I have always been a big fan of the Remington 700, so when I say I own three Varmint models that should not come as a surprise. They also happen to be one of the most accurate rifles you can buy. I decided to go on line to check out new models, the new Remington 700 VTR caught my interest. This is a different looking rifle with a triangle shaped 22 inch barrel, machined in production muzzel brake, the new X-mark pro trigger, and a green stock with cooling vents in the fore-end. It weighs only 7 1/2 pounds in 22-250, which should make a nice walking Varmint rifle.
After further research, I decided a Remington 700 VTR was going to be my next rifle, the articles had convinced me this was a keeper. I headed for my favorite sport store (Blythes in Griffith, IN) to make that purchase.
I started with a good cleaning, the bore was spotless. Then I mounted a Leupold VXIII 4.5-14 x 40 long range scope with a Varmint Hunters Reticle (I have a few and they are the best). Now, bore sighted, I was off to the ILL State Rifle Assoc range. We all know the new rifle drill. One shot clean the barrel and continue this for 10 shots. Then 3 shots and clean for a total of 12 shots. I do all this at 50 yards. Thats all I do for break in.
Next, I placed a 2 inch target at 100 yards. I brought 5 boxes of quality ammo (Remington,Federal, Winchester, Hornaby). I'd shoot 5 rounds, clean the barrel, then let it cool. After doing this five times I could not get any groups under 3 inches.
Now, back home, I rechecked scope rings, mounts, bedding screws. Everything was tight. Two days later, back to the range. Setup targets, etc, same results. Ok, one more try, still the same results.
These are my findings on the Remington 700 VTR. The X-pro trigger is crisp, but way too heavy. The barrel rubs the stock in four places (this I don't understand). The cut out for the barrel lug is way too big. This big green Remington 700 VTR does not represent the quality I am use to. I re track my earlier statement about this being a keeper. Remington, you need to recheck this VTR.
ALWAYS BE SAFE
(Anyone knowing the where abouts of Gy Sgt W.T. Noe, have him contact my site).
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
"Rock River Arms"
I am a fan of M14's and M1 Girands but never much of a AR15 fan. Over the years I've seen many AR15's but was never impressed. Then on a varmint hunt a close friend of mine had a new Rock River Arms CAR A4 in 223. He said it was the best rifle he ever had. Knowing Jim and hearing this, I had to find out more about this Rock River Arms.
After reading up on and checking out thru other avenues of research, I purchased a Varmint A4 from Blythe's Sport Shop. It's a 223 with a Wylde chamber, 24" stainless bull barrel, with a 1 in 8 twist, two stage match trigger and free floated hand guard. Barrel diameter is .920 in front of gas block and 1.050 under tube. Weight was 9.7 pounds, before I mounted a Leupold VX-111 4.5 - 14 x 40 long range scope with Varmint Hunters reticle. Rock River claims an accuracy rating of 3/4 inch at 100 yards.
Well you guessed it, off to the range to test. I brought generic 223 ammo to start. You know how break in is, could not get two shots together. Keeping in mind the rifle was new and the ammo wasn't the best, I still only shot 50 rounds.
A week later I was back to the range to give it another try, only this time with good ammo. Shot 60 rounds using Remington, Federal and Winchester. No good groups. Function was perfect. Rock River builds them tough and tight. I'm still wondering about that 3/4 moa accuracy.
Two weeks later, I am back to the range with more good ammo. I brought 2 extra boxes of 69 grain Federal Gold Match. At the end of the day, I still wasn't happy with accuracy. The 69 grain was better with 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 groups, but still not 3/4. Tried a couple more shots with still the same results. The rifle is flawless as is function, and scope is the best, so I guess its me.
The following week, my range buddies and I are talking about rifle problems we have. My friend Rich tells me to try heavier bullets. Why didn't I think of that?
A week later I am back at the range with three boxes of Federal Gold Match 77 grain sierra matchking BTHP. I re zeroed and put a 1 inch red dot at 100 yards. Four shots inside the dot, not on the edge, but center. These are the results I was looking for.
The rifle and I are now a year and half older, and the rifle keeps getting better. Shots at 600 yards are easy and accurate. Function and fit are still flawless. Rock River Arms product and Leupold's new Varmint Hunter rectile are great. I'd say they make a good team.
"Always shoot safe"
After reading up on and checking out thru other avenues of research, I purchased a Varmint A4 from Blythe's Sport Shop. It's a 223 with a Wylde chamber, 24" stainless bull barrel, with a 1 in 8 twist, two stage match trigger and free floated hand guard. Barrel diameter is .920 in front of gas block and 1.050 under tube. Weight was 9.7 pounds, before I mounted a Leupold VX-111 4.5 - 14 x 40 long range scope with Varmint Hunters reticle. Rock River claims an accuracy rating of 3/4 inch at 100 yards.
Well you guessed it, off to the range to test. I brought generic 223 ammo to start. You know how break in is, could not get two shots together. Keeping in mind the rifle was new and the ammo wasn't the best, I still only shot 50 rounds.
A week later I was back to the range to give it another try, only this time with good ammo. Shot 60 rounds using Remington, Federal and Winchester. No good groups. Function was perfect. Rock River builds them tough and tight. I'm still wondering about that 3/4 moa accuracy.
Two weeks later, I am back to the range with more good ammo. I brought 2 extra boxes of 69 grain Federal Gold Match. At the end of the day, I still wasn't happy with accuracy. The 69 grain was better with 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 groups, but still not 3/4. Tried a couple more shots with still the same results. The rifle is flawless as is function, and scope is the best, so I guess its me.
The following week, my range buddies and I are talking about rifle problems we have. My friend Rich tells me to try heavier bullets. Why didn't I think of that?
A week later I am back at the range with three boxes of Federal Gold Match 77 grain sierra matchking BTHP. I re zeroed and put a 1 inch red dot at 100 yards. Four shots inside the dot, not on the edge, but center. These are the results I was looking for.
The rifle and I are now a year and half older, and the rifle keeps getting better. Shots at 600 yards are easy and accurate. Function and fit are still flawless. Rock River Arms product and Leupold's new Varmint Hunter rectile are great. I'd say they make a good team.
"Always shoot safe"
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