(Concluded) Long-range tactical rifle build recommendations

DangerDave

DangerDave

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Jul 9, 2024
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#1
Hi all,

I do not have any experience with building a rifle but I would like to create my long-range bolt-action tactical rifle, preferably in 6.5 Creedmoor (open to caliber suggestions). Could you provide me with some recommendations for the following?
- Action
- Barrel
- Chassis (prefer the AR look with either folding/non-folding stock)
- Magazine
- Muzzle
- Trigger
--------------
- Bipod
- Glass

I want to improve my long-range game. Will practice on a private property (40 acres) and I would like to push myself to be able to shoot accurately at distances greater than 1000 yards. Thanks in advance!
Budget: $3000 for the rifle and $3000 for the bipod and glass.
 
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#2
Zermatt Origin - Action
PVA Osprey shouldered prefit 26" in contour of choice- Barrel
MPA/MDT of choice. AR Grips suck on precision rifles. Vertical is more comfortable for trigger pull. Also folding is not needed and adds cost- Chassis (prefer the AR look with either folding/non-folding stock)
MDT/AI- Magazine
PVA Jet4- Muzzle
Timney HIT or TT Special- Trigger
--------------
Any of the basic go to brands you like- Bipod
Zeiss S3 6-36x56 or for less money the Tract Toric ELR 4-25 with MPA or ARC M Brace mount- Glass

Would kind of look like this when done. That MDT scope mount was swapped out for an ARC. Bought the MPA Matrix Pro chassis for sale in the PX.

IMG_4104.jpg
 
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#4
There's many ways you can go with this build.

The 3 big expenses on the rifle build will be the action, barrel and chassis. There's options all over the spectrum for pricing. Rob's build spec will be hard to achieve under budget, unless you buy some of the components used.

Here's a build that will get you right under $3K:
- ARC CDG or Zermatt Origin - $900
- Prefit Barrel - $800
- KRG Whiskey-3 Comp chassis - $1000)
- Trigger of choice (TT or BnA) - $275
Total = $2975

I put $800 for a prefit, as that's a fair representative cost, and what TS Customs charges for a Benchmark Prefit (amazing gunsmith btw). You can save $100-200 elsewhere on a prefit if you want. The above would go over budget with a muzzle brake, which are $150-200 typically, FYI. A Proof or PVA pre-fit would save the $150-200 needed for a muzzle brake. Or take the ~$200 out of the scope budget.

For bipod I would just recommend a good old Atlas, which are solid and about ~$250. If you take the $200 for a muzzle brake, that leaves you with ~$2500 for a scope. EuroOptic has this Khales K624 for $2300, which is a great scope: https://www.eurooptic.com/Like-New-Kahles-K624i-6-24x56mm-LSW-CCW-SKMR4-FFP-Riflescope-10682.aspx

All in, that would be about $5725. I think this would be a really solid package for the money.
 
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#5
Rob01 said:
Zermatt Origin - Action
PVA Osprey shouldered prefit 26" in contour of choice- Barrel
MPA/MDT of choice. AR Grips suck on precision rifles. Vertical is more comfortable for trigger pull. Also folding is not needed and adds cost- Chassis (prefer the AR look with either folding/non-folding stock)
MDT/AI- Magazine
PVA Jet4- Muzzle
Timney HIT or TT Special- Trigger
--------------
Any of the basic go to brands you like- Bipod
Zeiss S3 6-36x56 or for less money the Tract Toric ELR 4-25 with MPA or ARC M Brace mount- Glass

Would kind of look like this when done. That MDT scope mount was swapped out for an ARC. Bought the MPA Matrix Pro chassis for sale in the PX.

View attachment 8456166
Click to expand...
That's DOPE!
 
#6
ma smith said:
Either what rob01 said or just get a Tikka and a case of ammo. It really depends on what you want.
Click to expand...
I know this guy who's a d-bag. I cannot stand him on my best day and he constantly brags about his Tikka in our circle. Now when I think of Tikka, I think of that a-hole. What do you think of the Bergara MgLite or the premier HMR Pro?
 
#7
kthomas said:
There's many ways you can go with this build.

The 3 big expenses on the rifle build will be the action, barrel and chassis. There's options all over the spectrum for pricing. Rob's build spec will be hard to achieve under budget, unless you buy some of the components used.

Here's a build that will get you right under $3K:
- ARC CDG or Zermatt Origin - $900
- Prefit Barrel - $800
- KRG Whiskey-3 Comp chassis - $1000)
- Trigger of choice (TT or BnA) - $275
Total = $2975

I put $800 for a prefit, as that's a fair representative cost, and what TS Customs charges for a Benchmark Prefit (amazing gunsmith btw). You can save $100-200 elsewhere on a prefit if you want. The above would go over budget with a muzzle brake, which are $150-200 typically, FYI. A Proof or PVA pre-fit would save the $150-200 needed for a muzzle brake. Or take the ~$200 out of the scope budget.

