Remington 700 SPS: The Definitive Guide to This Iconic Rifle

The Remington 700 SPS (Special Purpose Synthetic) is a name synonymous with accuracy, reliability, and affordability in the world of bolt-action rifles. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or simply a firearms enthusiast, the 700 SPS offers a versatile platform for a wide range of applications. This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of the Remington 700 SPS, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and maximize your shooting experience. From its core features and benefits to its real-world performance and expert reviews, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this iconic rifle.

Understanding the Remington 700 SPS: A Legacy of Excellence

The Remington 700 action is arguably one of the most successful and widely used bolt-action designs in history. Its simple yet robust construction, combined with its inherent accuracy potential, has made it a favorite among custom rifle builders, law enforcement agencies, and military snipers alike. The SPS variant builds upon this legendary foundation, offering a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing the core performance characteristics that define the 700 series.

At its heart, the Remington 700 SPS features a cylindrical receiver machined from solid steel, providing a rigid and stable platform for the bolt and barrel. This design promotes consistent lockup and contributes to the rifle’s renowned accuracy. The “three rings of steel” design, where the cartridge is enclosed by the bolt face, chamber, and receiver, provides exceptional strength and safety. The push-feed action is smooth and reliable, ensuring consistent feeding and ejection of cartridges.

The SPS typically comes with a synthetic stock, offering weather resistance and durability in challenging conditions. While some may prefer the aesthetics of a wood stock, the synthetic option is a practical choice for hunters and shooters who demand reliable performance in any environment. The stock is designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, enhancing accuracy and control. The carbon steel barrel is another key component, contributing to the rifle’s overall accuracy and durability. Remington’s commitment to quality materials and manufacturing processes ensures that the 700 SPS delivers consistent performance, shot after shot.

The Remington 700 SPS: A Closer Look at Its Key Features

The Remington 700 SPS boasts a range of features designed to enhance accuracy, reliability, and user experience. Let’s break down some of the most important:

• Cylindrical Steel Receiver: Provides a rigid and stable platform for the bolt and barrel, contributing to the rifle’s accuracy.
• “Three Rings of Steel” Design: Encloses the cartridge within the bolt face, chamber, and receiver for exceptional strength and safety.
• Push-Feed Action: Ensures smooth and reliable feeding and ejection of cartridges.
• Carbon Steel Barrel: Contributes to the rifle’s accuracy and durability.
• Synthetic Stock: Offers weather resistance and durability in challenging conditions.
• Adjustable Trigger: Allows users to fine-tune the trigger pull to their preference.
• Scope Mounting Options: Drilled and tapped receiver for easy scope mounting.

The adjustable trigger is a particularly noteworthy feature. Many shooters find that a crisp, consistent trigger pull is essential for achieving optimal accuracy. The Remington 700 SPS allows users to adjust the trigger pull weight to their preference, enabling them to fine-tune the rifle to their individual shooting style. This adjustability is a significant advantage over rifles with fixed triggers, which may not be suitable for all shooters.

Unveiling the Advantages: Why Choose a Remington 700 SPS?

The Remington 700 SPS offers a compelling combination of accuracy, reliability, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of shooters. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Exceptional Accuracy: The Remington 700 action is known for its inherent accuracy potential. The cylindrical receiver, combined with a high-quality barrel, contributes to consistent shot placement.
• Unwavering Reliability: The simple yet robust design ensures reliable performance in a variety of conditions. The push-feed action is smooth and dependable, minimizing the risk of malfunctions.
• Affordable Price Point: The SPS variant offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing core performance characteristics. This makes it an accessible choice for shooters of all levels.
• Versatile Platform: The Remington 700 SPS can be adapted for a wide range of applications, from hunting to target shooting. Its modular design allows for easy customization with aftermarket parts and accessories.
• Weather Resistance: The synthetic stock provides excellent weather resistance, making it a reliable choice for hunting in harsh conditions.
• Customization Options: The Remington 700 platform has extensive aftermarket support, allowing shooters to customize their rifles to their specific needs and preferences. From stocks and triggers to barrels and optics, the possibilities are endless.

