A Foundation of Excellence
The world of bolt-action rifles is populated by legends, and the Remington 700 has undoubtedly earned its place amongst them. Known for its accuracy, reliability, and adaptability, the Model 700 has become a staple in hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications. Among the many variations of the Model 700, the AAC-SD, or Advanced Armament Corporation – Suppressed Design, stands out as a purpose-built rifle designed with the suppressor in mind. This review will delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the Remington 700 AAC-SD .308, providing a comprehensive analysis of its capabilities.
Unveiling the AAC-SD’s Distinctive Characteristics
The Remington 700 platform is built upon a bedrock of design and engineering principles that have fostered its enduring popularity. The heart of the rifle is its action, renowned for its strength and precision. This action, featuring a cylindrical receiver and a bolt with locking lugs, provides a robust and reliable mechanism for cycling cartridges. The Remington 700’s inherent accuracy stems from this solid foundation and the rifle’s overall construction, making it a preferred choice for shooters seeking consistent and predictable results.
Detailed Overview
The Remington 700 AAC-SD .308 differentiates itself from other Model 700 variants through its focus on tactical applications and suppressor compatibility. Let’s explore some of its key attributes.
The AAC-SD typically features a twenty-inch heavy contour barrel. This profile is designed to withstand sustained firing and contributes to the rifle’s accuracy. The barrel’s heavier construction aids in reducing barrel whip and maintaining consistent point of impact, even as the barrel heats up during extended shooting sessions. This is a critical feature for tactical use where rapid, accurate follow-up shots are often necessary.
A defining element of the AAC-SD is its threaded muzzle. Specifically, the standard thread pitch is five-eighths by twenty-four, facilitating the quick and secure attachment of suppressors. This feature is central to the design, allowing for the reduction of sound signature and recoil, which are particularly beneficial in tactical environments where stealth and reduced muzzle rise are advantageous. The threading is precisely machined, ensuring that suppressors align correctly with the bore, minimizing the risk of baffle strikes.
The stock often fitted on the AAC-SD is constructed from robust materials, such as HS Precision, known for its durability and stability. These stocks are designed to withstand the rigors of tactical use. The stock usually features a comfortable ergonomic design, contributing to shooter comfort and control. The stock also plays a role in accuracy, offering a stable platform for the action and barrel.
The Remington 700 action, with its renowned bolt design, is integral to the rifle’s performance. The bolt typically features a bolt face that houses the extractor and ejector. The action is engineered for smooth cycling and consistent ejection of spent casings. The user-friendly design of the bolt allows for easy manipulation and reloading, even under pressure. The overall design of the action contributes significantly to the rifle’s reputation for dependability.
The trigger is a critical factor influencing a rifle’s accuracy. The Remington 700 AAC-SD commonly features an adjustable trigger, allowing shooters to fine-tune pull weight and achieve a clean break. A well-tuned trigger enhances the shooter’s ability to squeeze off accurate shots, and is often one of the first components that shooters will want to adjust or upgrade.
The overall length and weight are important considerations when evaluating a tactical rifle. The AAC-SD, with its twenty-inch barrel and robust construction, offers a balance between maneuverability and stability. The weight helps to mitigate recoil and contribute to more consistent shooting.
The rifle generally has an internal magazine with a capacity of four rounds. This capacity provides a good balance between firepower and manageability. The magazine design also helps to enhance the rifle’s reliability.
Accuracy at the Forefront
At the core of the Remington 700 AAC-SD .308’s appeal is its ability to deliver consistent accuracy. The rifle’s design, combined with quality ammunition, typically allows for impressive groupings at various distances. The heavy barrel profile contributes to the rifle’s ability to withstand rapid firing without significant loss of accuracy, allowing the rifle to hold a tight zero, even when the barrel heats up.
The testing process begins with carefully selecting suitable ammunition. The .308 Winchester cartridge offers a wide range of bullet weights and designs, and the shooter’s choice will influence the rifle’s performance. Different bullet weights and styles can affect ballistics and long-range performance. Careful consideration is given to bullet grain, powder, and overall design to ensure optimal performance.
Shooting at distances of one hundred yards often yields impressive results. The Remington 700 AAC-SD .308, when paired with quality ammunition, can produce groups that are consistently sub-minute-of-angle. The group sizes are carefully measured and documented, providing a clear understanding of the rifle’s accuracy potential. The consistent groupings validate the precision of the rifle, allowing a shooter to hit a target with accuracy.
