decroyffe Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 i'm at that point again where i'm ready for a change. at the moment i'm useing the browning A Bolt SS. I've been looking at the remington 700 vssf model, which has a heavy barrel. first of all, what are the comments from those who have had experiance with the remington 700, and secondly what are the pros and cons with the heavy barrel in the field. anyone who is just about to say it's heavy, dont bother, i figured that one for myself Is the extra weight worth it and what they like referance value for money. if nothing good comes from the comments, i'm sure to return to the tikka t3, or maybe treat myself to a sako, so thats what i need to compare all the pros and cons regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davo Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 Not trying to hijack the thread, similar question for the heavy barrel on the .17HMR CZ varmint, worth the extra weight better accuracy?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 I don't know about the remmington 700 to be honest, but I do find a heavy shorter barrel easier to hold steady when taking standing shots. When club shooting the heavy barrel takes longer to heat up supposedly, although in the field I really can't see how it's an advantage unless shooting from a vehicle. If you're walking a long way on open ground then the longer and lighter barrel would probably be better as the MV will be higher than with a short barrel. The gun will weigh less too. I know I've just said that the heavy barrel is better for me regarding holding it steady, but that's at the club. If I was dragging it half way across the country in search of quarry then I'd probably be too knackered to shoot straight because of the weight of the gun B) I'm getting the heavy 16" barrelled HMR when the cert turns up, but only because it's shorter and I don't have to walk far with it. You lose about 100fps off of the MV I think, but that's not enough to worry about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dead-Eyed Duck Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 Some years ago I had a Remmy 700 Varmint in 22-250, and also a Sako Varmint in 0.223. I don't think that the heavy barrels are more accurate unless you are going to indulge in some 'target' shooting. With a normal field barrel it heats up pretty quickly, and after 15 shots or so accuracy is affected. This is not so with a heavy barrel. My current 0.223 is a Sako 75 with standard barrel and this is certainly as accurate as my old Sako Varmint for normal field work. If you are of a substantial build then lugging a heavy barrel may not be a problem. However I am only 10.5 stone and would not want to carry a heavy barrel for a few hours at night. Been there, done it, and don't want to do it again. I was told that on the 22-250 reducing the barrel length by an inch reduced the velocity by 50 fps. So, I had 5" (I think) lopped off mine and with the old moderator fitted (which screwed onto the end of the muzzle) it was not too unwieldy. Accuracy was not affected. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oly Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 Get the remmy 700 VSSF, it's an excellent gun...doubt you'll want to "treat" yourself to a Sako after a VSSF too! Plus, if you are one for getting bored with guns (which you seem to be from your post! :o ) there are more modifications for the Remmy 700 than any other gun out there, which would save you a fortune (plus improving on an already excellent gun) rather than changing guns again. :o Personally I love heavy barrels, and the added accuracy at distance is of great benefit B) ...for me it certainly outweighs the extra weight of carrying it B) ...for me I wouldn't consider anything else. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coupe312 Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 i find my ballance is improve with a heavy barrel don't know why just is. weight is not a issue to me..... i am just a little over 10 stone .... i wish. try near 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decroyffe Posted June 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 first of all thanks, some very good information from members i consider good riflemen, that being based on what i've read since joining. I'm not the biggest of fellas, but strongs as a bull, so holding steady wouldn't be a problem. The work in question would be fox, so whilst trekking at night my sticks would be with me, as always. The reassurance from fister and oly, about the 700 was also welcomed, all the other points have been taken on board, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oly Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 I'm not the biggest of fellas, but strongs as a bull, so holding steady wouldn't be a problem. In my experience the larger round chested people shoot well with light barrels as they can hold a light rifle in the classic freehand position (same as a classic shotgun position) with ease. For the rest of us (inc. me, I might be 6ft4 but 13 stone athetic build - that's what I call it anyway! B) ) a heavy barrel and a tight freehand shooting position (keeping both arms close to the body and even possibly shooting off your clenched fist) is a lot more stable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbruno Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 well this is just my opinion keep your a-bolt and stay away from remington there quality control isnt what it used to be if you want a change and a heavy barrel look at CZ varmint, browning eclipse, sako or tikka varmint i know alot of people who traded in there remingtons the only seasond hunters i see with remingtons are the ones who kept the rem/mauser action and put custom triggers and barrels on them i know some people wont agree but maybe it is just bad luck but every remington i have encounterd had problems and thats about a dozen the only ones i have any respect for is the rem 870 pump cheers mate hope you get a good one what ever you get Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootit Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 If you want an accurate 22-250 varmint rifle from Remington, you might also consider the new 700 light varmint which has a 22 inch fluted stainless barrel if I remember correctly. They are bedded in a synthetick stock and are completely rigid. Never fired one but I think they would be very accurate, handy, and light enough to carry all day. The old Ruger M77 varmint rifles had a medium contour 24 inch barrel. I have one and so does my dad. They are truly great old rifles. Of course if you can afford the Sako 75, a Grey Wolf would be a great addition to anyone's collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decroyffe Posted June 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 thanks jcbruno and shootit, more points to consider manage to blagg a day with a friends varmint so we'll see how that go's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conor Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 go for a vssf ii, my 223 shoots 3/4" to 1" groups with factory american eagle ammo at 200yds. lovely stable rifle to shoot. the extra weight helps with foxing i think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbruno Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 let us know what you get cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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