Just picked up a Rem 700 SPS

[Waffen]

Well, just got back from sportsmans wearhouse where I picked up a Remington 700 SPS S/S in 30-06. The rifle looks great, however I am not sure how much I like the feel of this synthetic stock, wich I will replace with an HS Percision anyway.

I was wondering, if it is expected to have a "stiff" bolt. It takes a deacent ammout of energy to lift the bolt up. I have no expirence in bolt action rilfes, but this feels a little too stiff. I was wondering if this is normal? Also, will it ever soften up? Would oiling the action make any difference?

Also, is there anything I should do in terms of preping the rifle for it's first range trip tommorow?

 

[Noban]

You should have a nice shooting rifle. The bolt will loosen up after a few trips to the range. Just dab a very little grease on the lugs and bolt raceway to help it along.

Make sure you run a few dry patches through the bore to remove any preservative oils or grease in the barrel. Then, just have at it!

 

[Waffen]

Figured I would give you a little range report after being out with the rifle 5-6 times. These SPS series 700's seem to be shooters.

I have tried many different loads and the gun seems to like 165gr bullets more than anything else, but not by much. I am grouping at about 1.25-1.75 groups with a 6x18x40AO scope on average. The best group I have shot is around .4MOA in a 5 shot group, cold bore. .4MOA is definatly not an average out of this gun however.

When I get the money I will expirement with handloads, but for now it's factory ammo.

Overall, after shooting many of the rifles I was consdering buying over the 700 SPS I am quite happy with the choice I made. Hope this helps somebody with their rifle decision.