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Remmington 700 VTR
n/a
Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
Looking for HONEST opinion of the VTR in .308.
I was gandering at one today, and must say not terribly impressed. Looks ok, other than the muzzel brake looks cheesy to me. The "comfort" grip on the forend is too close to the trigger for my likes as I grip further down the stock, usually grabbing the sling as opposed to the forearm.
Is this a good long range shooter, in the 300-700 yard range?
I was gandering at one today, and must say not terribly impressed. Looks ok, other than the muzzel brake looks cheesy to me. The "comfort" grip on the forend is too close to the trigger for my likes as I grip further down the stock, usually grabbing the sling as opposed to the forearm.
Is this a good long range shooter, in the 300-700 yard range?
Comments
lgish
Your phrasing and complaints certainly don't bode well for your confidence in this rifle. I'm not sure if even honest assessments can overcome some of your thoughts about this rifles design but here goes...
The performance I got from the .308 Win. was actually pretty good. I used premium manufactured ammunition or my own custom handloads for testing. This is the way testing is supposed to be conducted since you can't judge anything from low priced garbage ammunition or low quality handloads.
The averages of dozens of loads ran from 1.1" 5-shot groups to slightly over .300" 5-shot groups. Without going back to do a statistical analysis of all of the data, my guess would be that the majority of the groups hovered around the 1" mark with fair consistency. The velocities gathered were a tad short of advertised since the barrel is really only approximately 20" after you subtract the 'muzzle brake'. I didn't get the affect of it being a muzzle brake as much as a slightly larger 'magna-port' by design.
The stock is Remington's solution to adding visual appeal while cutting back on the manufacturing costs by using those stupid, cheap Hogue OverMold stocks. Besides this one, they also use the model with two pillars for another version. The forearm is flexible and I don't think they're worth the effort to use.
You can look at the SPS Varmint but you'll need to cut the barrel back and switch stocks. Fortunately it doesn't cost as much as the VTR. The better choice might be the SPS Tactical with just the stock change.
If none of these work for you, I can suggest that you look at the Savage rifles to see if they can make your grade. Or better yet, check out the Tikka offerings.
Best.
freemind,
Your phrasing and complaints certainly don't bode well for your confidence in this rifle. I'm not sure if even honest assessments can overcome some of your thoughts about this rifles design but here goes...
The performance I got from the .308 Win. was actually pretty good. I used premium manufactured ammunition or my own custom handloads for testing. This is the way testing is supposed to be conducted since you can't judge anything from low priced garbage ammunition or low quality handloads.
The averages of dozens of loads ran from 1.1" 5-shot groups to slightly over .300" 5-shot groups. Without going back to do a statistical analysis of all of the data, my guess would be that the majority of the groups hovered around the 1" mark with fair consistency. The velocities gathered were a tad short of advertised since the barrel is really only approximately 20" after you subtract the 'muzzle brake'. I didn't get the affect of it being a muzzle brake as much as a slightly larger 'magna-port' by design.
The stock is Remington's solution to adding visual appeal while cutting back on the manufacturing costs by using those stupid, cheap Hogue OverMold stocks. Besides this one, they also use the model with two pillars for another version. The forearm is flexible and I don't think they're worth the effort to use.
You can look at the SPS Varmint but you'll need to cut the barrel back and switch stocks. Fortunately it doesn't cost as much as the VTR. The better choice might be the SPS Tactical with just the stock change.
If none of these work for you, I can suggest that you look at the Savage rifles to see if they can make your grade. Or better yet, check out the Tikka offerings.
Best.
Thanks for the reply.
I will assume your grouping were at 100 yards? You never did say.
I wasn't pre-disposed to dislike the rifle. I LIKE the fact it is light. Visually it was appealing.
What I am looking for in a long range shooter:
Light, no need for heavy weight when you are packing gear and a rifle long distance.
Exceptional accuracy. 2-3 inches at 500 yards is acceptable.
Chambered in either 30-06, .308, OR simular.
Sythetic stock, as wood is not great in inclinate weather.
Good trigger, and adjustable is a plus.
Retail bare bones price NOT to exceed $600.00
The VTR was actually $100 over that price, but if it WAS an exceptional rifle, I would have choked it down and bought it.
Tikka is a rifle I have never owned, nor talked to anyone that owns one. Is there a specific model I should be looking at?
Take a look at the Tikka T-3 Light, it is under 7 lbs in 30-06, less than that in .308, has the best factory trigger and the smoothest action of any rifle for under $1000, plus it cost less than the VTR. I have not seen one yet that will not shoot under 1" groups with crappy factory ammo. I have sold over 50 of them in the past year and have not heard a complaint yet. On the other hand, I have had 5 of the 20 VTR's sold in the same time period come back with some sort of problem.
"I will assume your grouping were at 100 yards? You never did say."
Yes, these groups were all fired at 100 yards from a rest.
Just so I'm clear, you're looking for a rifle that will shoot 3/8 MOA to 1/2 MOA for $600.00?
Good Luck with your search, I hope you find something that fits your parameters.
Best.
quote:Tikka is a rifle I have never owned, nor talked to anyone that owns one. Is there a specific model I should be looking at?
Take a look at the Tikka T-3 Light, it is under 7 lbs in 30-06, less than that in .308, has the best factory trigger and the smoothest action of any rifle for under $1000, plus it cost less than the VTR. I have not seen one yet that will not shoot under 1" groups with crappy factory ammo. I have sold over 50 of them in the past year and have not heard a complaint yet. On the other hand, I have had 5 of the 20 VTR's sold in the same time period come back with some sort of problem.
I went in an looked at a T-3 light at Gander mountain. I presonally thought the browning X-bolt was smoother. The Tikka WAS light. I asked about a Savage, and found that really, no matter the rifle I buy, 6-8 hundred bucks bare bones.
I dunno, this is becoming a real headache. Nothing is sticking out, a head above the rest to me. Perhaps I am being too critical. I am just finding it near impossible to get the quality and perameters met that I seek. This rifle won't be used to win trophies or money, so I can't justify spending a ton of money.
Take a look at these http://www.savagearms.com/12FTR.htm
I read an article about these and the author used Federal match ammo it it for the test and it shot well below your requirements. Down side is it is twice the price[:(]
But it only cost's a little more to go first class[;)]
You are going to be hard pressed to find that kind of accuracy for $600. A couple of years ago you could have been all over it. Prices have jumped since then.
You also mention this is becoming a headache and that nothing sticks out head and shoulders above the rest. Not to fear, though. Basic Savages and Tikka T3's are in that ballpark. They may not give you the unbelievable accuracy you want. But I think they can serve you well for your needs.
Freemind,
Take a look at these http://www.savagearms.com/12FTR.htm
I read an article about these and the author used Federal match ammo it it for the test and it shot well below your requirements. Down side is it is twice the price[:(]
But it only cost's a little more to go first class[;)]
Nice rifle, but 5 pounds too heavy. [;)]
Thanks though.