Understanding the Remington 700 SPS Tactical Stock
The Factory Stock’s Characteristics
The Remington 700 series, a name synonymous with accuracy and reliability, has held its place as a cornerstone of the shooting world for decades. Within this legendary family, the Remington 700 SPS Tactical stands out as a favorite among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. Its reputation is built on a solid foundation of accuracy, durability, and a platform easily customizable to the shooter’s individual needs. While the rifle itself is a powerhouse, the factory stock on the Remington 700 SPS Tactical often leaves room for improvement, making a Remington 700 SPS Tactical stock upgrade a highly sought-after enhancement. This article delves deep into the world of stock upgrades, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to maximize the potential of their rifle.
Impact on Shooting Performance
Understanding the intrinsic qualities of your firearm is crucial for maximizing its performance. The Remington 700 SPS Tactical stock, while functional, frequently represents a starting point rather than the ultimate expression of comfort and performance. Commonly constructed from synthetic materials, such as polymer or composite plastics, the factory stock typically focuses on affordability and basic functionality.
Reasons to Upgrade the Stock
Enhancing Accuracy
Examining the factory stock reveals several key characteristics. The design, while adequate, might lack the ergonomic refinement needed for prolonged shooting sessions or demanding tactical applications. The materials, while durable in many environments, can exhibit flex under stress, which can subtly impact accuracy. The absence of adjustable features often necessitates compromises in the shooter’s position, potentially leading to discomfort and inconsistent shot placement. The cheek weld, for example, the point at which the shooter’s cheek rests on the stock, is often fixed, potentially forcing shooters to strain or adopt suboptimal positions to achieve proper eye alignment with the scope.
Improving Ergonomics and Comfort
The influence of the stock on shooting performance is substantial. Accuracy, the ultimate goal for most shooters, hinges on the stability and consistency of the platform. A well-designed stock, free from excessive flex and properly bedded to the action, contributes significantly to the rifle’s inherent accuracy potential. It provides a stable and predictable platform for the barrel to vibrate, enabling more consistent bullet placement. The comfort factor, often overlooked, plays a significant role in shot-to-shot consistency. A stock that fits well allows the shooter to maintain a natural and relaxed posture, reducing fatigue and minimizing movement during recoil. Handling is also influenced by the stock’s design. The weight, balance, and overall ergonomics of the stock directly affect how the rifle feels and maneuvers in the shooter’s hands, impacting target acquisition speed, stability, and ease of use.
Increasing Durability
The motivations behind pursuing a Remington 700 SPS Tactical stock upgrade are numerous and compelling. One of the most prominent drivers is the desire to enhance accuracy. Upgrading the stock can improve accuracy through several methods. Higher-quality stocks are frequently designed to provide a more stable bedding platform for the action. The action is the core mechanism of the rifle that houses the bolt, firing pin, and trigger. Better bedding leads to reduced stress on the action and barrel, resulting in improved consistency. Stocks made from more rigid materials also minimize flex, ensuring that the barrel vibrates predictably with each shot. A proper cheek weld, achieved through adjustable cheekpieces, ensures consistent eye alignment with the scope, minimizing parallax error and maximizing accuracy.
Customizing Appearance and Style
Beyond pure accuracy, comfort and ergonomics are strong motivators for upgrading the stock. A well-fitting stock significantly enhances the shooting experience, allowing the shooter to comfortably maintain a consistent shooting position. Adjustable features, such as length-of-pull (LOP) and cheekpiece height, enable the shooter to customize the stock to their body size and shooting style. Length-of-pull is the distance from the trigger to the butt of the stock, which impacts how comfortably the shooter can shoulder the rifle. A proper LOP is essential for consistent shouldering and recoil management. Adjustable cheekpieces allow the shooter to align their eye with the scope without strain. A comfortable and ergonomic stock contributes to reducing fatigue, allowing the shooter to focus on the fundamentals of marksmanship.
Types of Remington 700 SPS Tactical Stock Upgrades
Synthetic Stocks
Durability is another key advantage. Factory stocks, while functional, are often constructed from relatively inexpensive materials, making them susceptible to damage from impact, weather, and prolonged use. Upgraded stocks, particularly those made from reinforced polymers, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or even aluminum chassis, offer increased resistance to the elements and the rigors of hard use. This enhanced durability ensures that the stock can withstand demanding tactical applications or challenging outdoor conditions.
Chassis Systems
Furthermore, the potential to customize the rifle’s appearance and aesthetic appeal cannot be underestimated. Upgrading the stock provides an opportunity to personalize the rifle, selecting from a wide array of colors, finishes, and designs. This allows shooters to create a rifle that reflects their individual style and preferences. Whether it’s a sleek tactical appearance or a custom hunting design, the choice is nearly limitless.
Wood Stocks
Diving into the vast landscape of Remington 700 SPS Tactical stock upgrades, it is important to identify and recognize the different categories and what they entail.
