The Remington 700 SPS Tactical has solidified its place as a favorite among precision rifle enthusiasts and competitive shooters. This bolt-action rifle offers a compelling blend of accuracy, features, and affordability, making it a strong contender in its class. This in-depth article will explore its key features, performance, modifications, and overall suitability for various applications.
Understanding the Remington 700 SPS Tactical's Design
The Remington 700 SPS Tactical is built upon the legendary Remington 700 action, a platform known for its robustness and accuracy. Key features that distinguish the SPS Tactical model include:
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Heavy Barrel: The rifle features a heavier-than-standard barrel profile, designed to reduce barrel whip and improve accuracy, especially during rapid fire. This typically translates to better grouping at longer ranges. The heavier barrel also helps dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the impact on accuracy during extended shooting sessions.
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Tactical Stock: The synthetic stock is designed for stability and adjustability. It often features a more aggressive pistol grip, adjustable length of pull, and possibly cheek risers for a more comfortable and consistent shooting position. Many users appreciate this ergonomic design for improved control and accuracy.
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Free-Floating Barrel: The barrel is free-floated, meaning it's not contacting the stock. This minimizes the influence of the stock on barrel vibrations, further contributing to accuracy. A free-floated barrel allows the barrel to vibrate naturally, leading to more consistent shot groups.
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Picatinny Rail: The inclusion of a Picatinny rail allows for easy mounting of optics and accessories like scopes, bipods, and even night vision devices. This adaptability is crucial for customizing the rifle to individual needs and preferences.
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Threaded Barrel: Many variations of the SPS Tactical feature a threaded barrel, allowing for the attachment of a muzzle brake or suppressor. A muzzle brake can reduce recoil, while a suppressor reduces the sound signature of the firearm.
Caliber Options and Ballistics
The Remington 700 SPS Tactical is available in a variety of calibers, catering to different shooting applications. Common calibers include:
- .308 Winchester: A versatile and widely available round, ideal for long-range shooting and hunting.
- .223 Remington: A smaller caliber, better suited for shorter-range applications and higher rates of fire.
- .300 Winchester Magnum: A more powerful round for extreme long-range shooting.
The choice of caliber depends heavily on the intended use. .308 Win offers a good balance between range, accuracy, and recoil, making it a popular choice. The .300 Win Mag increases range significantly but with increased recoil. The .223 Rem is best for targets closer than 500 yards.
Performance and Accuracy Testing
While individual rifles may vary, the Remington 700 SPS Tactical generally demonstrates good accuracy. Numerous reviews and tests have showcased sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy with quality ammunition, especially when the rifle is properly broken in and zeroed.
What is MOA? A Minute of Angle (MOA) is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/60th of a degree. In terms of shooting, 1 MOA at 100 yards equates to approximately 1 inch of group size. Sub-MOA accuracy means a rifle consistently shoots groups smaller than one inch at 100 yards.
Many online forums and shooting communities provide detailed accuracy reports and test results from various users. These reports provide valuable insight into real-world performance and can inform purchasing decisions.
Case Study: Long-Range Shooting with the .308 Winchester SPS Tactical
A seasoned long-range shooter reported consistently achieving 0.75 MOA groups at 100 yards with his Remington 700 SPS Tactical in .308 Winchester using handloaded ammunition. This highlights the potential accuracy of the rifle given proper attention to ammunition selection and load development.
Modifications and Upgrades
The Remington 700 SPS Tactical is a highly customizable platform. Common modifications and upgrades include:
- Advanced Optics: Upgrading to a high-quality scope with appropriate magnification is crucial for maximizing accuracy at longer ranges.
- Trigger Upgrades: Replacing the factory trigger with an aftermarket trigger can significantly improve trigger pull weight and feel, contributing to improved shot accuracy.
- Muzzle Devices: Adding a muzzle brake or suppressor reduces recoil and flash, enhancing the shooting experience and potentially improving accuracy.
- Bipods and Other Accessories: Bipods and other accessories improve stability and shooting ergonomics.
Conclusion: Is the Remington 700 SPS Tactical Right for You?
The Remington 700 SPS Tactical offers a solid balance of performance, features, and affordability. Its accurate action, tactical stock, and customizable platform make it suitable for various applications, from target shooting to hunting to long-range precision shooting. However, potential buyers should carefully consider their needs and budget before making a purchase. Proper research, including studying user reviews and ballistic information, is recommended to ensure the rifle meets individual expectations. The Remington 700 SPS Tactical, with the right accessories and attention to detail, can be a highly reliable and accurate long-range precision rifle.