainess Fluted (VS SF) - $666
Rem 700 Varmint Synthetic (VS) - $550
If you know someone with a FFL you probably can get one for slightly over that.
I forgot how may rounds my rifle is gauranteed to hold for but I do remember it is well into the thousands. I'll look it up and let you know. 500 rounds is just getting the barrel broke in IMO... that is if it is done right. On the other hand if done wrong....
As for stocks for a precision rifle first choice would be a composite with bedding block or pillers, next would be a laninate with the same, then last one of wood.
Please keep in mind that there is A LOT more to a precision rifle then just a heavy barrel. It is down to a science now. Trueing the action, barrel, locking lugs, race ways, heavy recoil lug, bedding the action to the stock, etc, etc, etc. That is why you can see complete "precision" rifles costing upward of $2K (w/o scope).