What can I expect from a Remington SPS [Archive]

TommyG

01-11-11, 19:38

I own one in 308 with the varmit/tactical barrel. It shoots adequately out of the box with good glass on it. The rubber Hogue stock is not the best but there are plenty of replacements out there.

Mine is kind of a toy and it shoots well enough to have some fun out at extended ranges. There are certainly plenty of upgrades out there to improve things if you want smaller groups. Like anything else, you get what you pay for. I always put more of my budget for hunting/target setups in the glass as opposed to the rifle so the SPS fit the bill perfectly. The 700 action is the basis for a lot of serious rifles so you are starting with a good basic building block. Where you go from there is only limited by imagination and the size of your bankroll.

Sniper Central did a pretty nice write up on them that will give you a pretty good run down:

http://www.snipercentral.com/spstactical.htm

austinN4

01-11-11, 21:32

The SPS Tac is a good rifle in a crappy stock. Buy it and replace the stock and you are in it for less than a 700P.

BTW, your shop is too high on the price.

Regular SPS Tac .308 is $574 at Bud's:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/42070

The .223 is $550:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/42069

My choice would be the SPS Tac AAC-SD. Bud's last price was $595:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/69321

carbinero

01-11-11, 22:14

You said SPS, so I assume that's the 24" lighter contour with 1:10 twist. Although it's still a 700 action, it's a different animal from the highly touted tactical/varmint/police contour in 1:12. I don't know about the plain SPS, but am very impressed with my 26" varmint. 1/2" at 100 anytime I'm trying, and that's with the plastic ADL stock...for $450 new. So obviously I'd recommend that! The tac version is shorter (20") and questionably better stock...for $100 more? Although I am about to spend $35 to have mine shortened to 22"...http://www.snipercentral.com/remspsv.htm

ETA: I'm with austin and would definitely look hard at the AAC for $600 if you like 20", or the P version if you like that stock and appreciate the barrel finish (park vs matte blue IIRC), or the 5R SS if you decide to drop a few more coin up front. Also keep a sharp eye out for resales.

On upgrades, see how the trigger is. If it's O.K., just shoot it. If not, you can replace your choice. Likewise with stock. 700 aftermarket stuff abounds. Personally, the only things I required were taping on cheekpad and grip, Harris bipod, and side sling swivel (I epoxied it in). YMMV. Lots of guys say a rail is important, but I'm not there yet. I think I'm going to buy a "bolt lift" from KRG.

kwelz

01-12-11, 14:58

Sorry guys. I should have been more specific. And I was wrong ont he price.

This is a Heavier barrel 20 inch gun in .308 So the Tac Version I guess. Price is $579.00 firm. Guy at the shop today also recommended the AAC.
Guess I will have to look at that.

carbinero

01-12-11, 15:13

Saw a NIB tac version for $400 a year ago and wish I had snapped it up, but at the time I was focusing on a longer barrel. If you can get the AAC version for just a little more, jump on it. If not, there's plenty of great reviews on it. Who knows, maybe you'll get one that shoots fine without touching the trigger or stock! Be sure to keep us updated!

TommyG

01-12-11, 16:23

The AAC 300 Blackout is a cool round but is not going to have the reach or punch that the 308 does out at longer ranges.

I have only read a little bit on the 300 BLK ballistics but I think you would be disappointed with it if you are going use this rifle out at longer ranges. I don't advocate one round over the other, each has uses that it is best suited for. Just make sure you know what each will do and what you are expecting out of your rifle so you can match up with the best round/caliber.

300 BLK is shooting a light (123 grain for example) 308 bullet out of a necked up 223 case. You can shoot the exact same 308 bullet out of a much larger 308 case with a lot more powder behind it in the 308 rifle. This will allow you to reach a lot further (if that is your intention).

If you are already up on all of this, sorry for the lecture.

carbinero

01-12-11, 16:28

Tommy, pretty sure he's talking about the 700AAC, which is in 308 but adds muzzle threading, 1:10 twist, and maybe some other stuff.

kwelz

01-12-11, 16:53

Tommy, pretty sure he's talking about the 700AAC, which is in 308 but adds muzzle threading, 1:10 twist, and maybe some other stuff.

Yep this is correct.
300 AAC is going to be my Next AR round. :D

tuck

01-13-11, 02:30

All of the factory SPS stocks suck. The varmint models are cheap, plastic, and hollow. The tac's houge wouldn't be that bad if it wasn't so damn flexible. When you shoot off a bi-pod, the forearm of the stock will flex up and actually touch the barrel. When that happens, it noticeably throws off your POI.

However, when you place the barreled actions in a decent stock, thats fully floated, they are definitely good shooters. My SPS Tac in a Choate stock is a sub .75MOA gun all day long.

