Your Opinion on Remington 700 magpul vs Ruger American Hunter

[fish590a]

I was ready to purchase the Remington 700 magpul this weekend then I got an email from Turners for their weekly special and saw the new Ruger American Hunter which look to be very similar to Remington 700 magpul for about $300 less. Reading thru the spec. they seem to be very identical. Now i’m leaning toward the this new Ruger rifle. Pls share your opinion.

[Anchorblew]

If you intend to leave it stock, the Ruger is a great choice. Now if you plan on changing things out, I believe their are many more aftermarket options available for the Remington 700. Both are solid rifles. I'd say go put cheek to stock and see if one feels better than the other.

[fish590a]

Originally Posted by Anchorblew

If you intend to leave it stock, the Ruger is a great choice. Now if you plan on changing things out, I believe their are many more aftermarket options available for the Remington 700. Both are solid rifles. I'd say go put cheek to stock and see if one feels better than the other.

I think they are both using the same stock.

[jimmykan]

The Ruger American has a shorter bolt lift (70-degrees vs 90-degrees for the Remington 700).

However, the Remington 700 bolt has a smoother more precise feel in cycling. The Ruger American feels rattle-y and sloppy in comparison, similar to a Savage.

The Ruger safety is on the tang, the Remington safety is on the upper right of the bolt shroud.

[Jarhead]

REM. 700

[1859sharps]

what are you wanting to do with the rifle? hunt? target shoot? get your feet wet in some sort of competition? if so which one?

[fish590a]

This will be my first bolt action, so just trying to get my feet wet.

[1859sharps]

Originally Posted by fish590a

I think they are both using the same stock.

they are.

[1859sharps]

Originally Posted by fish590a

This will be my first bolt action, so just trying to get my feet wet.

ok. couple more questions.

what chambering where you thinking? 308 or 6.5 creedmore? something else?
any intention to also hunt with this rifle?
what distances do you have available to shoot? and what distance will be the one you use the most?
any interest in competition? if so, which one?

[fish590a]

I’m thinking 308, maybe, we have several ranges that has more than 1000 yard,
After a while I would love to be able to shoot 600-700 yards, no plans to compete.

[nedro]

If you bought a fast car, would you make it faster?
If you bought a 4x4, would you add suspension?
If you bought a knife, would you sharpen it?
If yes, get the Rem 700.
If you keep things just the way they are, get the Ruger.

[dscoduc]

Go with the Ruger...

There are a lot of options these days for the Ruger American, including stocks, trigger springs, etc.

The barrels on the RA are Cold Hammer Forged and will give you excellent accuracy out of the box.

As for the bolt you will find the Ruger has a three lug bolt, near identical to the RPR, and having three lugs allows the bolt handle to have a lower profile next to your scope.

I would agree the bolt doesn't slide as smooth as a Tikka but for the money you can't go wrong.

[1859sharps]

Originally Posted by fish590a

I’m thinking 308, maybe, we have several ranges that has more than 1000 yard,
After a while I would love to be able to shoot 600-700 yards, no plans to compete.

ok. thank you.

so my 2 cents adjusted for inflation (so maybe worthless) ……

buy the Remington 700 sps varmint. not the Remington magpul. Take the savings and replace the stock, buy a timney trigger, and put some money towards a decent scope. you can still get a magpul stock if you really want. But I would suggest giving the grayboe line of stocks a peek before you make a final choice. even though I think the magpul is much better than many say, it does have a few down sides. weight is one. It is HEAVY, and the design of the forearm for me is uncomfortable.

the sps varmint comes with a 26 inch barrel, 308 is 1 in 12 twist, which is find for 175 grain bullets, which you will need once you pass 600 yards.

this is what I would do if I was to start all over knowing what I know now and buying my first Remington and thinking about long range. which to me is anything over 300 yards. I would also go 308 because of barrel life, and bullet selection.

