All experts and firearms enthusiasts agree that the Remington 700 is one of the most COMPETENT rifles ever introduced to the world.
Two of which I’ve had the pleasure of using are the ADL (Average Deluxe) and the SPS (Special Purpose Synthetic).
Wonder who would come out on top?
Down below, I’ll cover everything you need to remember in this Remington 700 ADL vs SPS review!
I’ve also included their features and overall performance to help you decide which is better for your personal preference.
Contents
Brief Overview of the Rifles
Remington 700 ADL
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on Palmetto State Armory «
» Check Price on Impact Guns «
At first, Remington produced 2 variants of the Model 700: ADL (Average Deluxe) and BDL (Better Deluxe).
For a time, ADL was the most cost-effective variant in the line of Remington Model 700 but after the year 2005, Remington 700 SPS quickly took over that spot.
While Remington first decided to completely shelve the production of ADL, the variant’s made a comeback in recent years as a LOW-COST option for budget-minded shooters.
Compared to original units, new ADL rifles have received some changes here and there though the design is still the same.
Similar to other variants of Remington 700, ADL rifles are available in several configurations.
Namely, you can choose from 10 different models with:
- Barrel length: 20, 24, and 26 inches
- 3 magazine capacities (3, 4, and 5)
- 5 twist rates (1:8, 1:9 1/8, 1:10, 1:12 and 1: 14)
- 10 calibers (.243 WIN, .270 WIN, .308 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-06 Springfield, etc.)
I am very satisfied with this wide collection at such an affordable price!
From what I’ve seen, ADL rifles are cheaper than their SPS cousins by a few hundred dollars as well.
Remington 700 SPS
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on Palmetto State Armory «
» Check Price on Impact Guns «
Made to supplement and then replace ADL, the Remington 700 SPS model is a new design that features a new material, trigger, and magazine.
I’d say the overall performance of most ADL rifles is highly competitive.
Nowadays, both ADL and SPS rifles are in production, but the average price of SPS models tends to be higher.
That being said, bolt action rifles in the SPS line still remain more or less reasonable compared to high-end Remington 700 rifles.
As a result, I often go for SPS rifles if they want something with quality that’s still affordable.
Regarding available models, Remington 700 SPS provides shooters with nearly 20 choices including:
- Barrel length: 20, 24, and 26 inches
- 3 magazine capacities (3, 4, and 5)
- 5 twist rates (1:8, 1:9 1/8, 1:9 1/4, 1:10 and 1: 12)
- 15 calibers (.243 WIN, .270 WIN, .308 WIN, .300 Remington Ultra Magnum, .223 Remington, etc.)
With such a huge number of configurations, virtually any shooter can find a Remington 700 SPS that suits their demands.
That kind of advantage makes SPS rifles excellent choices not just for novices, but also for veterans.
Notable Features of the Rifles
Remington 700 ADL
Blind Magazine
Simply put, ammunition goes in and out in the same manner when using a blind magazine.
So you could only rack a round out of the rifle action one at a time.
For shooters that prioritize ease of use, this arrangement is less convenient to reload, especially if you’re wearing gloves.
In addition to that, I accidentally loaded a round too far forward, which resulted in an annoying jam.
I advise paying attention and staying concentrated while reloading a Remington 700 ADL rifle.
Polymer/Laminated Stock
Smooth and stable, the laminated/synthetic stock of the Remington 700 ADL performs admirably in the great outdoors.
Although its material isn’t top-tier, the stock would hold itself together for a long time on the field.
Regarding overall display, I think this rifle scores rather well using the factory stock, and that’s why there is no need to worry about accuracy drops.
If you want something tougher though, there are a lot of aftermarket stocks available for purchase nowadays.
All you have to do is pick one that MATCHES your rifle color!
X-Mark Adjustable Trigger
While the X-Mark trigger is primarily designed to be adjusted by a gunsmith, I can also change the pull weight on my own!
I still advise having a gunsmith do it, though, especially if you’re a beginner.
The factory setting of the trigger pull is 5 pounds which I understand can be a bit heavy to some people, so feel free to tweak it as you see fit.
The rifle also features a plastic trigger guard that is somewhat functional but might not be able to survive significant concussions and rough uses.
I started noticing mine getting a bit damaged; thankfully, it wasn’t difficult finding a replacement.
Free-Floated Heavy Barrel
Being a free-floated design, the barrel of ADL rifles possesses a SUPERB shooting consistency compared to most classic models.
While the life of the barrel varies depending on the choice of caliber, it should at least serve you well for a few THOUSAND rounds.
As the twist rate of the barrel largely decides the type of round that the rifle accepts, there are several limitations you have to remember.