Remington VLS & VSF...big difference?

[Ramses II]

I like the look of the Rem 700 VLS in .308:
http://www.remington.com/firearms/centerfire/700vls.htm

I've noticed the VSF in .308 is more expensive:
http://www.remington.com/firearms/centerfire/700vsf.htm

I know the VSF has a fluted barrel, HS Precision stock and aluminum bedding block. But I like the wood stock and look of the VLS. The factory site says the VLS action is "firmly bedded into the wood laminate stock." [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Will I notice a big difference in accuracy between these two rifles? I'd rather go with the VLS. I just don't want to be dissapointed in performance since it doesn't have an aluminum bedding block.

Thanks,
Ramses II
I Know I Ask Too Many Questions! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Skinny Shooter]

Hey Ramses, depends on what you are looking for in the accuracy department but both factory guns should serve you well.
I've been using a VLS in 308 for the last few years.

This group was shot off the hood of my Blazer from a cold clean barrel. It took 2 shots to settle down. Powder was IMR 4350 and the painted circle is 3" in dia.


Using Black Hills ammo. The black dot is .75" dia.


I have Badger Rings and 20moa Base mounted on it.


Recently I purchased a VSF in 308 and have switched the optics and metal over from the VLS. Just waiting till I can get to the range and shoot it. Maybe on Sunday.
Not sure how much the fluting will help but it does look good. The palm swell on the VSF is also comfortable.
The underside of the VLS barrel touches the stock out at the forend but it does not appear to have hurt accuracy. The VSF has room to slide a dollar bill almost down to the action.
Current loads in the VLS are 175gr Matchkings over Varget. Gives about 2600fps. Had a nice 1/2 moa group going at 100yds last Fall until I got to shot #7&8 when I choked. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Shots 9&10 went back where they were supposed to.
The VLS is a sharp looking gun and am going to rebarrel it into a 6mm or 6.5 caliber down the road. It's too nice to sell.

Hey, why don't you get both? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
Hope this helps.

[Ramses II]

Thanks for the great info, and great pics. That's a slick VLS set up you have. Could you tell me whatya got? Rings, mount & scope. Thanks again,

Ramses II

[Aussie]

Ramses ,
Practically none of the "affordable" factory rifles have a decent bedding job when they come out of the factory gate . Given factory tolerances it is quite likely that a VSSF with bedding block will need a skim bedding job to give it's best . Mine did . The VLS would almost certainly benefit from free floating and an epoxy bedding job with pillars installed .
Accurate shooting is about eliminating variables . Bedding is a good place to start . A good bedding job adds consistency to your results if nothing else . There's nothing worse than having to resight your rifle all the time due to poor bedding. You'll lose confidence in your ability and in the accuracy of your rifle .
Now all my rifles get a professional bedding job before I shoot them . That's the first variable eliminated .Then I can concentrate on load development with one less nagging doubt.
The VLS is a pretty rifle and the laminated stock should be stable enough to perform as well as the VSSF . Take it from me , HS Precision stocks ain't perfect ... but that's another story .

[Ramses II]

OOps,Sorry SkinnyShooter. I see that you listed you have the badger rings and base.

Thanks for the advice Aussie!

[Pete Lincoln]

Ramses II ,do your self a favour, pickup the cheapest used remington 700 you can find at a gun show. have it worked over by a reputable rifle smith, have a custom barrel fitted and then take a look at accurate inovations stocks, there you can have the best of both worlds, a laminated or even finest grade wood, with an alloy bedding block. This route may cost you a few more $ than a standard VLS but it will be worth it in the long run. Remington have some seriouse quality control problems and with $18 barrels its lucklof the draw if you get a good one or not.
pete

[Ramses II]

Pete,
I could just buy an action and get started. I know Brownells sells the REM 700 Short Action Receivers.

Anybody ever hear of this:
http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodin...5&cat=001C
It's G&A's rifle of the year. I've never heard of a Winny Model 70 for target. I like the features, but I am skeptical because there is no reputation.

Anybody really shoot these?
http://www.weatherby.com/rifles/lw_svm.shtml
Besides a high price tag, I've actually heard they don't shoot that great for the money...........
Thanks again fellas,
Ahh...the research continues........
Ramses II