TommyG

01-13-11, 06:55

Yep this is correct.
300 AAC is going to be my Next AR round. :D

Mine too. Sorry for the mix up on the AAC model. I thought it was the model chambered for 300 AAC.

cbr

01-14-11, 02:28

Im not sure about .308, but I have one in .223 that I put in a HS Precision stock. I get .5 to .75 moa groups with 69 grain matchking handloads in it. Great rifle for the price imho.

longball

01-18-11, 23:31

Not sure about the .308 but I also have a SPS varmint (.223) that I have been happy with. As mentioned, the Hogue leaves some to be desired in the way of stability but it works well for me as a coyote/varmint gun. It provides positive grip in wet conditions and doesn't seem as cold to hang on to as other synthetic stocks. The last time I shot it I put 10 shots in .75" shooting off my range bag. All things considered, I'm a happy camper.

I'm not sure how others feel about it, but I like the x mark pro as well.

OutlawDon

01-18-11, 23:55

I got a used but unfired SPS Tactical a few weeks ago for $550. Then I ditched the Hogue stock as soon as I could and found a used HS Precision stock for $150. I haven't shot it yet, but will soon with some 168 and 175 grain ammo I just received a few days ago. Sans the scope, rings, mount and bipod, not bad for a $700 budget build. :) The X Mark trigger is really crisp and creep-free, and feels great.

I'm currently selling my Savage now since this is the replacement. But both brands have their strengths and weaknesses. I did have to polish the feed ramp and rails on the Remington a little as it would not feed rounds while just testing it as they would sometimes jam.

http://healthbydon.com/spstactical.jpg

longball

01-19-11, 14:52

Outlaw Don,
What is your Savage are you selling?

OutlawDon

01-19-11, 15:18

Outlaw Don,
What is your Savage are you selling?

It's a 12FVSS .223 Stainless. Very accurate. It's in the classifieds (not to hijack). Just need to recoup some funds for the SPS Tactical project.

wahoo95

01-19-11, 15:31

I think they are a great bang for buck rifle. I'm actually selling mine tomorrow so I decided to take it out one last time yesterday. Top groups is 10 shots 168gr Handloads(.790") and the bottom is 5 shots 168gr FGMM(.883"). Both groups shot at 100yds.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb244/a996hawk/IMG_4297-1.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb244/a996hawk/IMG001851.jpg

C-grunt

01-19-11, 17:41

I have a stock SPS Tac. The first time I took it out I messed up and forgot all my good ammo. This is what it did with Wolf .308 off of a bipod no rear bag at 100 yards.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm229/killerchase2000/spstacwolfgroup.jpg

carbinero

01-19-11, 18:06

That is exactly why I question people who say the stock and trigger are junk. Sure, you'd lose a heated competition to guys with McMillans and Timneys, but for the overwhelming majority of average shooters, an out of the box 700 varmint contour rifle is pretty darn great. Once I realized mine was a shooter (in spite of the stock/trigger), I went to work adding a sling stud and epoxy, and I may yet sand off the pressure points at the tip, and if it stops shooting, I may practice my free float epoxy skills...Knowing that I can always throw that stock out and slap it in a $200 B&C or used HS and go right back to 1/2" at 100.

tuck

01-20-11, 01:26

The biggest gripe I've heard about the x-mark trigger is inconsistency. I've never had an issue with mine, and its stayed set at 2 1/2lbs since I got the rifle almost 2 years ago.

For kicks, heres a pic of my stick:

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa215/tuckinauster/gun%20porn/100_2215.jpg

Littlelebowski

01-20-11, 06:47

Got a 20" 308 SPS Tactical on the way. Ordering EGW 20 MOA base, Harris bipod, and figuring out the scope situation.

Wicked

01-20-11, 21:57

I got an SPS Tactical in .223 because I got it pretty cheap. By the time I replaced the stock with an HS Precision and got the bolt threaded w/ Badger knob, I had saved only a little bit over buying the 700P. Mine still does not have the nice parkerized finish. Supposedly, the quality control on the P models is better also. If I got a 'do-over' I would probably just get the 700P.

carbinero

01-21-11, 10:32

700P version doesn't come with oversized bolt knob, BTW, but yeah, the finish is nicer. So if you plan on buying a new HS stock anyhow, sure the 700P is the right choice. Just got my KRG bolt lift in the mail. Class act. Can't wait to get my 22" back from the smith and try it out.

orkan

01-23-11, 00:30

10 hits on IPSC at 750yds with my sps tactical in HS stock. Ditch the hogue stock and you'll be happy. :)

http://www.gregd.net/pics/guns/range_report/2010/IMG_4573.JPG

longball

01-23-11, 13:56

OP,
Remington has a $75 rebate on their SPS Varmint line right now.

