macberran 2 Posted April 29, 2008 Report Share Posted April 29, 2008 Evening everyone, just a question too the oracles out there. I ve got a variation through for a .308 and am looking at the 700 varmint. However with a mod on will I need a truss too carry it. The mod won't be on all the time. And whats the view on the Howa 1500. Cheers Quote Link to post
Mr_Logic 5 Posted April 29, 2008 Report Share Posted April 29, 2008 If you mean the SPS Varmint, it's not too bad purely for weight, but it's got crap balance anyway, so with a moderator it will be far, far too front heavy. The laminated versions, like the Howa heavy barrel, are very heavy and so will take some carrying. I have a Howa 1500 Thumbhole Varmint in 223, and it's a lovely rifle, but lugging it round the field the other day did my back. Gotta be more careful... What are you planning on shooting with the 308? Quote Link to post
macberran 2 Posted April 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2008 I have some permission up north to which the 308 is more suited and some pigs on the farm and on the ticket. My backs ok but my knees in tatters Quote Link to post
Mr_Logic 5 Posted April 29, 2008 Report Share Posted April 29, 2008 OK, so it's to be a field gun, rather than a range gun? In that case I would get something lighter, like the normal SPS in Remington terms, or a Tikka T3 light or Hunter. Quote Link to post
jamie g 17 Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 OK, so it's to be a field gun, rather than a range gun? In that case I would get something lighter, like the normal SPS in Remington terms, or a Tikka T3 light or Hunter. yes it wont be fired as much as a range gun then so even if its a standard barrel it wont get hot quick like it would if used at range Quote Link to post
Mr_Logic 5 Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 OK, so it's to be a field gun, rather than a range gun? In that case I would get something lighter, like the normal SPS in Remington terms, or a Tikka T3 light or Hunter. yes it wont be fired as much as a range gun then so even if its a standard barrel it wont get hot quick like it would if used at range Yep Millions of choices in 308, it's one of those calibres, like 223, that everyone does a rifle, most companies do millions of variants as well. Nightmare choice. Quote Link to post
macberran 2 Posted April 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 Too true Mr Logic, I currently have a tikka 243 and wildcat yet I prefer my Steyer Jagdmatch SL with no mod weight wise, maybe because its more compact and I think heavier than a naked tikka. I have tried the Tikka varmint and the weight felt ok, today I fondled the Remmy in same guise and it was ok, though the barrels a bit long and made it all feel unbalanced. I like the weight though, the stock I,m sure is reincarnated from an actionmans set up it seemd tiny. The other thing is the all important budget, I wish I had more money but there you go, and the remmy lends itself too after market improvements as and when affordable.....the trigger for a start. Quote Link to post
Mr_Logic 5 Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Everyone says that about the Remington's trigger, I quite like them as they are! If I got a Remington, the first thing I would do is lop 6 inches off the barrel, giving me a 20". Solves the balance issue. But... you don't have to - check out the Remington SPS Tactical. Comes in 308, shoots half MOA usually, 20" barrel. I've handled one in 223 and they're lovely. And... same sort of price as the SPS Varmint. Quote Link to post
FJager 0 Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Macberran I have just bought a Rem 700 SPS in .270, absolutely beautiful rifle, the trigger is brilliant and I have squeezed a few. As someone else has said unless you are target shooting there isn't any real need for a varmint job, the mountain rifles are extremely accurate. Quote Link to post
macberran 2 Posted May 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Was that the standard SPS FJ, I probably won't put a mod on for sometime and I do like the weight the Tactical could be the answer Mr Logic. I have already replied too this but its vanished so I'll thank you guys again for the feedback its always good to have people to bounce your thoughts off, cheers. Quote Link to post
macberran 2 Posted May 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 Okay lads, I ordered a SPS varmint today. There won't be a mod at all so I can handle the weight if not....chop chop. You can take it off but you can't stick it on as they say. A couple off others were options but pushed the budget. I'll sit with the trigger just now and see how it goes, that can always be done later. Its in the proof house for the next seven days, then I'll see what the score is. Quote Link to post
FJager 0 Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 Yes mate, blued synthetic, the new trigger really is awesome and is gunsmith adjustable. There is another option though from the tactical and it is the 700 VTR. It has a triangle contoured barrel which apparently offers good stiffness with less metal than a bull barrel and as well as being lighter it is also supposed to cool faster. It has a 22" barrel with a muzzle break machined into it, not sure if it is on their website yet, I seen it in a gunshop the other day and it really is a good looking rifle. Available in .204, .223, .22/250 and .308 Quote Link to post
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