Remington 700 Police vs 700 SPS-Varmit then McMillan A3 aftermarket

[Narwhal]

Well, it's pretty self explanatory. I'm new to long range shooting and am looking bolt action target rifle. I've decided that I'd like to go with a remington 700 action. I understand that the barreled action on the police and and sps-varmit are the same; the Police comes with an HS precision stock right from the factory so I would be good to go straight away with it.

The other option I'm considering is getting the SPS-Varmit, and upon reciept placing an order for a McMillan A3 stock. I would shoot it in the factory stock until the McMillan was ready in 6 months to a year, however long it takes. Then I'd consider having it glass bedded as well. This option, while slightly more expensive might yield a bit more accuracy.

I'm not real concerned about weight, as it'll mostly just be a range toy for load development and long shots. Either way I'll be spending a good bit on glass too, probably going with a variable power scope in the 6-20x range. Any advice appreciated, thanks!

 

[Bobarino]

i recently picked up and SPS-V in .308 and plopped it in a Choate stock and it shoots like a champ. i don't particularly care for the HS Precision stock that comes with the 700P so i opted for the cheaper route to get what i want. just an FYI, i asked Remington in an email what the difference between the SPS and 700P really is and here is their reply.

Response (Daniel) 01/21/2010 10:52 AM
Bobby

sorry for the delay, we were a little backed up.

The 700P and SPS varmint barrels and actions are in fact the samel. Both come off the same machinery, and contrary to popular belief the are in fact made with the same tolerances. The differences are simply listed below.

Obviously the SPS varmint and Police lines have different stocks, the police being the upgraded HS precision model, over the function, but less rigid and consistent injection molded stock of the SPS-V.

Also the police model has a parkerized finish applied to it, vs the black oxide finish that is applied to the SPS-V rifles. This finish is not a painted on the gun however, it is a chemical dipping similar to parkerizing, but it simply doesn't finish as hard as parkerizing.

The main difference between the guns however is that despite the police and varmint guns coming off the same manufacturing assemblies, the police guns are each independently tested for both function and accuracy, so while the potential for great accuracy is the same with each one, it is guaranteed in the police line.

Hope this clears this up for you.

 

[Narwhal]

I did not realize the finishes were different. I do not care for the oxide finish on remington's 870 express shotguns, and it sounds like it's the same for the SPS 700's. I have not found that finish to be very durable and it seems prone to rust. Perhaps I should go with the police in light of this information. Thanks.

 

[SpeedAKL]

Bobarino: Good info! I had not heard that before.

Keep in mind that the cost of a McM stock will more than offset the price difference between the SPS-V and the 700P. The McM unit is considerably nicer IMO than the HS-P unit on the 700P. IIRC neither gun is glass-bedded from the factory.

 

[WoofersInc]

I just recently went in the same route. I picked up a 700 Police. The glass is a Leupold Mark4 6.5-20x50. Then added the harris bi-pod. Now it's a matter of getting to the range to zero everything.

 

[baldeagle93]

Narwhal...

You've provided some great info, I did not realize the SPS-V and the PSS had so much in common. I own a PSS and it is one of, if not my favorite rifle. If you like the McMillan stock on the PSS version it may be a more affordable route to go.

http://www.deathfromafar.com/htm/08_iba_weaponsys_pss.shtml

My local Bass Pro Shops has a sale until the end of February for $549.00.

The finish on the PSS is also extremely superior, quite frankly it is tough as nails!!!

I would say the only benefit to getting the SPS-V is if you like the standard stock or want to purchase your own aftermarket stock. Either way, great choice!

 

[mptrimshop]

what would the PSS stock sell for on the used market if some just wanted get the PSS for the finish and put a McMillan stock on it

 

[VA27]

I bought a bone-stock 700 VS, slapped a big ol' Loopy on it and called it good. With GoldMedal Match ammo any group bigger than three-quarter minute is my fault. I don't think there's a nickels difference in 'em.