Remington 783 in .308 Win --- With Stock Upgrade

Rob_Mob

Rob_Mob

Joined
Oct 16, 2013
Messages
2,087
Hey Gents/Ladies,


I decided on my first rifle today --- yes it's certainly not a fantastic model/platform -- but for entry level and the basics I think it's just fine.

I picked up a Remington 783 in .308 Win --- comes with a scope, but nothing to brag about. I am also considering ordering a Boyd's Stock Replacement made for this model. Check it out and tell me what experiences you've had and/or any tips. Thanks in advance!!


So here it is from the factory . . .





Here it is with the stock replacement . . .




DISCLAIMER: These are not my photos and are intended to serve as a reference ;)
 
What are you intending to the the rifle for mate ? That will really determine if the stock is an upgrade or not for you.

Andy
 
Andy the Aussie said:
What are you intending to the the rifle for mate ? That will really determine if the stock is an upgrade or not for you.

Andy
Click to expand...

Hey Andy!

I'm looking to improve my accuracy and build towards being a reliable 400 yard shot with this platform --- I also would like it to serve as an entry level hunting gun for different game.
 
Andy the Aussie said:
What are you intending to the the rifle for mate ? That will really determine if the stock is an upgrade or not for you.

Andy
Click to expand...

Exactly this ^^^^^

First off. If it's just going to be a faithful hunting companion I suggest that you skip the rest of this and figure out which load/bullet/cartridge either store bought or home brewed works best out of that tube, then, take it in the woods and give it a chance to impress you as is.

Personally I've never liked using a thumb hole stock and would dread having to carry one for hunting as they're generally heavier than a "standard" stock. I have to admit that some, like the one pictured above, are gorgeous to gaze upon.

I upgraded my .308, a Springfield Socom 16, with a Troy stock and used it to slay deer in that configuration for a few years. Although accuracy and feel we're both upgraded with the Troy chassis( in my opinion ) I decided to put it back into its original dress as she looks sleeker and weighs less that way. I decided I was getting a little too gray in the beard ( think Gandolf ) to drag an 11 1/2 pound rifle wherever I went in the mountains, wisdom set in, and I accepted that heavy is for benchrest shooting and sniping; I do neither of those in the deer woods.

Your new rifle is a fine instrument and it will serve you well for benchrest shooting, hunting, or both depending on how you proceed to modify it to your needs. As is it'd most likely do better at all of those Jack of all trades jobs far better than most people can shoot.

If you do modify it might I suggest that the trigger and stock be your first concerns, if necessary, and then move on to glass.
If it's shooting well you can spend a lot of time trying different loads to see which work best while you save the money for better glass.


Most of all, have fun and congrats-it's an excellent first rifle !
 
Congratulations Rob!! I would personally Leave her stock, by the time you shell out the Money for upgrades, you might want something else. 400 Yards with a 308 and properly sighted or zeroed in can be achieved with Minimum practice. I have seen guys hit targets out to 600 yards with a 308 consistently, The bolt action is without question the most accurate platform, and the 308 does not have the recoil of a 30-06 (My favorite all-around cartridge). Practice with her consistently and 400 yards will not be a problem.
 
Hi, Rob
Here's my 2 cents:
If it's for hunting and you're on a budget, forget about the stock for now. I believe those 783s are pillar bedded so you're probably good there provided it fits you. If it doesn't fit, get one that does. I'm also not a fan of thumbhole stocks at all, and laminates are the worst given their weight.

The rifle will shoot more than accurately enough to hunt with. 400 yards is not a problem, and is a good, realistic distance for that cartridge. However, a rifle like this is only as good as it's glass. You can learn to live with a not so perfect trigger. You can live with a not so perfect stock. What you can't live with is an optics that fogs, won't hold zero, or pass an adjustment confidence test. You don't have irons, so if I were to spend any $ on the system the first thing I'd do is make sure the glass and rings are up to the job. Make sure you get good caps for the scope as well.

Practice with the rifle a lot, but once it's zeroed move away from benchrest or prone positions. Shoot alternate positions like sitting, kneeling, braced on a tree, off hand, etc. You're far more likely to be in one of these when taking the shot hunting than proned out in a perfect position.

Oh, and you'll need a good quality sling. Worth their weight in gold are good slings.
Happy hunting!
 
I would shy away from the thumbhole stock mate, I have handled plenty and in the field they, to me, come up wanting. Fine if you will ONLY shoot from prone or bench postions, offhand and field rests they become ungainly.

As suggested, I would see how you and the rifle shoot with the factory stock, what glass are you running on it ? That, as noted, is probably the next most important consideration. I am a Leupold fan. Something 3-9x40'ish will serve you well for what you propose for this rifle (I am a firm believer that platforms are for politiicians to stand on when they are spinning a line of BS ;) ). Expect to spend close to the purchase price of the rifle for the glass (if you are to do it justice). Then look at quality ammunition, if you are not a reloader then buy a few boxes of different reputable brands and projectiles suited to the task and see which gives the most consistent results in your rifle. Then practice practice practice.... !!

Andy
 
This is great stuff guys -- please keep it coming!

I should mention that I could also get a traditional wooden stock from Boyd's. The number one complaint I've read about from forums and others who have reviewed the 783 --- is that the stock's lack of rigidity is what prevents this rifle from being as accurate/near as accurate as the Remington 700. The stock is only $130. I got the rifle for $325 and it already has a scope that people mention will work long enough to get very familiar with the rifle and how it performs. I personally like Leupolds too --- I plan to get one later next year. I'm trying to get the rifle as accurate as I can for as little as possible so I can quickly start to hone in on my own skills/lack thereof --- I don't want to shooting "well" -- only to find that what's preventing me from hitting the target or tightening groupings is simply a hollow stock that flexes


 
Be careful you don't "over invest" in this rifle mate, there is nothing wrong with them for their intended purpose (entry level hunting rifle) but if you keep spending on this one you will soon get to the cost of something else. I was always partial the Remington 700 PSS as a starting point a bit heavy as a hunting rifle but not as much so as many of the other "precision" rifles.
 
