[aubie515]

The finish on the SPS sucks...I can tell you that it's not the same finish as on the VS or 700P. Between the finish (rust issues) and the cheap stock...that's how Remington is cutting corners on the SPS line. Don't get me wrong, the action is great and the barrel will perform well...just anticipate upgrading the stock and having the rifle refinished down the line.

You are going to have some serious drop past 800 yards with a .308...regardless of picking the 22" or 26" barrel. Of course you will have more of a drop with the shorter barrel. Not to mention there aren't any local gun clubs that offer you 800+ yards to shoot, unless you go to Williamsport.

And no offense, but trying to compare hitting a man sized target with M16 in the Corps isn't the same as true MOA shooting with a precision rifle.

There is nothing wrong with trying to put together a long range rifle on an entry level budget....but keep in mind that having sub par equipment will hurt you in the end. Especially in the optics department. For under $300 I'd only recommend Nikon Buckmaster4.5x14 with mil dot reticle. Or perhaps the SS...glass isn't as good as the Nikon, but it's right at $300.