Remington VSSF questions

T

The Famous Grouse

New member
I've read a lot of good things about the VSSF and VSSF II. I'm seriously considering one in .22-250, but I'm still a little wary because of the difficulty of seeing one in person.

Questions for the owners out there:

1. Be honest. In the $1000 range, is this rifle really all it's made out to be?

Let's cut through the crapola. There are a lot of sub-moa rifles out there that are less than $700, so given the reputation, is this really a .5 MOA or isn't it? Yes, I handload so I can dial in ammo beyond what you'd get from factory. Is there just a lot of Remmy fanboy hype or is this really better than your average bear?

2. VSSF vs VSSF 2. How much does it matter? Was one signifanctly better?

3. Weight. I'm getting mixed signals on the weight. Is this really a full on bull barrel sumo or is it somewhere in between a walking/sporter and the 9.5 pound benchpig?

4. Am I the only one that thinks that Remington safety lever is the ugliest thing ever to be stuck on a bolt action rifle? It looks like they forgot to add a safety at all so as an afterthought they stuck on a scaled down shift lever from Ford Edsel.


I've almost convinced myself that this is the schizzle, but I'm not quite there yet. Mainly, questions 1 and 2 are my concerns. Obviously, I'd be buying off the net, sight unseen, so I can't touch/feel it until I own it.

Grouse
 
I cant speek much of the vssf or the vssfII. but I have one of the early models the VS. If im not mistaking its the same action and barrel. mine is just in the HS stock. with hand loads its 1/2 moa or better if I do my part. the Only bad thing I have heard about the VSSF is the stock is flemsy. cant really help you with the weight factor as I have never personaly held one.but accourding to the web site. the vssf II is 8.5 lbs.
 
Originally Posted By: The Famous GrouseI've read a lot of good things about the VSSF and VSSF II. I'm seriously considering one in .22-250, but I'm still a little wary because of the difficulty of seeing one in person.

Questions for the owners out there:

1. Be honest. In the $1000 range, is this rifle really all it's made out to be?

Let's cut through the crapola. There are a lot of sub-moa rifles out there that are less than $700, so given the reputation, is this really a .5 MOA or isn't it? Yes, I handload so I can dial in ammo beyond what you'd get from factory. Is there just a lot of Remmy fanboy hype or is this really better than your average bear?

2. VSSF vs VSSF 2. How much does it matter? Was one signifanctly better?

3. Weight. I'm getting mixed signals on the weight. Is this really a full on bull barrel sumo or is it somewhere in between a walking/sporter and the 9.5 pound benchpig?

4. Am I the only one that thinks that Remington safety lever is the ugliest thing ever to be stuck on a bolt action rifle? It looks like they forgot to add a safety at all so as an afterthought they stuck on a scaled down shift lever from Ford Edsel.


I've almost convinced myself that this is the schizzle, but I'm not quite there yet. Mainly, questions 1 and 2 are my concerns. Obviously, I'd be buying off the net, sight unseen, so I can't touch/feel it until I own it.

Grouse



1 - Yes

2 - Both are great, but I would chose the VSSF-II if I could.

3 - 9.5 pound benchpig?? That wouldn't even make light varmint class. With a typical 6.5x20 scope, the VSSF and the VSSF-II will run ~10.3/4 to 11 pounds. (Mine is 10.95 pounds with a Nikon 6.5-20x44 scope, Burris Signature rings, and Leupold QRW bases).

The barrel is the standard Remington Varmint contour, ~0.830" at the muzzle. The barrel itself, weighs 5 pounds.
These are not walking plinkers, they are hard core varmint rifles.
Even though they have the aluminum stock thingie, then should be glass bedded at the front lug.

4 - If you don't like the safety knob, then get a Jewell trigger - you will still hate the safety knob, but the trigger quality will make it feel all better.

 
Originally Posted By: CatShooter

3 - 9.5 pound benchpig?? That wouldn't even make light varmint class. With a typical 6.5x20 scope, the VSSF and the VSSF-II will run ~10.3/4 to 11 pounds. (Mine is 10.95 pounds with a Nikon 6.5-20x44 scope, Burris Signature rings, and Leupold QRW bases).

The barrel is the standard Remington Varmint contour, ~0.830" at the muzzle. The barrel itself, weighs 5 pounds.
These are not walking plinkers, they are hard core varmint rifles.
Even though they have the aluminum stock thingie, then should be glass bedded at the front lug.



I appreciate the feedback.

Rifle weights are always quoted sans optics and accessories, so a rifle alone weiging >9.5 pounds would certainly NOT meet any definition of light varmint class that I know of.

Point taken, however, on the real-world weight. My goal is to build up what I consider to be a "usable" rest-enabled varmint rifle for p-dogs. My definition of "usable" is that it cannot be a weight so cumbersome that it's prohibitive for field use. The reality is that more and more of my p-dog shooting involves walk-and-shoot from a tripod rest rather than setting up fixed-position benches. The >10 pound (again, rifle only) rifles in my collection have all been shown the door already because I've seen the future and it doesn't involve me toting 12-14 pound rifles around anymore.