But if you really want the magpul rifle and you aren't worried about the money...go for it if that is really what you want. but if you do have to watch your pennies, and you are trying to get the most bang for the buck, then I am not so sure I would go with the rem magpul rifle given what you say you want to do.

[dscoduc]

Oh, and if you are spending closer to $1000+ for your rifle you might also consider a Bergara B14 and Tikka T3 rifle too...

For example :

T3x COMPACT TACTICAL RIFLE $1024
https://honeybadgerfirearms.com/prod...5-creedmoor-4/

And you might consider the better ballistics of the 6.5 Creedmoor over the .308 Winchester...

[fish590a]

Originally Posted by 1859sharps

ok. thank you.

so my 2 cents adjusted for inflation (so maybe worthless) ……

buy the Remington 700 sps varmint. not the Remington magpul. Take the savings and replace the stock, buy a timney trigger, and put some money towards a decent scope. you can still get a magpul stock if you really want. But I would suggest giving the grayboe line of stocks a peek before you make a final choice. even though I think the magpul is much better than many say, it does have a few down sides. weight is one. It is HEAVY, and the design of the forearm for me is uncomfortable.

the sps varmint comes with a 26 inch barrel, 308 is 1 in 12 twist, which is find for 175 grain bullets, which you will need once you pass 600 yards.

this is what I would do if I was to start all over knowing what I know now and buying my first Remington and thinking about long range. which to me is anything over 300 yards. I would also go 308 because of barrel life, and bullet selection.

But if you really want the magpul rifle and you aren't worried about the money...go for it if that is really what you want. but if you do have to watch your pennies, and you are trying to get the most bang for the buck, then I am not so sure I would go with the rem magpul rifle given what you say you want to do.

You think rem magpul too heavy to go hunting with? A lot of good pointers here, i have a lot more to consider now.

[1859sharps]

Originally Posted by fish590a

You think rem magpul too heavy to go hunting with? A lot of good pointers here, i have a lot more to consider now.

that is a bit of a subjective question. one you will have to decide for your self.

rifles meant for hunting tend to be lighter since they are carried more than shot and carried over varying terrain for long periods of time or at the ready while stalking, making light better.

But what is lighter? what is heavier? that is the subjective part. it really depends on style of hunting, physical condition, and physical stature.

The magpul rifle while heavy, certainly isn't that heavy. While it is better to have a hunting rifle for hunting, and a target rifle for target shooting, you could get by with the magpul to do both to get started. Just realize it biases target shooting.

Hunting season is only a few months out of the year, but you can target shoot year around. later you could pickup a hunting rifle if you decide you want one that is lighter.

[fish590a]

Originally Posted by dscoduc

Oh, and if you are spending closer to $1000+ for your rifle you might also consider a Bergara B14 and Tikka T3 rifle too...

For example :

T3x COMPACT TACTICAL RIFLE $1024
https://honeybadgerfirearms.com/prod...5-creedmoor-4/

And you might consider the better ballistics of the 6.5 Creedmoor over the .308 Winchester...

I’m kinda leaning toward Rem 700 magpul, i would like to be able to shoot it right out the box and maybe change things around later on. Then again I don’t really know much about the Bergara B14 or Tikka T3X compact.tactical. Well I don’t really much about bolt action or long range shooting. I have only owned handguns, ar and a lever action rifle.

[1859sharps]

Originally Posted by fish590a

I’m kinda leaning toward Rem 700 magpul, i would like to be able to shoot it right out the box and maybe change things around later on. Then again I don’t really know much about the Bergara B14 or Tikka T3X compact.tactical. Well I don’t really much about bolt action or long range shooting. I have only owned handguns, ar and a lever action rifle.

If you want to get into long range shooting, even if just for your self. Then as you learn modify your rifle from a wide, wide variety after market support for barrels, stocks, triggers, scope mounts, etc, etc, etc. The 700 is really the only way to go. There is no debate on this point.

I am sure Bergara makes a fine rifle, but as often stated there is NO comparison to the support out there from parts to accessories to gunsmiths for the 700 compared to other rifles.

