First rifle, MRAD or custom?

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 27, 2024

So, I've been thinking about getting a first bolt action gun.

https://gunprime.com/products/barrett-mrad-308-side-folding-stock-24-barrel-18490

Barrett MRAD has some discounts. Are they a good buy? I have also been browsing the buy/sell/trade threads but due to my limited knowledge couldn't figure out what's worth buying for me. I want a combination of the following:

1. A safe queen that looks cool and has decent resale value.
2. A platform to develop marksmanship skills inexpensively without need another trainer gun.
3. Not too expensive.

Any suggestion is welcome!

kthomas · Jul 27, 2024

If you want to go the factory route, I would pick an AI over Barrett:

Accuracy International AT .308 Win 20" 5/8"-24 Threaded Bbl Dark Earth Folding Stock Rifle 27718DE20IN

Accuracy International AT .308 Win 20" 5/8"-24 Threaded Bbl Dark Earth Folding Stock Rifle 27718DE20IN For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

Custom opens up a lot of options, but it may be hard to sort out your preferences with components when you don't have any experience with precision rifles.

sierracharlie338 · Jul 27, 2024

I love my Barrett. Only complaint is the weight but mine is an older one. The newer ones have reduced weight cuts.

I agree that a custom would be splitting hairs for you it sounds like so a solid factory option would prob be easier.

NateVA · Jul 28, 2024

If you're going factory I'd go with an AI AT.

LR1845 · Jul 28, 2024

Hard to beat these and only half the price.... https://masterpiecearms.com/cat/mpa-bolt-action/mpa-ba-rifles/pmr-rifles/

DownhillFromHere · Jul 28, 2024

Uh, "not too expensive" is one of your three criteria and you link to a $5000 rifle with no optic?

For far less money, you can have a custom that more than satisfies the other criteria. Top-shelf action, trigger and barrel for $2500 or so, then plop it into a stock or chassis of your choice for another $1600 tops. You can knock hundreds of dollars off that total by going to "lower" price points on the action, barrel, trigger or chassis. In terms of accuracy, there is zero difference between my rifles built on a $900 action vs the $1400 action.

As you gain experience, your preferences are very likely to change, or you'll just want to try different things. An R700-footprint rifle makes that easy.

Yes, "designing" a custom is - or should be - daunting to a newbie. But you can get good guidance from any of the supporting vendors here on SH. I personally recommend talking to Greg or Russ at Southern Precision Rifles (bugholes.com) - I worked with them on a Defiance Deviant - based build and was very appreciative of the comms as the process played out. I've also worked with James at Northland Shooting Supply; he was very responsive as well.

For love of all that is decent please don't blow your budget on a high-dollar rifle and then stick a crappy scope on it. One rule of thumb says spend at least as much on the optic as on the rifle. And don't put that nice scope in shitty rings. Plan on $125-150 for the rings.
------

The preceding post pointing at MPA rifles is an easy way to get into a "preassembled custom" rifle... it just makes me a little nervous that the actual components are not specified on the rifles I looked at.

Good luck.

NateVA · Jul 28, 2024

DownhillFromHere said:
Uh, "not too expensive" is one of your three criteria and you link to a $5000 rifle with no optic?

For far less money, you can have a custom that more than satisfies the other criteria. Top-shelf action, trigger and barrel for $2500 or so, then plop it into a stock or chassis of your choice for another $1600 tops. You can knock hundreds of dollars off that total by going to "lower" price points on the action, barrel, trigger or chassis. In terms of accuracy, there is zero difference between my rifles built on a $900 action vs the $1400 action.

As you gain experience, your preferences are very likely to change, or you'll just want to try different things. An R700-footprint rifle makes that easy.

Yes, "designing" a custom is - or should be - daunting to a newbie. But you can get good guidance from any of the supporting vendors here on SH. I personally recommend talking to Greg or Russ at Southern Precision Rifles (bugholes.com) - I worked with them on a Defiance Deviant - based build and was very appreciative of the comms as the process played out. I've also worked with James at Northland Shooting Supply; he was very responsive as well.

For love of all that is decent please don't blow your budget on a high-dollar rifle and then stick a crappy scope on it. One rule of thumb says spend at least as much on the optic as on the rifle. And don't put that nice scope in shitty rings. Plan on $125-150 for the rings.

All good advice. And OP, your first custom is not the time to get creative. I happen to be a goofy dumbass who got too creative and ended up with a rifle I wished I could change everything about (I then did change everything). Depending on your budget go through this page linked below and just pay attention to the top few companies for each component. Also read the article about prefit barrels too.

What The Pros Use - PrecisionRifleBlog.com

This is hard data on what gear the long range rifle shooters in the country are using. Each year, we ask the top ranked precision rifle competitors about what equipment and gear they run (like cartridge, scope, stock, barrel, gunsmith, and a bunch of other items). These posts are the results of...

precisionrifleblog.com

DownhillFromHere said:
The preceding post pointing at MPA rifles is an easy way to get into a "preassembled custom" rifle... it just makes me a little nervous that the actual components are not specified on the rifles I looked at.

