Remington 700 VLS
- Thread starter Sulaco
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I have a Rem 700 VS in 308 and it is one of the most accurate rifles I have shot for the money. A friend bought a VLS in the same caliber and it was very accurate as well.
In fact, because of my physical makeup, the VLS felt more comfortable to shoot off the bench for me, and I have always been a sucker for well done laminated stock. In the field, my VS does everything I tell it to, and if I miss, it is not the rifles fault. Not to say that you should go for the VS-I bought mine before the VLS came out, but I don't see how you could lose either way in a 308 heavy barrel.
In fact, because of my physical makeup, the VLS felt more comfortable to shoot off the bench for me, and I have always been a sucker for well done laminated stock. In the field, my VS does everything I tell it to, and if I miss, it is not the rifles fault. Not to say that you should go for the VS-I bought mine before the VLS came out, but I don't see how you could lose either way in a 308 heavy barrel.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
The VLS is a great gun ... for plinking from the bench. In my opinion, it weighs far too much for hunting. I had a VLS in .223 that was a great shooter. However, it was just too heavy for field use, especially if you move a lot, or hunt woods where the shots may be quick. I still really like Remington 700s, and still have a VSSF in .308 that I use for target shooting. But for deer hunting, I want something lighter and quicker, like a Model 7 (in .308). I sold my VLS and bought a CZ that isn't quite as accurate, but it's far more "friendly" in the field.
If you can afford two, get the VLS! It's a great gun! But I don't think you'll like it for deer hunting.
If you can afford two, get the VLS! It's a great gun! But I don't think you'll like it for deer hunting.
OP
OP
Sulaco
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Thanks for the great replies!
I actually prefer a heavier rifle for hunting. All of my hunting is done from a stand using rails, so it is much like shooting from a bench. If I am stalking, it is with a Model Seven in 7mm-08 with a scout scope setup or a 12 guage, but stalking is rare for me.
I actually prefer a heavier rifle for hunting. All of my hunting is done from a stand using rails, so it is much like shooting from a bench. If I am stalking, it is with a Model Seven in 7mm-08 with a scout scope setup or a 12 guage, but stalking is rare for me.
The only item I did not care for on the VLS models I have owned has been the lack of a free floated barrel. There was an incredible amount of pressure exerted by the stock on the barrel. My .223 VLS really did not shoot well until I free floated the barrel which took a great deal of sanding. I bought anoter VLS when they changed the stock design and again had to sand quite a while to get a free floated barrel.
Remington's competitors such as Ruger , Kimber and Savage all seem to be able to free float their heavy barrel rifles right from the start - for some reason this concept is ignored by Remington on their laminated stock heavy barrel rifles.
Remington's competitors such as Ruger , Kimber and Savage all seem to be able to free float their heavy barrel rifles right from the start - for some reason this concept is ignored by Remington on their laminated stock heavy barrel rifles.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Gary, less a matter of being in shape/fatigue than it is quick handling and speed to the shoulder. I'm in pretty good (not great) shape, and don't mind carrying a load. But a light barrelled Model 7 is sure "handier" than a 700 VLS! Whether you like Cooper's "scout" concept or not, there was a reason for his suggested weight limit, and it makes sense to me.
El Rojo
Member
It seems you have justified taking this gun to the stand with no problems; however, that is my only comment, the thing weighs a ton! I took my 700 VS deer hunting one year and that was the last year I did that. I just take the light barreled 700 in .30-06. I hit this deer, but not quite high enough and he got away (I think he is still alive up on the ranch somewhere now about 3 years later). After I hit him and he ran off, I had to go track him down. Well I didn't hit him too well cause off he went and I never found him. I did march all over that hillside and that gun was way too heavy!
I do like my VS with the synthetic stock. For a couple extra bucks you might want to consider the VS. Whatever you do, I think you will probably be happy with the 700 heavy barrel in .308.
I do like my VS with the synthetic stock. For a couple extra bucks you might want to consider the VS. Whatever you do, I think you will probably be happy with the 700 heavy barrel in .308.
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