For bipod I would just recommend a good old Atlas, which are solid and about ~$250. If you take the $200 for a muzzle brake, that leaves you with ~$2500 for a scope. EuroOptic has this Khales K624 for $2300, which is a great scope: https://www.eurooptic.com/Like-New-Kahles-K624i-6-24x56mm-LSW-CCW-SKMR4-FFP-Riflescope-10682.aspx

All in, that would be about $5725. I think this would be a really solid package for the money.
Click to expand...
Nice. Thanks for this.
 
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#8
I want to thank you all for your quick response and Rob, for that picture. Is it okay if I come back with a bigger list and get your guys' input on that?

Sorry, my friends are all basic shooters and not very knowledgeable in this field. Hoping to learn and improve my knowledge.
 
#13
Dave Arumalla said:
I want to thank you all for your quick response and Rob, for that picture. Is it okay if I come back with a bigger list and get your guys' input on that?

Sorry, my friends are all basic shooters and not very knowledgeable in this field. Hoping to learn and improve my knowledge.
Click to expand...

That's what we are here for. To help each other out as a community.
 
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#14
Hickswr said:
Just buy a complete MPA rifle and save yourself the hassle of piecing one together.
Click to expand...

Not a bad way to go if he doesn't mind a 3-4 month wait. If not then putting it together at home is easy.

Dave Arumalla said:
I want to thank you all for your quick response and Rob, for that picture. Is it okay if I come back with a bigger list and get your guys' input on that?

Sorry, my friends are all basic shooters and not very knowledgeable in this field. Hoping to learn and improve my knowledge.
Click to expand...

No problem. Your budget is easily workable and what you don't spend on the optic can be moved to the rifle and vice versa. I will say do not get one of those factory rifles. Get an Origin and put one together. The big plus on the Origin is that you can change the bolt face and have a .223, 6.5 Creedmoor and 300WSM all in the same rifle. It's great way to save money in the long run.
 
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#15
Rob01 said:
Not a bad way to go if he doesn't mind a 3-4 month wait. If not then putting it together at home is easy.



No problem. Your budget is easily workable and what you don't spend on the optic can be moved to the rifle and vice versa. I will say do not get one of those factory rifles. Get an Origin and put one together. The big plus on the Origin is that you can change the bolt face and have a .223, 6.5 Creedmoor and 300WSM all in the same rifle. It's great way to save money in the long run.
Click to expand...
I like Rob01 advice and build

Tikka is very nice. But with this build and doing it at home you can change barrels and calibers at will. And you know the barrels will come off because you torqued them on.

Tikka barrels can run a tad slow, it likely will be outshot by a custom and if you ever want to remove and replace yourself they can be a bitch to remove. Plus you can add whatever contour you want to your build so it can be as heavy as you want it in theory vs factory

I would also say look through the px (sale section) here. You may find what you want and save some decent coin. Lots of guys shooting prs are constantly changing and trying new things. So lots of parts or complete rifles come for sale there
 
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#17
Rob01 said:
Not a bad way to go if he doesn't mind a 3-4 month wait. If not then putting it together at home is easy.



No problem. Your budget is easily workable and what you don't spend on the optic can be moved to the rifle and vice versa. I will say do not get one of those factory rifles. Get an Origin and put one together. The big plus on the Origin is that you can change the bolt face and have a .223, 6.5 Creedmoor and 300WSM all in the same rifle. It's great way to save money in the long run.
Click to expand...
That sounds great!
 
#18
hafejd30 said:
I like Rob01 advice and build

Tikka is very nice. But with this build and doing it at home you can change barrels and calibers at will. And you know the barrels will come off because you torqued them on.

Tikka barrels can run a tad slow, it likely will be outshot by a custom and if you ever want to remove and replace yourself they can be a bitch to remove. Plus you can add whatever contour you want to your build so it can be as heavy as you want it in theory vs factory

I would also say look through the px (sale section) here. You may find what you want and save some decent coin. Lots of guys shooting prs are constantly changing and trying new things. So lots of parts or complete rifles come for sale there
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip. Appreciate it!
 
#19
My vote is for:

Zermatt Origin (Paul @ Evolved Ballistics is a good source)
Prefit barrel, shouldered or nut (Southern Precision Rifles is where I've gotten most of mine but I recently had Kurt from KI Precision do a couple and they are also superb)
MPA Matrix Pro (MDT ACC Elite is also top notch choice)
Triggertech Diamond
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 mrad
I use Alpha mags, but MDT are also good to go
I've been using APA Fat Bastard brakes and am very happy

Origin_6.5_Creedmoor_01.jpg
 
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#20
stevieb92 said:
My vote is for:

Zermatt Origin (Paul @ Evolved Ballistics is a good source)
Prefit barrel, shouldered or nut (Southern Precision Rifles is where I've gotten most of mine but I recently had Kurt from KI Precision do a couple and they are also superb)
MPA Matrix Pro (MDT ACC Elite is also top notch choice)
Triggertech Diamond
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 mrad
I use Alpha mags, but MDT are also good to go
I've been using APA Fat Bastard brakes and am very happy

View attachment 8456533
Click to expand...
That looks sweet! Thank you.
 
