The "All Around Bolt Gun"- Change my mind
- Bolt Action Rifles
- 20 Replies
I see more and more guys in the threads chasing the ever elusive hunting, range, PRS, comp gun, etc. etc... We all want to save our hard earned money and buy one rifle to rule them all. The old saying, "Fear the man that owns one rifle, because he knows how to use it" implies that he is a master of that rifle. I'm inclined to agree with the quote as I own only a bolt gun, an AR15, and two pistols (one of which was a gift from my father and its sentimental), now I know this makes me a hypocrite of the quote, but I like others, like variety and feel as though I have "mastered" each system I own, no safe queens here. So in my boredom solitude today, I decided to put together a dream build and I'm curious as to others opinion.
Ground Rules:
Now, I want to layout the ground rules of this build... It must consist of:
Let's kick this off, for the rifle, I would choose a Tikka T3x CTR Rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, which will run you $898.00 at EuroOptics currently, you may be able to find a cheaper one elsewhere or pick up a used one. I chose the Tikka for its known accuracy and reliability, the barrels are likely sub-moa out of the box and it's a proven system. The only other "out-of-the-box" rifle would be a HOWA 1500, however, I don't have direct experience with them but hear they are essentially Weatherby Vanguards, which I do have experience with. You could also save about $300 if you were going to pick up a chassis at the same time and just get a threaded HOWA 1500 barreled action which can be had for $500ish on Brownells, as they are on sale.
Chassis or Stock:
Next, while you can go with the standard Tikka T3x TAC A1, that comes from the factory with a pre-equipped chassis capable of going right to a PRS comp with, my personal choice (as budget allows) is the MDT ESS Chassis, which can be had fully setup for $1,047.99 including magazines and an additional accessory, a bag rider. If you use rear bags and have a chassis or a stock without a rear "foot" you'll know why this is a must buy. I intended to give magazines their own category, however the standard Tikka magazines are proprietary, priced at the same price as the AICS magazines, and are of the same quality so that is void. The great thing about this chassis is that it's modular, meaning it can be built on as budget allows, its lighter than the majority of chassis while being robust with features, without breaking the bank. The chassis itself runs like $900ish without the bag rider, folding stock option and spare magazine. But all in all, it's about a pound lighter than the MPA and offers more features in MY opinion. Besides, a CADEX comp lite chassis, which will run you over $500 more and an MPA will be about $100-200 more, along with weighing about a pound more. The only rival in terms of chassis to me would be the KRG Whiskey 3, which the base model (non-folding) can be had for $900, close to the same price as an ESS base platform. Also, the new Magpul Pro Chassis, but that's not my cup-a-tea...
Chassis build list and it can be bought as individual pieces overtime:
For optics:
I would personally go with a the Leupold Mark 5 5-25x56mm, as I found one for $1,572.99 NIB, your experience may vary. If I was to go through with the Leupold, I would also chose the CCH reticle as it pays tribute in a way to the TREMOR 3 reticle without being as busy, which would play well to blending the hunting and comp setup. Its also 1.87 lbs, tell me of a scope that has zero stop and a competition style reticle that is built like a tank while weighing less. Honestly, I would like to know.... I'm not a Leupold fanboy either.
I would also look at the newer Nightforce SHV 4-14x50 F1 .1 MIL -illuminated Mil-R reticle C557, which can be had for $1,250, and they are feature rich (i.e.- zero stop turrets, NXS glass quality, illuminated reticle, .MIL adjustments, FFP, etc). This optic to me is the best bang for the buck and pretty affordable for Nightforce standards. Not to mention the scope's name should be the name of this thread, (SHV) Shooter Hunter Varminter. This optic is also on par with the weight of the Leupold Mark 5, which is about 30 oz.
* Nigthforce SHV will be added to the overall cost due to savings and near the same value in features *
For Rings or Scope Mounts:
The Leupold Mark 5 downside is that it has a 35mm tube, which limits ring options, however, I chose the Badger Ordnance Rings, that can be had for $199.00 new and you could probably find a better deal if you look around. Also, I would say the rings make up for the "downside".
The M10 SCOPE RINGS from American Rifle are also another good set of rings that can be had in 35mm for $180. Nevertheless, A good set of rings, no matter the diameter, will run you about this much.
For Bipods:
For bipods I chose the Long Range Accuracy Ultralight F Class Bipod, which can be had for $379.00, I know this is a little unorthodox, however, they are light (Carbon Fiber) have a lower apex due to the "seat" position the rifle sits in and I found they lock up tighter than the ATLAS ones I have, which always have a little slop. * NOTE: This is for the purpose of PRS and Range Shooting NOT hunting. I would probably slap a Harris on it if absolutely needed/wanted for hunting purposes
I also went with a KRG MLOK™ 3 Slot (Single M-LOK™) Mount, that can be picked up for $49.99, this allows the quick detach of a bipod without the need to buy the more expensive QD mounts found on bipods such as ATLAS's. Check this out if you've never seen them, it would make for removing the bipod if you didn't need it for the hunting aspect a breeze.
