Thanks for all the feedback, it helped me make the first purchase of the build. Now onto optics!
Edit/Update - 9/3
Purchased:
Rifle: Remington Model 700 AAC-SD 20" (85542)
Researching:
Base / Rings: Im looking to pick up a set of Seekins at this point, would be 100 for the rail and 120 for the rings. Also, using a 20moa rail I should still be able to 100yd zero correct?
Scope: Vortex 4-16x50 Viper PST 30mm Rifle Scope (mil/mil) - Im still trying to find reviews and im a little concerned about the low end being 4x for hunting.
Update: Looks like the weaver tactical 3-15 Illuminated EMDR vs the PST wins with glass quality. Currently weaver is in the lead, also 100 bucks cheaper.
Mounting option C: Seekins precision 20 MOA base and Medium Rings
Bipod option C: Harris S-LM, notched legs with a swivel mount.
Relatively the same cost, much more versatility, and you wont feel the need to “upgrade” later.
Trust me, I skimped out on my build and ended up buying the good stuff later anyway. Now I have two scopes, two bipods, two sets of rings (the Burris XTRs actually never worked for me, they kept slipping) and two mounts (my first was an EGW 0 MOA as well)
The smooth leg bipods are time consuming and even if firing off a bench, if its not level will make your reticle crooked without swivel capability.
-The AAC-SD is threaded which is a big plus and still a 20”. What about accuracy, seems the LTR is sub-moa where the AAC is more MOA. Still looking into the stock.
Optic option B: Vortex 4-16/6-24
I would consider the 4-16, although more expensive FFP would be the way to go I assume? Need to find more reviews on the 4-16, the PST in 2.5-10 got enough bad reviews to direct me to the swfa ss.
Mounting option C: Seekins precision 20 MOA base and Medium Rings
Would the 4-16 have enough adjustment to zero for 100yds with a 20 moa?
Bipod option C: Harris S-LM, notched legs with a swivel mount.
Close enough in price for me to consider, would I need a pod loc?
I’m far from a precision guru. But I was recommended the Warne steel base, TPS steel rings, and the SS scope.
The SS scope isn’t too bad. It tracks well, but the MOA adjustments aren’t exact. If I do a partial box test and come up 5 and right 5, the POI is really like 6-1/2 high right.
Not a huge deal since the scope tracks good enough… I just have to build my dope card around what the turret says… and not REAL MOA.
Yuck. You also can’t listen to what a ballistic computer says, and trust it to make a long shot. You’ll be WAY off if you have over a minute of error within 5 minutes. That is complete horse shit and I’d send the scope back.
Your dope card based on the turrets will be well and good, until you change AO, or the weather changes. Granted, after a few thousand rounds in the different conditions you’ll be able to get an educated guess based on dope that will be fairly close… so long as you log every shot methodically in a databook. … but don’t be fooled. That is completely unacceptable from an optic at ANY price point.
As for base and rings… go with a 20moa or 30moa base. I prefer seekins, badger, nightforce… in no particular order for the base.
For rings, IOR v-tac, badger, leupy mark4, nightforce. I prefer badger, but own and use all the others as well. I like the 1/2" nut vs. other clamping methods.
I agree with the general consensus about “buy quality”, especially in the areas of glass and rings. Like MarkM, I started with an SPS Tactical a year or so ago, and am gradually upgrading it. Got an IOR scope, my next purchase will be a stock upgrade.
One point on EGW: they build OUTSTANDING quality stuff, and you won’t go wrong with an EGW base (I have two of them), but I’d also splurge and get the high-end lightweight EGW rings as well. They are expensive, but worth every penny. Here’s the set I have:
Plenty of good rings and bases. You have to get a good stock. The rem700 action / barrel is going to be good enough. Upgrading the stock is cheap compared to the glass. Glass, either buy something quality right off the bat, or buy something to get you by, like Markm, then upgrade to NF or something later. Middle of the road is no mans land, don’t go there IMHO.