Understanding the Foundation: Examining the Remington 700 SPS Stock
Material and Construction
The Remington 700 SPS comes standard with a stock designed to be functional and cost-effective. Typically, the stock is constructed from a synthetic material, often a polymer or reinforced composite. The selection of this material provides several advantages, the most obvious being the significant cost savings compared to traditional wood stocks. The molding process allows for a streamlined and consistent manufacturing method, and the resulting stock is generally durable and highly resistant to the elements, making it a practical choice for various shooting environments. This type of stock stands up well to rain, snow, and humidity, unlike wooden stocks which need more care.
Design Features
The design of the factory stock incorporates various ergonomic features to aid the shooter. The grip area is shaped for comfortable handling, often with textured surfaces to promote a secure hold, even in wet conditions. The forend, the area of the stock ahead of the action, is also usually contoured to provide a stable platform for your support hand. The cheek rest, while often rudimentary, provides a basic level of alignment for the eye with the scope, a crucial element for quick and accurate target acquisition. The length of pull, the distance from the trigger to the back of the stock, is typically fixed, although some SPS models might offer rudimentary adjustments with the use of spacers. This setup aims to cater to a wide range of users while remaining budget-conscious.
Advantages of the Factory Stock
The advantages of this factory stock are clear. The primary benefit is affordability; the synthetic construction helps keep the price of the Remington 700 SPS competitive. Furthermore, its lightweight nature makes it a comfortable choice for extended use, especially when carrying the rifle afield. Finally, the stock’s weather resistance minimizes the need for extensive maintenance, allowing the shooter to focus more on shooting than on caring for the equipment. The ease of availability is another factor; replacing or finding spare parts for the factory stock is considerably simpler than finding customized options.
Potential Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement
Potential Issues
While the factory stock offers many benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations. The primary concern for many shooters is the flexibility inherent in its construction. Under pressure, particularly during firing, the stock might flex, leading to inconsistencies in the rifle’s point of impact and potentially impacting accuracy. This can be more noticeable with certain loads or in competitive shooting.
Further Limitations
Another factor that can affect performance is the hollow nature of the factory stock. This design, while contributing to weight reduction, can amplify the sound of the shot, something that can be a disadvantage for hunting purposes. In addition, the stock’s ergonomics, while generally adequate, might not be ideal for every shooter. The grip and cheek rest might not fully accommodate all body types and shooting styles, potentially affecting comfort and accuracy.
Areas of Improvement
The factory stock’s sensitivity to temperature fluctuations is another consideration. Extreme heat or cold can affect the properties of the synthetic material, potentially impacting the rifle’s zero. Furthermore, the absence of adjustability in certain SPS models limits the shooter’s ability to customize the stock to their specific needs. The lack of readily available adjustment options for the length of pull (LOP), or cheek height can require workarounds to obtain a proper and comfortable fit. The stock itself, when compared to higher-end aftermarket alternatives, often conveys a less refined feel in terms of quality and construction.
Elevating Performance: Exploring Aftermarket Stock Options
Synthetic Stocks
One of the key strengths of the Remington 700 platform is the wide availability of aftermarket parts, and the world of stocks is no exception. There is a vast selection of options available to enhance performance, customization, and ergonomics, so it’s important to understand the different types available to the owner of a Remington 700 SPS.
The most popular option is the use of synthetic stocks. These stocks are typically constructed from advanced polymers, reinforced with materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber. Brands such as Magpul, Hogue, and Bell & Carlson lead the charge in offering synthetic stocks that are often far more rigid than the factory offerings. These stocks come equipped with features like adjustable length of pull, cheek risers, and various grip options. The benefits here include improved rigidity, potentially leading to greater accuracy, better ergonomics which help shooters maintain a consistent shooting posture, and enhanced weather resistance and overall durability.
Wood Stocks
Wood stocks represent a more traditional approach, crafted from materials like walnut or other hardwoods. While wood stocks have a classic aesthetic appeal, they tend to be heavier than synthetic options and require more care, including the use of oil or protective finishes. They also can be affected more significantly by weather and humidity, which can be a drawback in some environments.