#22
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#25
kthomas said:
There's many ways you can go with this build.

The 3 big expenses on the rifle build will be the action, barrel and chassis. There's options all over the spectrum for pricing. Rob's build spec will be hard to achieve under budget, unless you buy some of the components used.

Here's a build that will get you right under $3K:
- ARC CDG or Zermatt Origin - $900
- Prefit Barrel - $800
- KRG Whiskey-3 Comp chassis - $1000)
- Trigger of choice (TT or BnA) - $275
Total = $2975

I put $800 for a prefit, as that's a fair representative cost, and what TS Customs charges for a Benchmark Prefit (amazing gunsmith btw). You can save $100-200 elsewhere on a prefit if you want. The above would go over budget with a muzzle brake, which are $150-200 typically, FYI. A Proof or PVA pre-fit would save the $150-200 needed for a muzzle brake. Or take the ~$200 out of the scope budget.

For bipod I would just recommend a good old Atlas, which are solid and about ~$250. If you take the $200 for a muzzle brake, that leaves you with ~$2500 for a scope. EuroOptic has this Khales K624 for $2300, which is a great scope: https://www.eurooptic.com/Like-New-Kahles-K624i-6-24x56mm-LSW-CCW-SKMR4-FFP-Riflescope-10682.aspx

All in, that would be about $5725. I think this would be a really solid package for the money.
Click to expand...
^^^ This is the way. Personally I would find what you are looking for here in the PX and stretch your dollars a bit more. Chassis/stock is a very personal choice and same with triggers but the recommendations here are solid choices.
 
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#26
Doubts with the configuration:

ARC CDG - length (short or long - why does this matter?), bolt face (0.473" is the minimum for 6.5 Creedmoor, right?), scope rail inclination (20 MOA or 30 MOA - what's the difference?), bolt body (fluted or non-fluted - what's the difference?), and bolt handle (pivoting or fixed - what's the difference?).

Zermatt Origin - bolt head (should this be standard 308 for 6.5 Creedmoor?)
 
#27
Dave Arumalla said:
Doubts with the configuration:

ARC CDG - length (short or long - why does this matter?), bolt face (0.473" is the minimum for 6.5 Creedmoor, right?), scope rail inclination (20 MOA or 30 MOA - what's the difference?), bolt body (fluted or non-fluted - what's the difference?), and bolt handle (pivoting or fixed - what's the difference?).

Zermatt Origin - bolt head (should this be standard 308 for 6.5 Creedmoor?)
Click to expand...

You want a short action as the 6.5 Creedmoor is a short action catridge. A ".308" .473 area bolt face. 20 or 30 moa depends on how far you plan to shoot and the scope being used. Either will work. Most use a 20 MOA on a centerfire. Flutes are for looks and depends what you like. Have had bolt with and without flutes and they didn't function any differently. Never had a pivoting bolt handle but they talk about it on their site.
 
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#28
Rob01 said:
You want a short action as the 6.5 Creedmoor is a short action catridge. A ".308" .473 area bolt face. 20 or 30 moa depends on how far you plan to shoot and the scope being used. Either will work. Most use a 20 MOA on a centerfire. Flutes are for looks and depends what you like. Have had bolt with and without flutes and they didn't function any differently. Never had a pivoting bolt handle but they talk about it on their site.
Click to expand...
Awesome, thank you!
 
#30
Finished my list and couldn't decide on glass. Here's the list:
- Zermatt Origin
- PVA Osprey 6.5 CM (any other cheap-to-shoot long-range caliber suggestions?)
- MPA Matrix chassis
- PVA Jet Blast
- TT Diamond 2-stage

Glass:
- Khales K624i
- Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56 FFP
- Zeiss LRP S3 636-56

(any other manufacturers?)
 
Last edited:
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#35
BobinNC said:
Why build it when you buy it off the shelf and have it right now??

Bergara Premier Series Comp Rifle

And just for example:

Bergara Premier Series Competition 6.5 Creedmoor

That will leave you enough change to buy some primo optics and a decent Bipod.

Just a thought
Click to expand...
The difference between this and my build would be around $600. I feel like the brands on my list have better customer service/experience and for the quality, it sounds like a better option to build. If the back order on any of the parts is too long, I might look into buying a complete rifle. I have a list of those as well. Might create a thread to get some opinions.
 