It is really annoying. The "MPA Elite action" is an ARC CDG which is good stuff (they only do fixed bolt handle due to pivoting handles having issues with some triggers set under 1 pound weight). I saw a picture of their trigger and it looked like a BnA trigger housing, maybe a Tacsport or Tacsport Pro of some flavor? Unsure if they've changed things since I saw it though.

LR1845 · Jul 28, 2024

DownhillFromHere said:
Uh, "not too expensive" is one of your three criteria and you link to a $5000 rifle with no optic?

For far less money, you can have a custom that more than satisfies the other criteria. Top-shelf action, trigger and barrel for $2500 or so, then plop it into a stock or chassis of your choice for another $1600 tops. You can knock hundreds of dollars off that total by going to "lower" price points on the action, barrel, trigger or chassis. In terms of accuracy, there is zero difference between my rifles built on a $900 action vs the $1400 action.

As you gain experience, your preferences are very likely to change, or you'll just want to try different things. An R700-footprint rifle makes that easy.

Yes, "designing" a custom is - or should be - daunting to a newbie. But you can get good guidance from any of the supporting vendors here on SH. I personally recommend talking to Greg or Russ at Southern Precision Rifles (bugholes.com) - I worked with them on a Defiance Deviant - based build and was very appreciative of the comms as the process played out. I've also worked with James at Northland Shooting Supply; he was very responsive as well.

For love of all that is decent please don't blow your budget on a high-dollar rifle and then stick a crappy scope on it. One rule of thumb says spend at least as much on the optic as on the rifle. And don't put that nice scope in shitty rings. Plan on $125-150 for the rings.
------

The preceding post pointing at MPA rifles is an easy way to get into a "preassembled custom" rifle... it just makes me a little nervous that the actual components are not specified on the rifles I looked at.

Good luck.

Call and ask, leave a message, or email Woody he is a great guy and always willing to discuss options and parts used in their builds. I did a custom build 6GT and its a 1/2" gun with very little load development.

diggler1833 · Jul 28, 2024

Remington 700 footprint action with the ability to swap bolt heads, and have a readily available option for shouldered prefit barrels.

That way when you change your mind on something (and you will several times as you gain experience), you have a platform that you can easily swap parts (stock/chassis, triggers, cartridges etc...).

I have an AI, and I had my buddy's MRAD for about 4 months to do load development on. Both are pretty cool rifles and are turn-key, but you have to be looking for the specifics of what they offer to really appreciate one.

Rob01 · Jul 28, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
So, I've been thinking about getting a first bolt action gun.

https://gunprime.com/products/barrett-mrad-308-side-folding-stock-24-barrel-18490

Barrett MRAD has some discounts. Are they a good buy? I have also been browsing the buy/sell/trade threads but due to my limited knowledge couldn't figure out what's worth buying for me. I want a combination of the following:

1. A safe queen that looks cool and has decent resale value.
2. A platform to develop marksmanship skills inexpensively without need another trainer gun.
3. Not too expensive.

Any suggestion is welcome!

Well if $5000 is "not to expensive" for you then good for you! LOL It's way too expensive for a lot here though and we put our rifles together to save money and still get great performance. You can do it for far less.

Hard pass on the Barrett. The MPA would be a good choice at half the money. Or depending on your mechanical ability and like to tinker bug you can put one together yourself at home. A 700 footprint is a must. It allows you to have many more options in triggers and stocks/chassis. Buy a rifle that uses an action that uses shouldered prefit barrels. Being able to change bolt faces is nice so you only have to change barrel and bolt to get into other calibers.

stanley_white · Jul 28, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
So, I've been thinking about getting a first bolt action gun.

https://gunprime.com/products/barrett-mrad-308-side-folding-stock-24-barrel-18490

Barrett MRAD has some discounts. Are they a good buy? I have also been browsing the buy/sell/trade threads but due to my limited knowledge couldn't figure out what's worth buying for me. I want a combination of the following:

1. A safe queen that looks cool and has decent resale value.
2. A platform to develop marksmanship skills inexpensively without need another trainer gun.
3. Not too expensive.

Any suggestion is welcome!

In the context of a first bolt gun and "not too expensive," I would financially plan for not only the rifle, but the muzzle device, scope, rings, bipod, bag, ammo, and a training course.

IMO better to go with a $429 Howa barreled action in a KRG Bravo along with a good four day training course than a Barrett MRAD with no training course.

-Stan

DownhillFromHere · Jul 28, 2024

^^^^ Good thoughts.

Maurygold · Jul 28, 2024

Proof + Origin + triggertech in a Cadex chassis > ai, mrad, 99.9% of custom guns.

sloporsche · Jul 28, 2024

red ryder ?

kthomas · Jul 28, 2024

@5InchGroupAt3Yard - sounds like you need to expand on your goals and objectives further to allow for more specific feedback that will be more helpful. Otherwise you are just going to get every and any answer under the sun.