Stocks with Adjustable Features
Synthetic stocks are a popular and versatile option for upgrading the Remington 700 SPS Tactical. They are often constructed from high-strength polymers or composites, offering a balance of durability, weight, and cost-effectiveness. Considerations when choosing a synthetic stock include the material, which directly impacts its rigidity and overall performance. Fiberglass-reinforced stocks are known for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to flex, while carbon fiber stocks offer superior strength and weight reduction. Features like adjustable cheekpieces, LOP adjustments, and sling attachment points are also important considerations.
Several well-regarded brands offer excellent synthetic stock upgrades. Magpul, for instance, offers the Hunter 700, renowned for its modularity and user-friendly adjustability. B&C Stocks are another popular option. McMillan stocks are the standard for high-performance synthetic stocks, offering custom options and exceptional quality. Each of these stocks will offer its own array of benefits and trade-offs, necessitating the user to fully understand what they are looking for in a new stock.
Chassis systems have gained significant traction in the world of tactical shooting, as they offer a radical departure from traditional stock designs. These systems replace the entire stock with a rigid aluminum or steel frame, providing a highly modular and customizable platform. Considerations for a chassis system center around the materials used, which dictates the overall weight and durability. The modularity and rail systems (Picatinny or M-Lok) offered on a chassis will greatly expand the rifle’s capabilities, allowing the shooter to mount accessories like bipods, scopes, lights, and lasers with ease.
Popular brands offering high-quality chassis systems include MDT (Modular Driven Technologies), offering a range of chassis options known for their performance and modularity. XLR Industries is also a major name, known for its precision and performance. Another leading chassis is the Greyboe, known for its rugged design and ergonomic benefits. Each of these chassis systems provides an exceptional foundation for building a high-performance rifle, suitable for everything from competition shooting to law enforcement applications.
Though less common for tactical applications, it is worth acknowledging the option of wood stocks. Wood stocks are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and traditional look. They typically offer a classic feel and warmth not found in synthetic alternatives. When considering a wood stock, the material is critical, with options ranging from walnut to maple to laminate. The finish, such as a traditional oil finish or a modern sealant, will affect the stock’s durability and resistance to the elements. While wood stocks may not offer the same level of ruggedness as synthetic or chassis systems, they can be a great choice for those who appreciate the timeless appeal of wood.
Stocks with adjustable features are a vital element in achieving a perfect fit. Adjustable cheekpieces are essential for proper scope alignment, allowing the shooter to raise or lower the cheek rest to achieve a consistent cheek weld. Adjustable length-of-pull (LOP) allows the shooter to customize the stock length to their arm length, improving shoulder fit and recoil management. Adjustable butt pads further fine-tune the fit, enabling the shooter to customize the recoil pad’s position.
Choosing the Right Stock
Factors to Consider
Choosing the appropriate Remington 700 SPS Tactical stock upgrade necessitates a careful assessment of individual needs and priorities. Budget is a significant factor, as stock prices can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Consider the intended use of the rifle. Is it for hunting, competition shooting, or tactical applications? Each application will have different requirements in terms of features, durability, and ergonomics. The shooter’s size and physical characteristics play a crucial role in determining the optimal stock configuration. Length-of-pull, cheek weld, and grip angle should all be selected to provide a comfortable and efficient shooting experience.
Research and Comparisons
Research is crucial. Read online reviews, consult forums, and seek expert opinions. Compare different stock types side by side, paying close attention to the features, materials, and construction. This will give you an idea of what the stock feels like in your hands and helps you avoid an unsatisfactory purchase. Consider whether you wish to install the stock yourself or have a professional complete the installation. For those comfortable with basic tools and procedures, DIY installation is often a viable option. However, for those with less experience, professional installation ensures that the stock is properly fitted and all screws are torqued to the correct specifications.
Installation and Setup
Safety Precautions
Installing a new stock requires understanding basic procedures. Safety must always be the top priority. Ensure the rifle is unloaded and that all safety protocols are followed. The tools required will vary depending on the stock type, but typically include screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and a torque wrench. The general steps involved include removing the old stock by disassembling the action from the stock. Fit the new stock to the action. Pay close attention to any bedding requirements and if necessary, apply bedding compound to provide a solid and stable fit. Torquing the screws correctly is critical for accuracy and stability. Adjust for proper fit by setting the length-of-pull and cheekpiece height. These adjustments are crucial for achieving proper eye relief and a comfortable shooting position.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care of the new stock will ensure its longevity and performance. Periodically clean the stock with a suitable cleaning solution. Inspect the stock for any signs of wear and tear. Store the rifle in a protected environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. This will help preserve the materials and maintain the stock’s integrity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, upgrading the stock on a Remington 700 SPS Tactical offers significant improvements in accuracy, comfort, and overall performance. From synthetic stocks to chassis systems, there are a variety of options available. This wide selection of available options allows the user to configure their rifle to their exacting needs. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this article, shooters can choose the ideal stock to elevate their shooting experience. With the right stock, the Remington 700 SPS Tactical transforms from a highly capable rifle into a precision instrument, optimized for accuracy and shooter comfort.