NOT INCLUDED in the price below is:
The Sterk Shooting Tikka T3/T3x Titanium Bolt Shroud, which can be had for around $105.00 and the Sterk Shooting Tikka T3/T3x Titanium Pineapple Bolt Handle, which can be had for $115. These are great ways to change up the look and function of your bolt and therefore personal preference.
Also the Silencerco ASR Muzzle Brake, which can be had for around $74.00, this is listed as it covers a decent muzzle break price and fits my suppressor (Silencerco Hybrid) but yours may vary.
Grand Total: Price & Weight
Chassis: Base: 1.6lb, Forend: 0.6lb, Buttstock: 2lb. (Total: 4.2 lbs.)
Barreled Tikka Action: Barrel: 2.6lb, Action: 1.8lbs. (Total: 4.4 lbs.)
Optic Rings: Nightforce SHV 4-14x50 F1: 1.88 lb (Total: 1.88 lbs.)
Scope Rings: Badger 35mm Scope rings: ??? (Total: N/A) * If anyone knows let me know *
Total weight: 10.48 lbs- minus bipod (NOT for hunting weight calculation), ammo, and magazine * Still need scope ring weight *
The grand total of this build is $3,937.93 +/- your options and choices. If you think this is expensive, think again, most custom built rifles START at the $3,500-$4,600 price range for the BASE rifle, NO optics, bipods, etc.
Thought or opinions? Think I missed something? Let's me and others know in the comment section. Remember to keep it civil.
Ground Rules:
Now, I want to layout the ground rules of this build... It must consist of:
- The rifle must be of known reliability and sub-MOA accurate out of the box with factory match ammunition (Covers all aspects, PRS, hunting longer ranges, comps, plus most need a rifle they can build upon overtime as budget becomes available aka modular)
- The rifle must be magazine fed (Comps, PRS, require higher capacities)
- The rifle must have under 24" barrel (Hunting aspects, you need something lighter and maneuverable, plus keep in mind the addition of a suppressor, I prefer 20")
- The rifle must be of common caliber that is available to the majority of shooters (NO WILDCATS, Ammo availability, budget friendly-ish, capable of 1,000 yards with room for error in calls for newer shooters)
- The rifle must be adjustable to shooter and able to adjust to shooting terrain (rough hunting terrain, PRS barricades, multi-positions)
- The rifle must not exceed $4,500 upon completion, including rifle, optics, bipod, other parts. (I know this seems a lot, but I didn't say the most budget friendly, their are other threads for that) * Side note: I would go with a Bergara HMR, Ruger RPR or the new Tikka T3x TAC A1, if that were the case*
- The rifle must be lighter that 12 lbs. completely outfitted for comps
Let's kick this off, for the rifle, I would choose a Tikka T3x CTR Rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, which will run you $898.00 at EuroOptics currently, you may be able to find a cheaper one elsewhere or pick up a used one. I chose the Tikka for its known accuracy and reliability, the barrels are likely sub-moa out of the box and it's a proven system. The only other "out-of-the-box" rifle would be a HOWA 1500, however, I don't have direct experience with them but hear they are essentially Weatherby Vanguards, which I do have experience with. You could also save about $300 if you were going to pick up a chassis at the same time and just get a threaded HOWA 1500 barreled action which can be had for $500ish on Brownells, as they are on sale.
Chassis or Stock:
Next, while you can go with the standard Tikka T3x TAC A1, that comes from the factory with a pre-equipped chassis capable of going right to a PRS comp with, my personal choice (as budget allows) is the MDT ESS Chassis, which can be had fully setup for $1,047.99 including magazines and an additional accessory, a bag rider. If you use rear bags and have a chassis or a stock without a rear "foot" you'll know why this is a must buy. I intended to give magazines their own category, however the standard Tikka magazines are proprietary, priced at the same price as the AICS magazines, and are of the same quality so that is void. The great thing about this chassis is that it's modular, meaning it can be built on as budget allows, its lighter than the majority of chassis while being robust with features, without breaking the bank. The chassis itself runs like $900ish without the bag rider, folding stock option and spare magazine. But all in all, it's about a pound lighter than the MPA and offers more features in MY opinion. Besides, a CADEX comp lite chassis, which will run you over $500 more and an MPA will be about $100-200 more, along with weighing about a pound more. The only rival in terms of chassis to me would be the KRG Whiskey 3, which the base model (non-folding) can be had for $900, close to the same price as an ESS base platform. Also, the new Magpul Pro Chassis, but that's not my cup-a-tea...
