The Remington 700 SPS Tactical is a popular choice among long-range shooters and hunters, prized for its accuracy and adaptability. But the stock plays a crucial role in overall performance, and understanding its features and potential for customization is key to maximizing the rifle's capabilities. This detailed guide explores the Remington 700 SPS Tactical stock, covering its design, strengths, weaknesses, and options for upgrading.
Understanding the Factory Stock
The standard Remington 700 SPS Tactical stock is typically constructed from a synthetic material, offering a robust and weather-resistant platform. Its design incorporates several key features aimed at enhancing shooting performance:
- Ergonomic Design: The stock is generally comfortable to hold, with a textured grip providing a secure hold, even in adverse conditions. The pistol grip angle is often praised for its natural feel and ease of control.
- Adjustable Length of Pull: While not always standard across all versions, many Remington 700 SPS Tactical stocks feature adjustable length of pull, allowing shooters to customize the fit to their individual body type and shooting style. This is a critical feature for optimal ergonomics and consistent shooting.
- Integral Picatinny Rail: The inclusion of an integrated Picatinny rail is a significant advantage, offering a stable and reliable mounting point for optics and other accessories. This simplifies the process of mounting scopes, bipods, and other essential gear.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Factory Stock
While the factory stock offers a solid foundation, it's not without its limitations.
Strengths:
- Cost-Effective: The stock is included with the rifle, making it a budget-friendly option for new owners.
- Durable: The synthetic construction withstands harsh conditions and provides long-lasting performance.
- Functional: The design facilitates accurate shooting and offers enough features to satisfy many users.
Weaknesses:
- Weight: Some shooters find the factory stock to be relatively heavy, which can affect maneuverability and fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Flex: Under heavy recoil, the stock may flex slightly, impacting accuracy. This is a common issue with many synthetic stocks.
- Limited Adjustability: While adjustable length of pull is often present, other adjustability options, such as cheek riser height and comb adjustment, are generally absent.
Upgrading Your Remington 700 SPS Tactical Stock
For those seeking to enhance the performance and ergonomics of their Remington 700 SPS Tactical, numerous upgrade options exist. Consider these popular avenues:
Aftermarket Stocks
The aftermarket offers a vast array of stocks designed specifically for the Remington 700 action, from lightweight carbon fiber options to heavy-duty chassis systems. These replacements often address the weaknesses of the factory stock by offering:
- Improved Ergonomics: Many aftermarket stocks provide enhanced adjustability, allowing for precise customization of cheek weld, length of pull, and comb height.
- Reduced Weight: Lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum significantly reduce the overall weight of the rifle.
- Enhanced Rigidity: More robust construction minimizes flex under recoil, promoting improved accuracy.
Stock Bedding
Another crucial upgrade involves stock bedding. This process involves creating a precise fit between the action and the stock, eliminating any potential movement or inconsistencies that could negatively impact accuracy. Proper bedding is a critical step for serious shooters seeking optimal precision.
Adding Accessories
Beyond replacing the stock entirely, several accessories can enhance its functionality:
- Recoil Pads: Replacing the factory recoil pad with a higher-quality option can drastically improve recoil management.
- Cheek Risers: If your stock lacks adjustable comb height, a cheek riser can improve your cheek weld and shooting posture.
Conclusion
The Remington 700 SPS Tactical stock serves as a functional starting point, but its performance can be significantly improved through upgrades and customization. Whether you opt for a complete aftermarket stock replacement, stock bedding, or strategically chosen accessories, enhancing your stock will undeniably improve your shooting experience and potentially your accuracy. Careful consideration of your shooting style and budget will help you choose the best path toward optimizing your Remington 700 SPS Tactical.
