I am going to odred from gunsmith a new sniper rifle. I would like to have it build on Rem700 short action and I wonder about barrel (manufacturer and lenght). I would like to have it as short as possible (20") but I am not sure about accuracy of so short barrels with .308W, I am planing to use it for competition up to 500m (standard lenght is 300m) and also for hunting. So that is why I want it as short as possible, but if it will be better to use 22" or 24" plese advice.

I also want to have it with detachable magazine and polymer stock, if somebody knows good combination for complete rifle please let me know.

Thanx Fox

Fox
I am not familiar with the import laws of the Czech Republic, but Remington makes a Model 700 LTR which has a 20" barrel and a good reputation for accuracy at a reasonable price in US$.
Do you want a sniper rifle or a heavy target/hunting rifle?
There are differences between the two.
Lothar Walther makes a fine reasonably priced barrel that should be available in CZ.
Of course Kreiger, Hart,Lilja and Pacnor have fine reputations as well.

The quality of the installation is the most important factor in what you are trying to do.
Is your gunsmith known for producing accurate rifles?
If so, I'm sure he will guide you thru the process.
If not, find another gunsmith.

With the reputation the Czech Republic has for manufacturing rifles, it shouldn't be difficult to find a competent riflesmith.

Good luck

Covey16

Lothar Walther!!

Try this link for sniper type rifles similar to what you are thinking of...........
http://www.hdrifle.com/

G.A.Precision "The Rock".

I guess much of what you ask depends on what is available in your country, type of shooting, and how much you want to spend...In the Canada and U.S. they have "F" class shooting which is shot at 600 yds, prone, front rest (bi-pod), 223 or 308, etc...there is also an open class which is less restrictive.

If you are doing similar style type of shooting there are many ways to go...Some guys I know spend significant $$..We see Accuracy International rifles (very similar to what you describe) start at around $3000 on up...HD rifles also offers a similar type of rifle. Some guys shoot modified (stocks, triggers) Remington 700 Police models which are very good rifles. I have a couple of the Remington 700 SS with 5R milspec barrels in 308...all I have done so far is have the triggers adjusted....Those rifles will flat out shoot....I have a handload using Lapua Brass, Varget, Sierra Matchkings, Fed 215 match primers...that will flat out shot in those rifles....The best five shot groups (at 100 yds) I have ever shot are with these rifles...in the .190" range! If you could get your hands on one of those I would buy it in a minute! As to barrel length, most perfer longer 24" to 26" minimum. As to scopes, most of what I see in the US is tactical models and Leupold is most of what I see with Nightforce a close second. In regards to barrels...Krieger and Mike Rock barrels are what I see most folks using that are installing barrels...Border barrels is also a name that crops up (I think they are used on the Accuracy International rifles).

Good luck and if I can supply additional information, plese let me know....Best regards, JJS

I may be way off base here, but in my twisted way of thinking, building a "sniper" rifle would indicate that you intend to add a "pre calibrated" sniper scope to it..? If that is the case, then I would give strong consideration to matching the barrel length to the intended length for the scope calibration.

Just a thought.

I guess each has his or her on view of what it should or should not be! My exposure to "sniper rifles" is very limited, so I can just relate my experience.

Remington makes a rifle called M-24, I believe this rifle is a military and police sniper rifle it comes standard with 26" barrel. The rifle I mentioned (5R milspec) comes with a 24" barrel. At a local rifle range, a couple on months ago, we ran into a youn guy (came up to see what we were shooting)started talking...He is an Army Sniper, just returned home from Iraq...He advised that the rifle is the same one he used for short target (600 yds or so)...They used a 338 Lapua for long range...He was a very interesting guy to talk with....

Leupold scopes are used extensively by he Military...if fact I had difficulty getting the model I wanted early this year, as Leupold informed me that they were headed overseas to the Military..

The calibrated scopes you mention are calibrated to specfic velocity...so they load ammo to those velocities. They also have to be adjusted to range and targets are not set in the field (so to speak)so there has to be adjustment...Most of the sniper scopes are adjustable turrets...

I am sure there are 20" Sniper Rifles...but most of what I see in competitions are 24" to 26" and from what I see that is sold to the Military and Police....I do believe there are 20" sniper rifles for special purposes..but based on what the other fellow ask here, I would go with a longer barrel, if no limited by a "class" restriction or otherwise....Thanks JJS