Remington 700P LTR for... DEER?

M

Model12Win

Moderator
Okay.. okay... I know what you're thinking but please hear me out.

I'm in the market for a precision bolt-action rifle, and I have been for quite some time. I'm .mil and I've been interested in the Remington series of tactical rifles ever since being introduced to them in the military, and I've always been particularly drawn to the Remington 700 Police. From what I've read about this gun, it's an excellent bare bones cut to the chase tactical rifle and is heavily used by various Law Enforcement entities throughout the world.

Basically, I think the gun is freakin' sick, but lately I've had a new calling for a rifle... deer hunting! Come next fall/winter I'm going to be hitting the woods for rifle season but I haven't got a good deer rifle yet... you might see where this is going!

Essentially, I think the Remington 700 Police would cover all my basis for both a hunting rifle, precision target/range/plinking gun, and maybe even a defensive arm in the right situation (though that is probable highly unlikely).

Now I know the stock 700P is a pretty long and heavy gun with it's 26" barrel, but I've recently become aware of the Remington 700P LTR model... which is basically the same gun but with a 20" fluted bbl that reduces the gun's dimensions and weight to make it more maneuverable in the tactical environment. I think this would be my best option considering I will have to carry it around while hunting.

So what do you think about this crazy idea? Is this totally stupid or should I go ahead and seek out a Remington 700P LTR as an all-purpose precision rifle that I would be stoked to own?

Thanks for your help!
 
I have a 700p but I had the barrell cut back to 20". Makes the rifle a lot handier and you dont lose much speed with the 308 in a 20" barrell. I have taken mine deer hunting multiple times but have never had to carry it more than a half mile to do so. If your going to be doing a lot of walking the weight may bother you mine still tips the scales at 11lbs scoped.
 
Unless I was going to be packing it up and down mountains or for a very very long way, I would get the version that suited my primary purpose. i.e. if I was going to use it 90% for target shooting and 10% for hunting I would get the full size 700, if I was going to pack it around a lot I would certainly consider the shorter lighter one. Either will certainly take a deer with no problems, it will never know or care what launched the bullet.
 
I've taken my 700P out for deer back when I had somewhere to hunt. Fortunately I was in a stand and didn't have to hump the sucker through the woods. (much)
 
As far as actual performance is concerned, you'll lose a little velocity and gain some nasty muzzle blast. I pack a 700 "carbine" (20" youth rifle with full sized stock) in .308 as a "guide gun". With proper ammo, this combo will push a bullet through a deer from any angle out to 250 yards. This covers most any need presented to a deer guide for follow up shots on wounded and escaping deer.
 
Being in the military or out of the military. My suggestion. Be practical. Purchase a civilian weapon in a caliber suitable for its intended purpose. Something having a walnut stock would be an excellent choice.
 
The 700P is a nice rifle, but you can save yourself some money buying the civilian version. The 700 sps-v is identical except for the stock (26" barrel .82 muzzle diameter, SA, can be had in 308). I got mine for $650 (including shipping and transfer) even with the Bell and Carlson stock it comes in a little cheaper than the 700P. I've taken it 'yote hunting plenty of times, it rocks, and it's really not any too heavy to hike around with. If you are intrested in something lighter I would recommend the 700 sps 'tactical' (I think that's what it's called) same SA 308, with the heavy contour barrel, but it's only 20" and comes from the factory pre-threaded.

Plus, unless you buy a used rifle, I thought the 700P could only be purchased with a govt purchase order.
 
I have the Rem. 700 LTR 308 cal. 1-12 twist 168 gr. Sierra HPBT bullet, can't go wrong. I feel it's the best rifle I ever owned. At 200 yards it groups 3/4", Short barrel 20" can do anything a 26" can do & better up to 600 yards, from 600 - 1000 the 26 might do alittle better but not much. From one grunt to another,go with your gut feeling. Chris
 
^^there it is, thanks.

A friend of mine just bought a 700 VTR in 308. 22" triangular barrel, 1-12, with an integral muzzle brake. He might come out to the range with me this weekend so we can do the 'Pepsi challenge'. I'm curios to see how much difference in felt recoil his VTR (light weight, with muzzle brake) has compared to my SPS (heavy as hell, no brake), both 308 1-12. Plus check group size on both with the same ammo.

He bought a rem700 308 after seeing the groups mine was printing! :D
 
to the op

i believe that any of the tactical rifles would suit both of your needs splendidly. although the shorter rifle will be a bit handier. possibly shoot a lil better and lets face it the 308 is pretty much proven for light skinned medium sized game.
 
The older I get, the less I like the idea of buying one rifle for multiple purposes. I would recommend you look into getting the 26in 700 and then a cheap second rifle. I'm not sure what your total budget is, but you can get a basic hunting rifle for pretty cheap these days. The ruger american and savage axis come to mind.

If not, I would recommend the 20 in barrel if one rifle has to do double duty, assuming you are walking more than half a mile or so on your hunting trips.
 
Well, not to sound like a smart alec or anything, but the analysis is pretty straightforward - any weapon capable of harvesting a deer can be used for such, if it can just be pointed in the right direction at the right time. So, sure, why not. Only drawback is weight/bulk - if you're young and strong and not going too far in, sure you bet.

But the more I live, breathe, and hunt, the more I like light & short rifles, espec. light. To my way of thinking, a 9.5 to 10.5 lb rifle (with scope) is a really heavy one, and the heaviest I'd ever personally need or want to go for anything, anytime, anywhere, under any circumstances, and even then, something that heavy is ONLY for (a) very, VERY large game, or (b) long-range precision / interdiction, or (c) SHTF, since semi-autos with doodads hanging off are heavier. And so I have exactly 3 left in the "Over 9 lb" category, for these precise 3 uses.

So, I likes me a light rifle for ungulates in the "under-500 lbs body weight" category. I'd say max weight withOUT scope/base/rings is 7.0 lbs, and preferably much lighter. But then again, I don't do the big boomers like .300 maggies for lightweight ungulates, so recoil isn't too bad.
 
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