Chassis Systems
Chassis systems represent a more advanced approach to stock design. These systems replace the entire stock and often the action itself with a rigid, modular platform. They provide an extremely high degree of adjustability, often including adjustable length of pull, cheek height, and sometimes even adjustments for cant and buttpad positioning. Chassis systems are commonly made of aluminum or other metals, ensuring exceptional rigidity and often incorporating Picatinny rails for mounting accessories. These types of stocks are popular with long-range shooters and competitive marksmen who value the highest degree of adjustability and accuracy.
Other Materials
Beyond these primary categories, stocks may also be made using materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass, with each material providing its own set of properties. Carbon fiber stocks, for instance, provide exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and a high degree of rigidity, making them a top choice for shooters looking for a premium product.
Key Features
When selecting an aftermarket stock, it’s essential to consider specific features. The adjustability of the stock, including the length of pull and comb height (cheek rest) is critical for achieving a comfortable and consistent shooting position. Ergonomics are also key: the shape and design of the grip and forend can significantly impact how you hold the rifle and interact with the action.
The material and construction of the stock are also critical. A stock made from high-quality, rigid materials will improve accuracy by minimizing flex. The stock’s weight is also important; a lighter stock can improve the rifle’s portability, while a heavier stock can reduce recoil and improve stability.
The ease of installation and compatibility with bedding techniques are also factors to consider. Many aftermarket stocks are designed to be a direct drop-in replacement for the factory stock, while others might require minor modifications. Proper bedding, which involves carefully fitting the rifle’s action to the stock, can dramatically improve accuracy.
Making the Right Choice: Selecting the Perfect Stock
Questions to Ask
The best stock for your Remington 700 SPS depends on your specific needs and priorities. To make the right decision, ask yourself some important questions.
What is the primary use of the rifle? For hunting, a lightweight, weather-resistant stock with moderate adjustability might be ideal. For target shooting, a highly adjustable, rigid stock with a focus on maximum accuracy would be preferable. A stock for general use might benefit from a balance of features, incorporating good ergonomics, durability, and a reasonable price point.
What is your budget? Aftermarket stocks can range in price from under a hundred dollars to several hundred or even thousands of dollars, depending on the features, materials, and brand. Setting a budget beforehand will help narrow down your choices.
What are your ergonomic preferences? Consider how the stock feels in your hands. Pay close attention to the grip, the cheek rest, and the overall balance of the rifle. If possible, handle a stock before purchasing to get a sense of its feel and fit.
What level of accuracy improvement are you seeking? If you are looking to maximize accuracy, consider a stock that is compatible with bedding techniques and that has been proven to reduce flex and vibration. The combination of a good stock with a quality optic, proper load development and practice can dramatically increase the accuracy and effective range of the Remington 700 SPS.
Recommendations Based on Use
Based on these factors, the right stock becomes much easier to identify. For hunting, a synthetic stock from a brand like Hogue or B&C with adjustable LOP and a comfortable grip can be an excellent choice. For target shooting, a chassis system from companies like MDT or XLR Industries offers unrivaled adjustability and rigidity. For general use, a Magpul Hunter stock can provide a great balance of features, adjustability, and affordability.
Concluding Thoughts
The stock is more than just a cosmetic component of the Remington 700 SPS rifle; it is an integral element of its overall performance. Upgrading the factory stock with an aftermarket option can enhance accuracy, improve ergonomics, and provide a more customized shooting experience. Understanding the characteristics of your current stock, the potential shortcomings, and the available upgrade paths is critical to maximizing your rifle’s potential. There is a plethora of options to suit the unique needs of any shooter, from avid hunters to competitive marksmen. From synthetic stocks to chassis systems, the possibilities are vast, and the rewards of a well-chosen stock can be significant. The Remington 700 SPS remains a fantastic rifle, and upgrading the stock is a great way to truly customize and enhance it. The key is to do your research, compare the options, and choose the stock that best aligns with your individual shooting goals. The journey from a good rifle to a great one often starts with a thoughtful stock selection.
