"REMINGTON 700 VTR"

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).