Andy, the PSS is a really nice rifle, to cut weight down get the 20" version! No loss in velocity and 4" less barrel. The wood stocks are nice, but add weight. Carbon Fiber stocks are light, but kick the snot out of you in the big calibers.
 
Warbow150 said:
Hi, Rob
Here's my 2 cents:
If it's for hunting and you're on a budget, forget about the stock for now. I believe those 783s are pillar bedded so you're probably good there provided it fits you. If it doesn't fit, get one that does. I'm also not a fan of thumbhole stocks at all, and laminates are the worst given their weight.

The rifle will shoot more than accurately enough to hunt with. 400 yards is not a problem, and is a good, realistic distance for that cartridge. However, a rifle like this is only as good as it's glass. You can learn to live with a not so perfect trigger. You can live with a not so perfect stock. What you can't live with is an optics that fogs, won't hold zero, or pass an adjustment confidence test. You don't have irons, so if I were to spend any $ on the system the first thing I'd do is make sure the glass and rings are up to the job. Make sure you get good caps for the scope as well.

Practice with the rifle a lot, but once it's zeroed move away from benchrest or prone positions. Shoot alternate positions like sitting, kneeling, braced on a tree, off hand, etc. You're far more likely to be in one of these when taking the shot hunting than proned out in a perfect position.

Oh, and you'll need a good quality sling. Worth their weight in gold are good slings.
Happy hunting!
Click to expand...


+10000000000000000000000000000000000


The only thing I could find wrong with it is that's not a 45-70 :sneakiness:
 
Andy the Aussie said:
Be careful you don't "over invest" in this rifle mate, there is nothing wrong with them for their intended purpose (entry level hunting rifle) but if you keep spending on this one you will soon get to the cost of something else....
Click to expand...
This is good advice. Put that money towards high-quality ammo and a good scope!

Its funny, cuz I JUST ordered a 783 myself! I went with the Mossy Oak version. I bought it because I wanted a back-up .308 for hunting (long story, but I actually ran over my rifle with my Jeep this last deer season! Don't ask.) Anyway, I looked at a few other "budget" rifles including the Ruger American but the 783 just felt a lot better than the others. The trigger especially felt good and it is adjustable. Free-floating barrel and detachable steel magazine also a plus. Not too fond of the flat bolt handle or its 90 degree throw but oh well. It should be a great rifle nonetheless and all the reviews I've read are very favorable. I think you (we) made a good choice. Congrats.

Back to the ammo and scope....I love the .308 and I have been using Hornady's SST in 165 grain in my main rifle for the last 3 or 4 years. This stuff is very accurate and devastating as all get out. I have yet to have to track a single animal shot with this round (shot placement of course is key) but this is by far my new favorite ammo. Try a few different kinds though and see what gives you the best groups out of that rifle. For a scope, I think one of the best bangs for your buck out there right now is Zeiss's "entry level" Terra line of scopes. I bought the 3-9x42 version to go with my 783. If you look hard enough you can find these for around $350. I know, its even more than what you paid for the rifle but trust me you don't want to skimp on your scope. If you're out in the bush and you drop your rifle or bump the scope real hard (and it will happen eventually) you want to have peace of mind that your scope is still holding zero. High-quality, crystal clear glass makes a difference too. Good luck and show us pictures of that bad boy once you get it and I'll do the same!
 
I always wanted a thumb hole stock......until I had one. Like others have said, they tend to be made heavy with fat forearms specifically for varmint/bench shooting. Personally, I'll take a lite weight rifle over a chubby one for any hunting that a .308 would be suited to as you'll be carrying it a whole lot more than you'll be shooting it.
 
I don't mean to get off track.
I would also recommend working with what you have before you jump into mods.
However, I also have an issue with the price/value with current firearm manufacturers. Great American brands......produced where?
A suggestion ( to be debated I'm sure )..... I watch several gun sites. I recently purchased a safe queen. A Winchester model 70 (pre-64) with Leupold Scope for a price competitive (probably less) than what you'll have in a modern firearm upgraded to meet your expectations.
 
Georgecatl said:
I don't mean to get off track.
I would also recommend working with what you have before you jump into mods.
However, I also have an issue with the price/value with current firearm manufacturers. Great American brands......produced where?
Click to expand...
Not sure what you're trying to say, but, the 783 is manufactured in the USA. In their Kentucky plant I believe.
 
Stop.

Before you do ANYTHING, make sure the gun shoots well. Rifles are like anything else.... some will be lemons. Make sure this one shoots before you dump money into it.

This rifle comes with the scope mounted. Make sure the mounts and rings are fastened tightly or it will never shoot a decent group and will be an exercise in frustration.

Clean the barrel well before you shoot it and remove all the thick oil they apply for shipping.

Try different bullet weights to see which one the rifle likes to eat. Every rifle I own has a preference. Some like em lighter, some heavier. Keep in mind the point of impact will be different for different bullet weights.


My advice may not be what you want to hear.... but save the money you have for upgrades and spend it on ammo and range time. Most rifles shoot much better than their owners. Don't jerk the trigger... If you are intending to reach out to 400 yards you will likely need some trigger work and better glass. The zeiss terra line (as suggested previously) is absolutely amazing for the price. A timney trigger would probably only run about $125 or so... a huge upgrade.







.
 
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