Tikkas have a good reputation...might be a line worth looking into when you decide the time is right for a purpose built hunting rifle.

Buying a rifle is a personal thing. we can only give food for thought. ultimately it is your money, your rifle. buy what your think you will like and enjoy. I choose to buy the steyr scout, lots of people probably think I am crazy because in their mind the ruger is just as good. but I wanted the steyr. So that is what I got. same goes for your first rifle.

308 vs 6.5 creedmoor. There is no denying the advantages of the 6.5 as you pass 600 yards. BUT the 308 can still get the job done, and done well. And it has it's own advantages. you won't be making a bad choice if you choose to stick with 308 for your first.

[fish45]

Just get the Remington. The magpul version of the Remington 700 comes cerakoted and has a longer barrel. The rugers have a weird trigger, but that’s just me.

[Bladewurk]

Buy a $399 Bass Pro Rem700 ADL, and a takeoff HS Precision Stock from private marketplace
ETA: the Bergara is 700 compatible it takes most aftermarket stuff for 700s, but comes with upgrades already done, it’s a product improved Rem 700. The HMR is a deal IMO

[fish590a]

Thanks for all the reply. I looked into the Tikka T3X compact tactical as well, a lot of really good review, i just dont know if the stock is quality or up to par with magpul like the one on remington 700 magpul? I would hate to buy it and realize later on that I need to change the stock. But it’s more than a pound less than the remington, so I’m this could be bench and hunting rifle ?

[fish590a]

Originally Posted by Bladewurk

Buy a $399 Bass Pro Rem700 ADL, and a takeoff HS Precision Stock from private marketplace
ETA: the Bergara is 700 compatible it takes most aftermarket stuff for 700s, but comes with upgrades already done, it’s a product improved Rem 700. The HMR is a deal IMO

I will look into Bergara.

[SirRicky85]

After looking at your profile... I think you are more of a target/plinker shooter with maybe some tactical influence. It doesn't seem that you are interested in hunting right now... maybe later down the road.

Personally, for me, base on your profile I would get a Rem 700 with a 1:10 or 1:12 barrel twist rate. Most of the long ranges in Cali are 600 yards... there are a few with 800-1000+ yards. The 1:12 twist rate offer slightly more target/plinking ammo selection while still could find some good match grade ammo. A 1:12 twist rate will offer you a slightly more barrel life than the 1:10 twist rate. The 1:10 twist rate is more for precision ammo going the distance 800-1000+ yards. You won't find many good target/plinking ammo for a 1:10 twist rate. You'll also find a good selection for hunting big game if you decide to go that route. The Rem 700 has wide aftermarket support for any application you will use it for... target/plinking, long-range precision, tactical, competition, and hunting.

Just stick with your barrel until you feel like you must upgrade it. Add/upgrade along your journey... such as scope rail or scope mount, trigger, muzzle brake, stock, and so on. The .308 caliber offer many ballistic data, so you can get a good rough estimate to dial in your scope.

[Kingchris626]

I saw the ad yesterday as well and made the purchase today.

[fish590a]

Originally Posted by SirRicky85

After looking at your profile... I think you are more of a target/plinker shooter with maybe some tactical influence. It doesn't seem that you are interested in hunting right now... maybe later down the road.

Personally, for me, base on your profile I would get a Rem 700 with a 1:10 or 1:12 barrel twist rate. Most of the long ranges in Cali are 600 yards... there are a few with 800-1000+ yards. The 1:12 twist rate offer slightly more target/plinking ammo selection while still could find some good match grade ammo. A 1:12 twist rate will offer you a slightly more barrel life than the 1:10 twist rate. The 1:10 twist rate is more for precision ammo going the distance 800-1000+ yards. You won't find many good target/plinking ammo for a 1:10 twist rate. You'll also find a good selection for hunting big game if you decide to go that route. The Rem 700 has wide aftermarket support for any application you will use it for... target/plinking, long-range precision, tactical, competition, and hunting.