The ballistics of the .308 Winchester cartridge are well understood. Common bullet weights offer a range of ballistic coefficients, which affect trajectory and wind drift. The shooter must consider the ballistic coefficient and the wind conditions.
Examining Strengths and Weaknesses
Like any firearm, the Remington 700 AAC-SD .308 has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these aspects is essential for making an informed decision.
Pros
The advantages of the Remington 700 AAC-SD .308 are numerous. It is renowned for its inherent accuracy and consistent performance. The threaded barrel allows for the easy attachment of suppressors. The robust Remington 700 action ensures reliability under challenging conditions. The rifle is available and has a wide selection of aftermarket accessories. The AAC-SD variant is reasonably priced, providing excellent value.
Cons
There are also potential downsides to consider. The factory trigger may not always meet the needs of every shooter, and an upgrade may be necessary. The stock, while functional, might not offer the full range of adjustability found in some other rifles. The overall weight of the rifle might be slightly heavier than other similar rifles.
Real-World Applications
The Remington 700 AAC-SD .308 is a versatile rifle suitable for several applications.
Tactical and Law Enforcement Use
In tactical and law enforcement scenarios, the rifle offers significant advantages. The .308 Winchester cartridge delivers ample stopping power, making it suitable for various engagements. The threaded barrel, when coupled with a suppressor, enhances the rifle’s tactical utility by minimizing the sound signature and reducing the flash. This feature allows the shooter to maintain situational awareness and enhances the element of surprise.
Hunting
For hunting applications, the AAC-SD .308 can be a capable choice. The cartridge’s power and accuracy make it suitable for medium and large game. The threaded barrel allows the use of a suppressor, allowing for a quieter shot, which can be beneficial in preserving the hunter’s hearing. The lower noise levels reduce the chance of spooking other game in the area, providing hunters with better chances.
Target Shooting
The Remington 700 AAC-SD .308 is also well-suited for target shooting. Its accuracy and overall design contribute to a satisfying experience. The rifle’s ability to consistently group shots, particularly at extended distances, makes it a popular choice for target shooters.
Considerations
Several factors influence the practical applicability of a suppressor. The legal aspects of suppressor use differ from one location to another. It’s important to adhere to all applicable regulations. Certain restrictions may affect barrel length and the types of ammunition permitted. Careful consideration of these limitations is necessary to ensure compliance with the law.
Making Comparisons
To better understand the Remington 700 AAC-SD .308, it is helpful to compare it with other rifles in the same category.
Comparison with Other Remington 700 Variants
Compared with other Remington 700 variants, the AAC-SD stands out due to its threaded barrel and tactical-focused design. While standard Model 700 rifles may offer a broader range of chamberings and stock configurations, the AAC-SD is specifically optimized for suppressor use.
Comparison with Other Bolt-Action Rifles
Similar bolt-action rifles, such as those from Savage Arms, Ruger, and Tikka, also offer competitive performance. Each brand presents unique features, such as variations in the action design, trigger mechanisms, and stock designs. The choice often boils down to the individual shooter’s preferences.
Upgrades and Enhancements
The Remington 700 platform offers a wide range of aftermarket upgrades.
Triggers
Aftermarket triggers are a popular upgrade for the Remington 700. These triggers can offer enhanced precision and control. Several companies, such as Timney and Jewell, produce high-quality trigger replacements.
Stocks
The stock is another component that shooters often upgrade. Different stock options, such as those with adjustable cheek pieces, can improve the fit and ergonomics.
Optics
High-quality scopes and mounting systems are another common upgrade. Selecting the right scope will help make sure the rifle is as accurate as possible.
Concluding Thoughts
The Remington 700 AAC-SD .308 is a robust and accurate rifle. It is also an excellent option for those seeking a reliable bolt-action rifle with suppressor capabilities. The AAC-SD’s accuracy, combined with its threaded barrel and robust construction, makes it a great choice for both tactical applications and hunting. It is well-suited for a variety of tasks and offers excellent value for its price.
A Few Extra Considerations
Proper maintenance is important. Regular cleaning and lubrication will extend the rifle’s life. Keeping the bore free of debris and buildup will help preserve the rifle’s accuracy. Careful handling and storage of the rifle will prevent damage.
For those seeking a similar rifle, there are several alternative models to consider, such as those from Savage, Tikka, and Bergara. Each offers a unique set of features and benefits.
Resources
For further information, check the Remington website. Also, you can check for accessories, ammo or reviews.
