Best Hunting Rifles · #9
Model 700 SPS
Remington
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The most supported action in existence. Every stock, trigger, and barrel maker builds for it.
Pros
- Legendary Model 700 action is incredibly robust and reliable
- Excellent accuracy for its price point, often sub-MOA with good ammo
- Vast aftermarket support for customization and upgrades
- Durable synthetic stock and blued finish stand up to tough conditions
- Accessible price point for a full-featured hunting rifle
Cons
- Factory trigger can be heavy; many opt for an upgrade
- Synthetic stock is functional but lacks premium feel
- Mid-range weight, not ideal for ultralight backpack hunting
- Standard blued finish requires more care than stainless in wet environments
Best uses
- General big game hunting
- First serious hunting rifle
- Beginner long-range shooting platform
- Building a custom rifle
- Hunting in adverse weather
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Remington
- Action Type
- Bolt Action
- Stock Material
- Synthetic
- Barrel Finish
- Blued Carbon Steel
- Caliber Range
- Wide (e.g., .223 Rem to .300 Win Mag)
- Magazine Type
- Internal Box
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
General big game hunting, First serious hunting rifle, Beginner long-range shooting platform, Building a custom rifle, Hunting in adverse weather
Where to buy the Model 700 SPS
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The Remington Model 700 SPS (Special Purpose Synthetic) stands as a testament to a design that has influenced firearms for generations. While its roots run deep, the SPS variant brings this iconic action into the modern era with a focus on practicality and affordability. It's a no-frills workhorse, built to deliver consistent performance without the premium price tag. For many hunters, the Model 700 action is not just a mechanism; it's a platform. Its widespread adoption by custom builders and aftermarket manufacturers means that the SPS, right out of the box, is highly capable, but it also offers an unparalleled foundation for future upgrades and personalization. This rifle doesn't aim to be the fanciest or the lightest, but it consistently hits the mark where it counts: reliability and accuracy in the field. Its enduring popularity stems from a simple, robust design that’s been proven across countless hunts and competitive shooting events. The SPS configuration specifically pares down some of the aesthetic elements to offer a rifle that’s truly purpose-built. It’s less about showroom appeal and more about performance when the weather turns, or the terrain gets rough. The synthetic stock is resilient against the elements, and the blued carbon steel barrel and action provide a classic, durable finish. This isn't a rifle you baby; it's a rifle you trust to perform year after year, offering a reliable entry point into serious hunting without breaking the bank. For those who prioritize function over flash, the SPS is a compelling option.
Who It's For
This rifle is ideal for the hunter who values a proven design and robust performance over exotic materials or ultralight construction. It's an excellent choice for a first serious hunting rifle, offering reliability and accuracy that punch above its weight class. Beyond new hunters, it's also a favorite among experienced shooters who appreciate the Model 700's legendary action as a blank canvas for custom builds. If you're looking for a rifle that will hold up to hard use, perform consistently in varied conditions, and offers endless upgrade potential, the SPS deserves a close look. It's a tool, plain and simple, designed to do a job without fuss.
Materials and Construction
The core of the SPS is the classic Remington Model 700 push-feed action, renowned for its strength and simplicity. It features a blued carbon steel barrel and receiver, providing a traditional, durable finish that, with proper care, resists corrosion. The 'Special Purpose Synthetic' stock is a no-nonsense polymer material, offering good weather resistance and stability. While not as rigid as a high-end composite, it's perfectly adequate for general hunting scenarios and contributes significantly to the rifle's approachable price point. The internal box magazine and hinged floorplate are also standard, reliable features. The rifle is built for function, not luxury.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the SPS consistently delivers. Its accuracy is generally very good for an out-of-the-box production rifle, often achieving sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition and a competent shooter. The trigger, while not a custom unit, is usually crisp enough for hunting applications, though many owners choose to upgrade it. Recoil with standard hunting cartridges is manageable, and the rifle balances well for off-hand shots. It handles well in brush and is sturdy enough to shrug off the bumps and scrapes of a tough hunt. Expect it to feed reliably and cycle smoothly, even after significant use. It simply works, which is what matters most.
Weight and Packability
At around 7 to 7.5 pounds (unscoped, depending on caliber and barrel length), the SPS falls into the mid-weight category for a hunting rifle. It's not an ultralight mountain rifle, nor is it a heavy benchrest gun. This weight offers a good compromise between stability for accurate shooting and portability for trekking through diverse terrain. While not 'packable' in the sense of a takedown rifle, its dimensions are standard, making it easy to transport in most rifle cases or scabbards. It’s a rifle you can comfortably carry all day without feeling excessively burdened, especially compared to some of its heavier counterparts.
Durability and Longevity
The Model 700 action itself is famously durable, often lasting generations. The SPS continues this tradition with its rugged construction. The synthetic stock is impervious to moisture and less prone to warpage than wood, making it a reliable choice for all weather conditions. The blued finish, while requiring occasional oiling to prevent rust, is hard-wearing. Overall, this is a rifle built to take a beating and keep performing. With routine cleaning and maintenance, an SPS will easily provide decades of service, often outlasting its original owner. It’s a long-term investment in a reliable tool.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best hunting rifles that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Model 700 SPS — frequently asked questions
- Is the Model 700 SPS worth it?
- We rank it #9 in Best Hunting Rifles. The most supported action in existence. Every stock, trigger, and barrel maker builds for it.
- What is the Model 700 SPS best for?
- Best for general big game hunting, first serious hunting rifle, beginner long-range shooting platform and building a custom rifle. Standouts: legendary model 700 action is incredibly robust and reliable and excellent accuracy for its price point, often sub-moa with good ammo.
- What are the downsides of the Model 700 SPS?
- Factory trigger can be heavy; many opt for an upgrade, Synthetic stock is functional but lacks premium feel and Mid-range weight, not ideal for ultralight backpack hunting.
- What are the key specs of the Model 700 SPS?
- Manufacturer: Remington · Action Type: Bolt Action · Stock Material: Synthetic · Barrel Finish: Blued Carbon Steel · Caliber Range: Wide (e.g., .223 Rem to .300 Win Mag)
- Who It's For?
- This rifle is ideal for the hunter who values a proven design and robust performance over exotic materials or ultralight construction. It's an excellent choice for a first serious hunting rifle, offering reliability and accuracy that punch above its weight class.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the Model 700 SPS?
- The core of the SPS is the classic Remington Model 700 push-feed action, renowned for its strength and simplicity. It features a blued carbon steel barrel and receiver, providing a traditional, durable finish that, with proper care, resists corrosion.
Compare side by side
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