need help deciding on a bolt action rifle

[Variable2147]

I need a light and durable rifle for hunting that I can also shoot at least a 1MOA grouping at 100yds.

I am looking for .308 or better.

At or under 7.5lbs

I am fairly sold on either the remington sps tactical (20" bull barrel) or the remington sps with the 24" barrel. My only concern is: at what range do the extra 4 inches come into play as far as velocity for a kill shot? Both are plenty accurate

But if there are other rifles better suited for my purposes in the $600 range, I'm open to suggestions as long as they fit the weight and accuracy and cartridge criteria.

[Uriah02]

My brother has a SPS tactical and I got the SPS with a 24" heavy barrel. The 20" is heavy, I would think too heavy for hunting if you plan on hiking a fair amount. Keep in mind it is 7.5 lbs empty, consider with scope and bipod, you'll likely have a 9-10lbs setup. For hunting if you are stuck on the 700, I'd suggest the VTR. It is around 800 (the SPS Tac was $610), but the fluted barrel will keep the weight down.

[5150Marcelo]

Hands down... Tikka T3 Lite.

Most accurate rifle outta the box. Adjustable 2-4lb trigger. Very light.

Just ditch the rings they come with and get yourself an EGW rail and some nice rings.

[B Strong]

I need a light and durable rifle for hunting that I can also shoot at least a 1MOA grouping at 100yds.

I am looking for .308 or better.

At or under 7.5lbs

I am fairly sold on either the remington sps tactical (20" bull barrel) or the remington sps with the 24" barrel. My only concern is: at what range do the extra 4 inches come into play as far as velocity for a kill shot? Both are plenty accurate

But if there are other rifles better suited for my purposes in the $600 range, I'm open to suggestions as long as they fit the weight and accuracy and cartridge criteria.

I don't think the SPS will come in at your weight w/optics.

I'd try to find a good condition Remington 788 - you should be able to find one for under your budget w/o optics.

If you're going to be hunting on the plains in Wyoming I'd say got for a longer barrel, but if you find something good with a 20" tube, it wouldn't be a hinderance.

[dfletcher]

I have a 788 carbine - that's a pretty good choice. Might also look at the CZ 550. I have a few of those and accuracy on all of them is great.

Will the 20" bull barrel Rem 700 come in under 7.5 lbs?

[Variable2147]

ok the Tikka looks good thanks Marcelo.....

its on gunbroker buy it now for $515 but not in .308

where would be a good place to look for a tikka t3 lite?

to uriah, your sps should be .25lbs lighter than your brothers. do you think the 24" sps like yours is too heavy for my uses also?

[Variable2147]

thanks to all for your input

[ar15barrels]

Will the 20" bull barrel Rem 700 come in under 7.5 lbs?

No.

[ChrisO]

I have a SPS varmint in in .308 in a HS stock badger 20 MOA base and leupold MK4 rings and a MK4 scope and I hunt deer with it sometimes, Lighter is better but it's not to bad and I feel very confident on where I can place my rounds with it.

[BigBamBoo]

............

[ar15barrels]

Here are my two...one with the short barrel is in .243 the other is .243

So you have two in 243?
What makes you choose one over the other when you are going afield?

[swerv512]

I have a remington 700 sps in 308 and it's plenty light and can still shoot nice looking groups... plus it's a 700- what more do i have to say.

[badtrout]

I have a remington 700 sps in 308 and it's plenty light and can still shoot nice looking groups... plus it's a 700- what more do i have to say.

I agree - of course mine is just a tad on the heavy side (.308 with 26" heavy barrel) - I should work out more.

I have heard/read a lot of good things about Tika - and the fact that they are less expensive is a good selling point. My next bolt action might be a Tika (after the wife cools down about the M1a I just got)

[mh2291]

i have the steyr scout .308 20 inch barrel only 6-7 lbs without scope . i think this is very good for hunting

[swerv512]

I agree - of course mine is just a tad on the heavy side (.308 with 26" heavy barrel) - I should work out more.

You're thinking of a different model- i'm speaking of the regualr SPS in 308 with the sportster barrel.... But i should still work out more