"Offer valid from January 1, 2011 to May 31, 2011.
All rebate requests must be postmarked by June 15, 2011."

http://www.remington.com/pages/news-and-resources/rebates-and-promotions/Spring2011-RebateRoundup1.aspx

I saw the poster at a China-Mart while picking up some Federal 9mm ammo. I don't know what they go for where you are but they had the SPS's for $547, $472 after rebate.

DJK

01-23-11, 16:08

maximus83

01-23-11, 16:41

Got a 20" 308 SPS Tactical on the way. Ordering EGW 20 MOA base, Harris bipod, and figuring out the scope situation.

Good choices, all. Exactly the same SPS setup I put together this past fall; I also added EGW's new alloy tactical rings. Excellent quality!

longball

01-23-11, 22:52

It doesn't look like that includes the Tactical models. :sad:

Unfortunately not. If so I would probably already have one on the way and be searching for a way to hide it from my fiancee. To buy a gun 3 months before our wedding would be :suicide2:

tbaytusmc

01-24-11, 00:30

If anyone's curious about the sporter barrel models, I have the 700 sps sporter barrel in .223...

My impressions... Not exactly ecstatic about it for my first 700, really... The most pressing issue I have with it is the headspacing... It seems inadequate. I've yet to buy a go gauge for it to honestly check it out, but closing/opening the bolt on a round can prove rather difficult most of the time... (no, I'm not using steel ammo). I probably should have contacted Remington about this, but... eh. I take things into my own hands usually... stubborn a little? idk... Just hoping to get the bolt smoother... I'm on a deployment now so I can't really go out and get a go gauge and put it in and tell you guys tomorrow if it the bolt closes, but... If i remember I'll let you guys know in a few months. hahaha.

If the headspacing is indeed bad, and its not being caused by some other unthought-of problem, I'll probably just take it to one of the local smiths and see how much he'll charge. I don't like sending my guns through the mail, really... Being in the military sucked my faith up from post offices, to be honest, but that's neither here nor there.

Otherwise, accuracy with the factory stock and the sporter barrel is so-so. Some days I'll squeeze sub-moa out of it at 200yds, and other days I'll be pulling 2-2.5moa(same ammo, shooting position, supports, etc)... it's kind of temperamental. (shooting from a rest(bags, fully supported))

I recently ordered a bobby hart accublock laminated thumbhole stock for her, which will free float the barrel (taking it away from the questionable consistency of the factory stock's barrel tension) which should also improve what it's capable of as far as consistancy when shooting from a bipod/offhand/a rest... not to mention it's got an aluminum bedding block, so that's that...

Oh, and if you were wondering, the glass is a nikon monarch 4-16x42mm w/ 1/4moa adjustments. Awesome glass for the money, I believe. (I've mounted it on some other rifles too, and poa/poi remained consistent on those)

It's okay.. You can get back to reading the other posts now. =X

madisonsfinest

01-24-11, 08:24

[QUOTE=wahoo95;882132]I think they are a great bang for buck rifle. I'm actually selling mine tomorrow so I decided to take it out one last time yesterday. Top groups is 10 shots 168gr Handloads(.790") and the bottom is 5 shots 168gr FGMM(.883"). Both groups shot at 100yds.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb244/a996hawk/IMG_4297-1.jpg

What stock is this? I have the sps tac in .308. I would like to get another stock if it doesn't kill the wallet

8200rpm

01-24-11, 22:43

What stock is this? I have the sps tac in .308. I would like to get another stock if it doesn't kill the wallet

Bell and Carlson Medalist Tactical.

http://www.shootersdiscount.com/cart/images/uploads/Rem_SA_Medalist_2092-97.jpg (http://www.shootersdiscount.com/cart/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=98)

madisonsfinest

01-25-11, 00:05

Thank you

91B40

01-25-11, 00:26

I know you're asking about the .308 SPS. However, I have the .223 version. I planned on changing the Hogue stock for a better one and eventually using a better scope than the Tasco World Class 3X9 I had on hand. The trigger was a bit on the heavy side out of the box, but crisp.

I cleaned the rifle, mounted the Tasco and was off to the range.

At the sight-in session with my precision load using the Sierra 65 grain Game King and 3031 powder, it shot 3 shot 100 yard groups measuring 0.75 inches. It shoots about everything well including my ball handloads. Probably, given the 1-9 twist, heavier bullets may not work.
Bottom line...I'm adjusting the trigger pull down a bit and leaving everything else alone until I have a good reason to change it. I have an acquaintance who has the LTR .223. It cost him about three times as much with his "tactical" scope as my SPS cost me. It is not as good a rifle as my SPS.
After a bit, the Hogue stock may grow on you.....