Users consistently report excellent accuracy with the Remington 700 SPS, often achieving sub-MOA (minute of angle) groups with quality ammunition and proper shooting technique. Its reliability is also a major selling point, with many owners reporting years of trouble-free service. The affordability of the SPS makes it an attractive option for those who want a high-quality rifle without breaking the bank.

Remington 700 SPS: A Trustworthy Review

The Remington 700 SPS has earned a reputation as a reliable and accurate rifle, but how does it perform in real-world scenarios? Our analysis is based on user feedback, expert opinions, and simulated range tests.

User Experience & Usability: The Remington 700 SPS is generally considered to be a user-friendly rifle. The bolt action is smooth and easy to operate, and the synthetic stock provides a comfortable and secure grip. The adjustable trigger allows users to customize the trigger pull to their preference, enhancing accuracy and control. Mounting a scope is straightforward, thanks to the drilled and tapped receiver.

Performance & Effectiveness: The Remington 700 SPS delivers excellent accuracy, consistently producing tight groups with quality ammunition. Its reliability is also a strong point, with few reports of malfunctions or failures. The rifle is well-balanced and easy to handle, making it a pleasure to shoot.

Pros:

• Exceptional Accuracy: Known for its inherent accuracy potential.
• Unwavering Reliability: Simple and robust design ensures reliable performance.
• Affordable Price Point: Offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
• Versatile Platform: Can be adapted for a wide range of applications.
• Weather Resistance: Synthetic stock provides excellent weather resistance.

Cons/Limitations:

• Synthetic Stock Aesthetics: Some may prefer the look and feel of a wood stock.
• Trigger Adjustment: Requires some knowledge and tools to adjust properly.
• Base Model Features: Some may want to upgrade certain components for optimal performance.

Ideal User Profile: The Remington 700 SPS is best suited for hunters, target shooters, and firearms enthusiasts who are looking for an accurate, reliable, and affordable bolt-action rifle. It’s an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced shooters alike.

Key Alternatives: The Savage 110 and the Tikka T3x are two popular alternatives to the Remington 700 SPS. The Savage 110 offers similar accuracy and affordability, while the Tikka T3x is known for its exceptionally smooth action and lightweight design. Both are excellent rifles, but the Remington 700 SPS remains a top contender due to its proven track record and extensive aftermarket support.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Remington 700 SPS is a highly recommended rifle that offers exceptional value for the money. Its accuracy, reliability, and affordability make it an excellent choice for a wide range of shooters. While some may prefer the aesthetics of a wood stock or the features of a higher-end model, the Remington 700 SPS provides a solid foundation for building a custom rifle or simply enjoying a reliable and accurate firearm. We recommend the Remington 700 SPS to anyone looking for a versatile and dependable bolt-action rifle.

Mastering the Remington 700 SPS: Expert Tips

To maximize the performance of your Remington 700 SPS, consider the following tips:

• Choose Quality Ammunition: The Remington 700 SPS is capable of excellent accuracy, but it requires quality ammunition to achieve its full potential. Experiment with different brands and bullet weights to find what works best for your rifle.
• Proper Scope Mounting: Ensure that your scope is properly mounted and aligned. A poorly mounted scope can significantly impact accuracy.
• Clean and Maintain Your Rifle: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of your Remington 700 SPS. Clean the barrel after each shooting session and lubricate the moving parts as needed.
• Practice Proper Shooting Technique: Proper shooting technique is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy. Focus on consistent trigger pull, breathing control, and follow-through.
• Consider Aftermarket Upgrades: The Remington 700 SPS can be further enhanced with aftermarket upgrades, such as a new stock, trigger, or barrel. These upgrades can improve accuracy, ergonomics, and overall performance.

The Enduring Appeal of the Remington 700 SPS

The Remington 700 SPS stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed and expertly executed bolt-action rifle. Its combination of accuracy, reliability, and affordability has made it a favorite among shooters of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or simply a firearms enthusiast, the 700 SPS offers a versatile platform for a wide range of applications. It remains a solid choice, and we encourage you to explore the possibilities it unlocks. Share your experiences with the Remington 700 SPS in the comments below.