Chassis build list and it can be bought as individual pieces overtime:
- ESS Base for Remington 700
- Action: Short Action
- Orientation: Right
- Color: Cerakote FDE
- Chassis System: ESS Chassis System
- ESS Forend - No Rail
- Length: 18in (457mm)
- Color: Cerakote FDE
- Chassis System: ESS Chassis System
- Butt-Stock for ESS
- Color: Cerakote FDE
- Chassis System: ESS Chassis System
- M-Lok Rear Bag Rider
- MDT Metal Magazines - Short Action
- Caliber: 308
- Capacity: 12 Round (No Binder Plate)
For optics:
I would personally go with a the Leupold Mark 5 5-25x56mm, as I found one for $1,572.99 NIB, your experience may vary. If I was to go through with the Leupold, I would also chose the CCH reticle as it pays tribute in a way to the TREMOR 3 reticle without being as busy, which would play well to blending the hunting and comp setup. Its also 1.87 lbs, tell me of a scope that has zero stop and a competition style reticle that is built like a tank while weighing less. Honestly, I would like to know.... I'm not a Leupold fanboy either.
I would also look at the newer Nightforce SHV 4-14x50 F1 .1 MIL -illuminated Mil-R reticle C557, which can be had for $1,250, and they are feature rich (i.e.- zero stop turrets, NXS glass quality, illuminated reticle, .MIL adjustments, FFP, etc). This optic to me is the best bang for the buck and pretty affordable for Nightforce standards. Not to mention the scope's name should be the name of this thread, (SHV) Shooter Hunter Varminter. This optic is also on par with the weight of the Leupold Mark 5, which is about 30 oz.
* Nigthforce SHV will be added to the overall cost due to savings and near the same value in features *
For Rings or Scope Mounts:
The Leupold Mark 5 downside is that it has a 35mm tube, which limits ring options, however, I chose the Badger Ordnance Rings, that can be had for $199.00 new and you could probably find a better deal if you look around. Also, I would say the rings make up for the "downside".
The M10 SCOPE RINGS from American Rifle are also another good set of rings that can be had in 35mm for $180. Nevertheless, A good set of rings, no matter the diameter, will run you about this much.
For Bipods:
For bipods I chose the Long Range Accuracy Ultralight F Class Bipod, which can be had for $379.00, I know this is a little unorthodox, however, they are light (Carbon Fiber) have a lower apex due to the "seat" position the rifle sits in and I found they lock up tighter than the ATLAS ones I have, which always have a little slop. * NOTE: This is for the purpose of PRS and Range Shooting NOT hunting. I would probably slap a Harris on it if absolutely needed/wanted for hunting purposes
I also went with a KRG MLOK™ 3 Slot (Single M-LOK™) Mount, that can be picked up for $49.99, this allows the quick detach of a bipod without the need to buy the more expensive QD mounts found on bipods such as ATLAS's. Check this out if you've never seen them, it would make for removing the bipod if you didn't need it for the hunting aspect a breeze.
NOT INCLUDED in the price below is:
The Sterk Shooting Tikka T3/T3x Titanium Bolt Shroud, which can be had for around $105.00 and the Sterk Shooting Tikka T3/T3x Titanium Pineapple Bolt Handle, which can be had for $115. These are great ways to change up the look and function of your bolt and therefore personal preference.
Also the Silencerco ASR Muzzle Brake, which can be had for around $74.00, this is listed as it covers a decent muzzle break price and fits my suppressor (Silencerco Hybrid) but yours may vary.
Grand Total: Price & Weight
Chassis: Base: 1.6lb, Forend: 0.6lb, Buttstock: 2lb. (Total: 4.2 lbs.)
Barreled Tikka Action: Barrel: 2.6lb, Action: 1.8lbs. (Total: 4.4 lbs.)
Optic Rings: Nightforce SHV 4-14x50 F1: 1.88 lb (Total: 1.88 lbs.)
Scope Rings: Badger 35mm Scope rings: ??? (Total: N/A) * If anyone knows let me know *
Total weight: 10.48 lbs- minus bipod (NOT for hunting weight calculation), ammo, and magazine * Still need scope ring weight *
The grand total of this build is $3,937.93 +/- your options and choices. If you think this is expensive, think again, most custom built rifles START at the $3,500-$4,600 price range for the BASE rifle, NO optics, bipods, etc.
Thought or opinions? Think I missed something? Let's me and others know in the comment section. Remember to keep it civil.
