Author Topic: action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798  (Read 1936 times)

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Offline horseman308

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action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798
« on: November 17, 2008, 02:47:31 AM »
I'm in the market for a new all-around rifle. By that, I mean one that is used especially for hunting deer, but can also be used for wild boar/pigs, coyotes, and occasional long-range steel silhouettes for practice and fun (my dad built himself a range so I get to use it when I visit him). I'm really partial to the .308 but would certainly take a .30-06 if one came around and would consider other calibers of similar ballistic and recoil characteristic. My last centerfire was a Ruger #1 in .308 which I sold when I moved to a midwest state where its a shotgun only zone and only 2 weeks of deer season per year. Now that I'm moving back South with a longer firearms season and use of rifles, I need another.

With that background I wanted to get some of your opinions on action characteristics. I've shot the Remington 700 action the most (several hundred rounds on a few different guns), and I really don't like it. It feels kinda "sloppy" to me, even after getting broken in. I really haven't been nuts about the push-feed action on it. So in looking for other alternatives I see that the Weatherby is supposed to be one of the best actions made. I've never had occasion to use one and wanted to hear if anyone could provide a side-by-side description of the feel of a Weatherby Vanguard action to the Rem. 700 (the Mark V is gonna be way outside my price range for several years, even used). Also, if any of y'all have used a Rem. 798 action and could compare them too, it'd be great. I like the idea of the controlled feed on the 798 but hear that a Mauser-type action also feels kinda "sloppy." Thanks for any info.
You only take one shot at a time, so don't waste it :cb2:

Offline Swampman

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Re: action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2008, 02:53:42 AM »
If you want a CRF the new Winchester Model 70 or a CZ would be the best bet.  The newest Rugers aren't too bad.  Personally I prefer the Remngton 700, but you don't like them.

The .30-06 can't be beat for North America, and 95% of the rest of the world.  The .308 Winchester is almost as good.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline charles p

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Re: action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2008, 08:00:16 AM »
During the off season, get the barrel pulled on your Mod 700 Rem and rent the device to lap your lugs.  I't an overnight procedure.  Takes about a six pack to complete.  Your bolt will be as slick as glass.  A great investment in a great action.

Offline mrbigtexan

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Re: action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2008, 06:06:56 PM »
well i have shot a howa 1500 and a rem. 700 and i currently own a 798 in 243 and i like the 700 the best. they are all great but the 700 is the smoothest action of the 3. are you referring to sloppy as to how easy it slides in and out? or was there actually side to side play in the movement of the bolt?

Offline horseman308

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Re: action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2008, 08:24:29 AM »
I was referring mostly to side-to-side play in the bolt. I hear that's pretty common on most bolt-actions, especially Mauser-style ones. That's why I am interested hearing how the Weatherby actions compare to the 700. I have heard that they are are machined to tighter tolerances and therefore don't have that much play. Still, I haven't shot one. There must be a reason why people love the 700 so much, but I can't figure out why.
You only take one shot at a time, so don't waste it :cb2:

Offline Swampman

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Re: action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2008, 08:27:16 AM »
It's the most accurate production rifle you can buy, it looks really nice, and you can't blow the action up.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
919th Special Operations Wing  1983-1985 1993-1994

"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline Syncerus

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Re: action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798
« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2008, 08:39:09 AM »
Have you taken a look at the Remington Model 7 or 673? It's an alternative the the 700. I have a 673, a 7 and a xr 100 and like all three considerably more than I like the 700.

Both the 7 and the 673 are short action, but since you are a .308 fan ...

BTW +1 on the .308.
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: action comparison - vanguard, rem 700, rem 798
« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2008, 09:31:29 AM »
I wish i could make a chart.
Vanguard- Made my Howa and is a Japaneese version of the M700 (Yes I know I just started a fight)  Both are Push feed and will work when you want and come in short (.308) and standard actions (30-06).  The Browning A-bolt, Sako, & Ruger M77 Mk II are a push feed too.  It's Ford Vs. Dodge Vs. Chevy.  OK maybe F.,D.,C., Vs.Toyota or Nissan.  ;D
With the controlled feeds.
You have Ruger M77 Hawkeye, Winchester M70 and the CZ as others have pointed out.  The CZ is an extra long action only.  But does have the single set trigger and in 308 a removable mag.  The other two have both short and long action versions.
Then you have all the used guns as well that were shot but not abused on the shelf that would in clude both push and controled round feed Winchester M70's.
Personally I have Ruger M77 (2), Remington M700 (2), Sako, Winchester M70, and Mauser 98  bolt action hunting rifles and some are push feed, some are controled, some are long action, some are short, and one is Magnum or extra long, and all will take a round out of the magazine stuff them in the chamber and shoot them accuratly.  I think you should look at what features you want in the rifle (Stainless/ Blued, Wood/ Synthetic, fixed/ detachable Mag, heavy barrel/ tapered/ light, where and what type of safety you want it when you look for it.
I am starting to look for a new rifle for a hunt comming up and one gun shop showed me the Browning Stalker and while not what I want for this hunt I did really like that rifle for the dull finish, plastic stock, tang safety, and 60 degree bolt throw.  The shop was trying to sell me a Tikka and it did not tickel my fancy while it had 99% of the same features.  I skinned my thumb and that turned me off when I was cycling the bolt.  >:( ??? :P