I was thinking about picking up a mid-range rifle. I already have various ARs and a great 16 inch 45/70, but these are short-range weapons. I was thinking about opening up my range to 3-500 yards. I still lean towards the “Utililty” end, and don’t want a 25 pound scientific instrument posing as a rifle. How about a Remington 700 Youth 20 inch .308?
I am looking for some ideas. Would this likely be a nice .75-1.25 MOA rifle? What optic would be a good, rugged optic without adding a suitcase worth of weight?
Oh, and I am leaning towards .308 because I have a BUTTLOAD of brass and dies.
There is always the Remington Model 7, they are very accurate and light. My little brother has the Stainless/Synthetic version in 7mm-08 and it’s a laser.
I think it was around $700. The only negative in my eyes is the crown; it needs a new one.
I’ve been looking very hard at the Savage Scout (and un-scouting it) for much the same purpose. I’d like to stick a Leupold 1.5-5x on it. I want something that still has irons and detachable magazines.
One of the other things to keep in mind is the type of stock relative to what you’re looking to do. I have no doubts that a Remington LTR cut to 16" can still make good effective hits at quite a distance, but the stock on that gun is not really appropriate for a walking around rifle.
IMHO there are different requirements for a fixed position or limited movement bolt action and one that’s intended as a companion for someone on the move. Not sure which one the OP is after, but it’s something you should have straight in your mind before you get too far down one path or another.
IMHO there are different requirements for a fixed position or limited movement bolt action and one that’s intended as a companion for someone on the move. Not sure which one the OP is after, but it’s something you should have straight in your mind before you get too far down one path or another.
I am thinking of something towards the handy end of the spectrum. Something like a “Mountain gun” but with an emphasis on mid-long range.
Which ever you decide on, I would definitely upgrade to a synthetic stock with an aluminum bedding block.
The Remington Model 7 receiver is designed off a 700 Short Action receiver only it’s almost an inch shorter. It also comes in short-action magnums also. (assuming you didn’t know that).
There’s also the Ruger Frontier and Compact rifles. 16 1/2" bbls, 6 3/4 and 5 3/4 #, super rugged and reliable, and scope mounts that most,including me,really like.
I saw a 700 youth in .308 last fall, parked with synthetic stock. I thought the barrel was 18", though, not 20". Haven’t seen them again.
Both are excellent for a mid-range walking-around rifle. I started with a M77 Compact, 16" barrel, youth stock, .308. Optics are a Leupold M8 4x in the OEM mounts. I had the barrel threaded for a GI hider, and put a rail section up front for a light. Very handy. Useable when needed by ladies, IBOs, and kids, too.
Best shooting is with the Sierra MK 110gr HP, holding a consistent 1.25"/100.
IIRC the only difference between a youth model and the standard is in the stock and LOP. I too passed on the youth model in .308 (an ADL, which I think was the only offering for awhile- may be wrong) and now wish I’d pulled the trigger.
For the OP- are irons a mandatory part of your wish list for such a rifle…?
I built a walkin’ around rifle some years back and a buddy purchased it from me. I’ve been looking at doing it again with a Win 70 this time, since the Rem700 basic actions seem kinda cheap now. Let us know what you decide on.