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#37
Dave Arumalla said:
Thanks for this. Do you own or know anyone with a Permier MGLite or the HMR Pro?
Click to expand...

My girlfriend has a HMR Pro in 6.5 Creedmoor. I've made a few posts on this forum covering load development. We also run a YouTube channel "Life, Liberty and Adventures" where we have several videos of her shooting the HMR Pro. She just competed in her 2nd PRS match this past weekend with it and did well for her 2nd match. It's now wearing a MPA Matrix Pro chassis. It's a good rifle for the money, but if you can extend your budget for the Origin and a prefit, I would go that route. I've got a few of those. The Bergara is a good option for the money if the budget doesn't allow more. It seems that my girlfriend has a good shooting rifle, while some people on this forum and others have had a bad experience.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/bergara-hmr-pro-6-5-creedmoor-load-development.7181261/

Bergara_HMR_Pro_Matrix_Pro_02.jpg
 
#38
stevieb92 said:
My girlfriend has a HMR Pro in 6.5 Creedmoor. I've made a few posts on this forum covering load development. We also run a YouTube channel "Life, Liberty and Adventures" where we have several videos of her shooting the HMR Pro. She just competed in her 2nd PRS match this past weekend with it and did well for her 2nd match. It's now wearing a MPA Matrix Pro chassis. It's a good rifle for the money, but if you can extend your budget for the Origin and a prefit, I would go that route. I've got a few of those. The Bergara is a good option for the money if the budget doesn't allow more. It seems that my girlfriend has a good shooting rifle, while some people on this forum and others have had a bad experience.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/bergara-hmr-pro-6-5-creedmoor-load-development.7181261/

View attachment 8460392
Click to expand...
That's pretty neat. I've never heard anything bad about Bergara rifles until now (well I guess it isn't bad... someone just mentioned that they are mass-manufactured in Spain). If I go with the build route, how much do you think a gunsmith would charge to put it together? I have broken shit before and it makes me very mad so I don't want to take any risks with this build.
 
#39
Dave Arumalla said:
That's pretty neat. I've never heard anything bad about Bergara rifles until now (well I guess it isn't bad... someone just mentioned that they are mass-manufactured in Spain). If I go with the build route, how much do you think a gunsmith would charge to put it together? I have broken shit before and it makes me very mad so I don't want to take any risks with this build.
Click to expand...

I have two friends that have B14 HMR rifles (made in Spain) and both have good things to say about them. We are pleased with my girlfriend's Premier HMR Pro (made in USA). I hear stories about people who aren't happy, but don't know anyone personally that isn't happy. Nothing is perfect, but you will have a higher chance of the rifle performing to your expectations if you go the Origin route. I don't know what a gunsmith would charge for assembly. I assemble mine. It's rather easy if you have any mechanical ability.
 
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#40
I have very little mechanical ability and have no problem putting together my rifles with their shouldered prefits. It's as easy as screwing a bolt onto a nut.

And OP do not get a factory rifle over your build list. You will gain nothing and end up with a factory rifle.

And from your 3 scopes listed the easy answer is the Zeiss. It's a better scope than the Gen II for sure and will save you money and give you more high end power than the Kahles.
 
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#41
Rob01 said:
I have very little mechanical ability and have no problem putting together my rifles with their shouldered prefits. It's as easy as screwing a bolt onto a nut.

And OP do not get a factory rifle over your build list. You will gain nothing and end up with a factory rifle.

And from your 3 scopes listed the easy answer is the Zeiss. It's a better scope than the Gen II for sure and will save you money and give you more high end power than the Kahles.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your help! I will conclude with this and go with build rather than buy.
 
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#43
HMRamateur said:
Curious what you've decided on for your build list in the past 3 weeks?
Click to expand...
Here's the list:
- Zermatt Origin
- PVA Osprey 6.5 CM (any other cheap-to-shoot long-range caliber suggestions?)
- MPA Matrix chassis
- PVA Jet Blast
- TT Diamond 2-stage

Glass: Tract Toric ELR 4-25

It will take me around three to five months to save up for this. Not sure if I should save up the total amount (estimated) and start purchasing or buy one thing at a time.
 
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#47
I just posted a thread on my build I have about 3600 into mine with an optic. I bought a lot used stuff here and managed to get a great deal on a solus action and barrel locally. I thing you can build a nice rig with the budget you have. There's a member here that sells solus actions for 680 if I remember correctly.
 
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#48
I really like the American rifle company CDG reciever I just got and assembled this gun myself.
got a PVA prefit in 6 creedmoor. 6.5 creed is a better choice for a beginner.
CDG action with fixed bolt handle
Trigger tech diamond trigger
Accuracy international AW magazines
hawkins bottom metal and standard latch
foundation samson stock
american rifle company low mount.
A nice suppressor like otter creek labs or my old ultra 9 will make shooting much more enjoyable and likely make you better for it.
 

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