Just stick with your barrel until you feel like you must upgrade it. Add/upgrade along your journey... such as scope rail or scope mount, trigger, muzzle brake, stock, and so on. The .308 caliber offer many ballistic data, so you can get a good rough estimate to dial in your scope.

You’re right I’m more of a target shooter/plinker though i have friends that goes wild hog hunting and they have been wanting me to go. I will stick with Rem 700 magpul ( though I really like all the reviews I seen on Tikka T3X compact tactical) just because of the wide range of after market support just in case i want to change, add or upgrade later on.

[fish590a]

Originally Posted by Kingchris626

I saw the ad yesterday as well and made the purchase today.

Nice let what you think about it once you get it.

[ar15barrels]

Originally Posted by fish590a

I think they are both using the same stock.

The OUTSIDE of the stock may look the same, but the INSIDE is dramatically different as those two actions are dramatically different.

[ar15barrels]

Originally Posted by fish590a

You think rem magpul too heavy to go hunting with?

There are two different kinds of rifles; hunting rifles and target rifles.

If your idea of hunting is driving around in a jeep and stepping out when you see your game, then a target rifle is fine.
If your idea of hunting is walking 7 miles up and down valleys and tracking game, then you won't want a target rifle.

Target rifles are heavy on purpose.
They have big heavy scopes with lots of magnification and target knobs.
The extra weight makes them much more enjoyable to shoot and more accurate.
Target rifles are designed in such a way that you can comfortable shoot 40-60 shots in a session without being bothered by them.

Hunting rifles are the opposite in almost all respects.
They have slim lower magnification scopes with wider field-of-view and covered knobs that won't dig into your ribs or get spun while being sling carried.
Hunting rifles are much lighter weight due to their skinny barrels.
Skinny barrels heat up quickly (3-5 shots) and lose their accuracy so they are no good for target use but perfectly suited for hunting.
They recoil more so they are uncomfortable to shoot much more than 5-10 rounds in a session.

Pick what you want most and build that rifle first.
If you need both, just plan on having two rifles.
Then you can put the proper scope on each.
Don't compromise as trying to make a rifle do both tasks usually makes it crappy for both tasks.

[JR18]

Originally Posted by fish590a

Thanks for all the reply. I looked into the Tikka T3X compact tactical as well, a lot of really good review, i just dont know if the stock is quality or up to par with magpul like the one on remington 700 magpul? I would hate to buy it and realize later on that I need to change the stock. But it’s more than a pound less than the remington, so I’m this could be bench and hunting rifle ?

IMO Tikka stocks are just ok. If this is a hunting rifle I think you’d be pleased with it due to the weight. Tikka rifles are great bang for the buck.

[dscoduc]

Originally Posted by fish590a

You’re right I’m more of a target shooter/plinker though i have friends that goes wild hog hunting and they have been wanting me to go. I will stick with Rem 700 magpul ( though I really like all the reviews I seen on Tikka T3X compact tactical) just because of the wide range of after market support just in case i want to change, add or upgrade later on.

Remington 700, the Glock of the rifle world...

[DrJeds44]

700 all the way.

[Pharmboy]

I recently purchased a 308 RAP and have shot R700s in the past. I didn’t catch this is the store, but I noticed something at the range that sorta annoyed me. Ruger’s 70 degree bolt throw is very rachet-like. Lifting the bolt is smooth for 45 degrees, then it catches and a little more force is needed to cycle the last 15 degrees (I believe to cock the trigger). It almost feels like an indention. This does not make for a smooth cycling action and drew my focus away from target. Nothing major, but something that I did not have issues with the rem 700 or my CZ 527.

[EMP3]

Check out a Sauer 100. MOA guaranteed. German engineering & production can't be beat at the price of a Sauer 100.

[USMCM16A2]

Weatherby Vanguard. Great after market, very high quality. Great price. A2