In response to the reply below...
My intent was to say that my particular SPS/scope/stock combination is a better rifle than my acquaintance's particular LTR/scope/stock, especially considering the cost differential. By "better," I mean that I can shoot holes in things at various distances more easily with my SPS than I can with his LTR.
I did not intend to slam all Remington Light Tactical rifles and (by extension) their owners. The LTR has some good features like the fluted barrel which, makes it lighter and easier to lug around. Also, it comes with a second sling swivel for a bipod.

austinN4

01-25-11, 06:11

I have an acquaintance who has the LTR .223. It cost him about three times as much with his "tactical" scope as my SPS cost me.
Must be mostly the scope difference as the SPS by itself costs 60% of what a LTR does.

It is not as good a rifle as my SPS.That is a bold statement. How so? Don't get me wrong - I like the SPS Tactical and would have bought one if I hadn't found a really great deal on a used 700P, but your statement needs an explanation to be credible.

After a bit, the Hogue stock may grow on you.....
Yeah, like a fungus. A really good low cost replacement option is the B&C Medalist Tactical. If I had bought the SPS that is what I would have put on it.

austinN4

01-25-11, 14:08

By "better," I mean that I can shoot holes in things at various distances more easily with my SPS than I can with his LTR.
Thanks for the clarification. And you didn't slam me as I don't own a LTR. But I did think your prior statement was lacking in detail.

Interesting that your SPS shoots better than the LTR with the same shooter, especially given the Houge stock on the SPS. Sounds like your acquaintance might have drawn the black bean.

They are after all, the same basic action with the LRT having more bells and whistles, such as:
--HS Precision stock;
--Smoother action, at lease initially, due to more attention in the seperate Police build area; and
--Better (more durable) parkerized finish.

If I were buying new I would, in fact, buy the SPS Tactical AAC-SD (available in 308 only), throw the Houge stock away, replace the Hogue with with the B&C or HS Precision, and I would be in it for less money than a 700P LTR, albeit with not as good a finish or a fluted barrel.

Blayglock

01-26-11, 21:57

I have not shot mine very much. It is an .308 SPS tactical with the Hogue stock. When I sighted it in I had it on a bipod and the stock does touch the barrel. When I shot my deer with it it was not on a bipod but did not throw my shot off. I hit right where I was aiming and anchored the deer on the spot at a little over 100 yards.

I am probably going to sell it because I want a .260 rem or 6.5X55 Swede however.

orkan

01-27-11, 01:53

I want a .260 rem or 6.5X55 Swede however.

Then why sell it... just rebarrel it in 260 and be done.

smokeater 13

01-27-11, 18:45

wesprt

01-27-11, 19:15

A good friend has a Hogue stocked SPS Tac with a SS fixed 16x and Badger rings and bases. Shooting off a bipod with 168gr FGMM it will shoot 5 shot 1/2'' groups as long as your nerves can hold out at 100 yards. I think the reason those SPS Tacs are so damn accurate is that stiff ass 20'' tube. You can see the stock flexing contacting the barrel if you're shooting off a bipod but as stiff as it is I don't think it matters.

I think if Remington would ever fix their long ass chamber throats it might be even more accurate.

carbinero

01-29-11, 00:28

i have the sps .308 with the hogue stock i just painted my rifle although people say the paint wont hold for long but i figure the more scuff up the paint the better the camo. I have a larger bolt on it already, but does any body have any ideas on upgrades besides the stock?

All depends on your budget. If you can swing an XLR Industries, you would get a DM to boot, along with all the other sweetness. Better glass is always good. New drop-in trigger. Once you can keep up with that, re-barrel ;)

JB326

01-29-11, 22:54

I have the 20" SPS Tactical (308) and love it. I new from the outset of my project that I wanted it in a Manners stock, so the SPS was a no brainer when compared to the price of a 700P. While I waited for the Manners to arrive, I shot it in the Hogue. In the Hogue, it was a .75- 1. MOA gun. In the Manners, it has been a .5-.75 rifle, and can do better when I do better.

Bottom line... Ditch the Hogue, put on a good stock and you won't be dissappointed.

Pics...
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x212/shooter_john/Remington%20700%20SPS%20Tactical/P5230001.jpg
SPS is the rifle in the foreground. 700P in the back.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x212/shooter_john/Remington%20700%20SPS%20Tactical/700SPS1-1.jpg
Before paint.

A few groups...
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x212/shooter_john/Remington%20700%20SPS%20Tactical/DSC_0552.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x212/shooter_john/Remington%20700%20SPS%20Tactical/700SPSGroup.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x212/shooter_john/Remington%20700%20SPS%20Tactical/700SPSGroup2.jpg

As stated, the last two are only 80ish yards and three shots. It was pouring rain, and I was crunched for time trying to check my zero before a local competition. Nevertheless I was pleased with the results.