New for 2007

[32 Point Buck]

I previously posted a previous subject on 22-250 Savage or Tikka. In further review and research for my new tack driver on limited budget. The new year has added a couple more options.
The new Thompson Center bolt action Icon. Which I have read a review in which stated they shot 1 inch groups @ 200yds in their testing of this prototype. MSRP is supposed to be around $800. The picture I seen had great looking wood. I have not been able to handle one of these yet.
The other one is the new Rem 700 SPS Varmit. Local Scheels has one on the shelf in 22-250 and as a total package seems reasonable at $559. This is a sweet feeling rig. The balance and feel is one of the best I have observed with a synthetic stock. Better than the Tikka T3 varmit IMO. Heavy 26 inch barrel weighing 8.5lbs total. It doesn't feel front heavy with the barrel on the draw either. It includes the new Mark X trigger and a R3 recoil pad. I am interested in longer range accuracy and consistancy. Which is why I was looking at the Tikka and Savage originally. I havn't seen as much hype on the Rem 700 buget series SPS as far as accuracy. I did see a post in a forum stating they did not think the SPS series was glass bedded and that could effect consitancy. The Remington marketing department talks about their unrivaled accuracy from their varmit rigs (not sure if they mean out of the box). I believe this is a blanket statement including the upper end models. Any experience or opinions are welcome.

[Graybeard]

I've owned several Remington Varmint rifles, mostly in caliber .223 Remington. I've never yet seen one that wouldn't keep most all loads under an inch at 100 yards for five shots and over half the ammo fired in them stays under 3/4" groups with plenty of choices that will go under 1/2" at 100 yards. Those were all bone stock other than the normal reducing of trigger pull to get it down to about 3 pounds.

[kyelkhunter3006]

The only review of the Icon I've read was in Guns  & Ammo.  It was .308, and it shot MOA at 100 yds with match ammo, but the best of a couple of factory hunting loads was in the 1.5" or bigger range.  With the components used, and with the manufacturing ability of T/C, I would hope that the guns will be consistently in the MOA range, especially the .308's.

[32 Point Buck]

Here is the thread I was referring to; talking about 200 yd 1 inch groups.

http://longrangehunting.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=130015&an=0&page=0#130015

[kyelkhunter3006]

Thanks for link, it was interesting reading.  As for the 1" at 200 yds, we'll see......That is outstanding accuracy for most custom tactical rifles, much less a production sporter and factory ammo.  I'm not saying it can't happen, but it's unlikely. The only sporter rifles I've even read about that would shoot like that consistently are Kenny Jarrett's custom rifles, and that was with bench-rest grade handloads.  If the ICON stays MOA or close to it out to any sane range, it will be a fine rifle.

[TrenchMud]

You could buy a Savage and a lot of ammo for the price of that TC ..