Why, oh why, is that safety so ugly? It leaves me expecting that at any moment the irate owner of a 1930s Hoover vaccuum cleaner could call me demanding that I return their "on" switch.

Grouse
 
It's hard to beat the VSSF II, it's an accurate rifle and one of the top of the line 700's.

There are 2 types of hunters, those that walk and those that hide and rely on stealth.

I'm a sniper not a walker. I'd rather lie in wait letting the game come to me than walk for miles hoping to come accross stomething.
 
Originally Posted By: The Famous Grouse......Am I the only one that thinks that Remington safety lever is the ugliest thing ever to be stuck on a bolt action rifle? It looks like they forgot to add a safety at all so as an afterthought they stuck on a scaled down shift lever from Ford Edsel.

Grouse

Are you talking about the regular trigger safety tab that looks like most other rifles with a similar safety.... or is this a bit older rifle that has the J-lock bolt shroud safety on it?

A newer rifle will not have that any longer. And there are numerous very reasonably priced after-market replacements for the J-lock shroud.

I've had this done to several Rem 700 rifles because personally I like the Model 70 type safety. I also have a couple of full custom rifles built on 1909 Argentine actions that I have Jantz Model 70 style bolt shroud safeties on. This is just a current example to see as there are others available.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2250314...ight-hand-steel
 
Two shoulder sling and no need to worry about a lb or two. I'm sold for life on them. Toted around a 15lb gun last season easier than a 10lb gun with a single shoulder sling.
 
I love my VSSF II in 22-250. This gun just shoots great all the time. I like the look of the black flutes, the HS stock is great, I had a local gunsmith take the trigger down to 2.5# pull, the same as I have on my other 3 700's. You will not be disappointed with the VSSF II. I will never part with this gun ever.
 
I like my heavy-barreled Rem. 700s, they're reliable and shoot well. However, considering the arguable quality reduction of current Remington rifles, there are good alternatives in roughly the same price range out there. Since my next .22-250 varmint rifle will have a detachable magazine, the Tikka (stainless) Varmint is the closest in performance and size/weight to the "good" VSSFs. The synthetic CZ 550 is excellent, but possibly a tad heavier. Also, that new Sako Varmint Cabela's special (A7 action, 24" fluted barrel) looks better all the time as a medium-long range varmint rifle in a relatively nice-handling package; the tan lightweight (possibly B&C) stock may be "iffy", the barrel is floated, though.
If weight really is that much of an issue, one would have to go to a shorter, lighter barrel. In that case, I'd recommend a TikkaT3 Lite Stainless. Or, try to find a good used Rem. LVSF; if found more fps is needed, one could always re-barrel it later.
 
Keep talking guys, your making me feel good. I have one of these I bought new in 1996ish ,shot it a little then put it away. It's a 22-250 VSSF and has porting. I haven't heard anyone mention ported barrels, were they uncommon?
 
Originally Posted By: deathwind II
However, considering the arguable quality reduction of current Remington rifles, there are good alternatives in roughly the same price range out there.



The VSSF and VSSF-II are not current items... and when in production, they were were never cheapened.

They are top of the line.


 
I have a very early vssf in 223. it is a very accurate rifle, easy to shoot 1/2" with it. Have no idea of what I paid for it back then, or even the worth now. would not ever sell it.
Barry
 
Originally Posted By: 2milehighguyI haven't heard anyone mention ported barrels, were they uncommon?

I had one in a 220 Swift.
I heard they only built them for a couple years.
 
Originally Posted By: deathwind III like my heavy-barreled Rem. 700s, they're reliable and shoot well. However, considering the arguable quality reduction of current Remington rifles, there are good alternatives in roughly the same price range out there. Since my next .22-250 varmint rifle will have a detachable magazine, the Tikka (stainless) Varmint is the closest in performance and size/weight to the "good" VSSFs. The synthetic CZ 550 is excellent, but possibly a tad heavier. Also, that new Sako Varmint Cabela's special (A7 action, 24" fluted barrel) looks better all the time as a medium-long range varmint rifle in a relatively nice-handling package; the tan lightweight (possibly B&C) stock may be "iffy", the barrel is floated, though.

Well, as they say, that's the rub.

There are a LOT of good rifles in the same price range. And to me, some of theme are a lot more desireable on paper than the Remington.

When you start getting up into the Sako A7 price range, something solid has to REALLY justify the Remington as a better choice. Because I KNOW the Sako will be [beeep] good.

BTW, currently I'm seeing the VSSF as being about $1100 - $1400 to my door including all the shipping, fees, etc. I know there are chancers out there listing them for more, but they are asking, not selling, at that price.

I need to put in some hard, hard thought on this one. I want to like the Remington, but I'm not sure I can make myself go there over a Sako.

Grouse
 
I have the 22-250 VSSF and the only thing I have done is to send it to Timmney and have a trigger put in. With Winchester 50 round 45 gr. white box ammo I have shot 3/8" groups with a 6.5X20 scope. It is a very good gun.
 


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