As broad as your stated goals are, anything from a bone stock Remington 700 to a $10k custom can (and will) be recommended.

mr_fullmetal · Jul 28, 2024

MRAD is cool. You should buy it OP

Baron23 · Jul 28, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
So, I've been thinking about getting a first bolt action gun.

https://gunprime.com/products/barrett-mrad-308-side-folding-stock-24-barrel-18490

Barrett MRAD has some discounts. Are they a good buy? I have also been browsing the buy/sell/trade threads but due to my limited knowledge couldn't figure out what's worth buying for me. I want a combination of the following:

1. A safe queen that looks cool and has decent resale value.
2. A platform to develop marksmanship skills inexpensively without need another trainer gun.
3. Not too expensive.

Any suggestion is welcome!

You taking to battle? MRAD was developed for SOCOM sniper rifle competition and while it may be great for that....for a first precision rifle...no thanks.

You got good advice above about Southern Precision (and others). Another one to look into is Altus. The gunsmith Ern (@AccuSol-ERN ) is excellent and they get delivery of actions/barrels/stocks against standing orders (as do many larger builders) faster than you can trying to source parts direct from manf.

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 28, 2024

kthomas said:
@5InchGroupAt3Yard - sounds like you need to expand on your goals and objectives further to allow for more specific feedback that will be more helpful. Otherwise you are just going to get every and any answer under the sun.

As broad as your stated goals are, anything from a bone stock Remington 700 to a $10k custom can (and will) be recommended.

Yes totally! It's hard to find out what I really want since I don't know the how and when and where I will shoot the gun, if at all.

Rob01 said:
Well if $5000 is "not to expensive" for you then good for you! LOL It's way too expensive for a lot here though and we put our rifles together to save money and still get great performance. You can do it for far less.

Hard pass on the Barrett. The MPA would be a good choice at half the money. Or depending on your mechanical ability and like to tinker bug you can put one together yourself at home. A 700 footprint is a must. It allows you to have many more options in triggers and stocks/chassis. Buy a rifle that uses an action that uses shouldered prefit barrels. Being able to change bolt faces is nice so you only have to change barrel and bolt to get into other calibers.

Oh it's expensive plenty!! 5k is probably the most I am willing to splurge, and I want to keep it simple and only buy one gun for everything.

kthomas · Jul 28, 2024

What's your total budget, including scope and accessories?

Huskydriver · Jul 28, 2024

@Nik H this aspiring long range shooter could really use your advice here

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 28, 2024

kthomas said:
What's your total budget, including scope and accessories?

Me personally? Maybe a month mortgage, 9k plus change. Realistically without my wife killing me using the gun? Probably a lot less...

That's why I care about resale value, it needs to easily sell for 70% of what I paid.

LR1845 · Jul 28, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
Me personally? Maybe a month mortgage, 9k plus change. Realistically without my wife killing me using the gun? Probably a lot less...

That's why I care about resale value, it needs to easily sell for 70% of what I paid.

HOLY SHIT now that's a house payment...so glad mine is paid off.

Defender3 · Jul 28, 2024

Consider a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5CM. Use it and learn from it (weight, ergonomics, bolt lift, form, fit function, etc., etc.), then make a decision if you need something different. If so, take what you learned and/or don't like about the RPR and seek an upgrade. Sell the RPR for $200-$300 under what you paid and consider that a cost for the experience.

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 28, 2024

LR1845 said:
HOLY SHIT now that's a house payment...so glad mine is paid off.

Yep, home insurance ans property taxes NOT included

LR1845 · Jul 28, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
Yep, home insurance ans property taxes NOT included

Washington just as bad as Cali now when it comes to property.

Rob01 · Jul 28, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
Me personally? Maybe a month mortgage, 9k plus change. Realistically without my wife killing me using the gun? Probably a lot less...

That's why I care about resale value, it needs to easily sell for 70% of what I paid.

Dude if you are going into this already planning to sell it and don't even know if you will shoot it as you said in the other post then just buy a used rifle in the PX and an inexpensive scope like a sub $1000 area and put it in your safe and see what you think. Shouldn't run more than a few grand so you won't be in it too deep.

kthomas · Jul 28, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
Me personally? Maybe a month mortgage, 9k plus change. Realistically without my wife killing me using the gun? Probably a lot less...

That's why I care about resale value, it needs to easily sell for 70% of what I paid.

The reason why I ask is because you need to factor in costs for scope, scope mount, bipod, etc.

A $5k rifle is great, but if it only leaves you with $1k for accessories and a scope, you are really doing yourself a disservice.

If you're spending $5k on a rifle, at a minimum you'll be spending $2+k on a scope, like this one: https://www.eurooptic.com/Like-New-Kahles-K624i-6-24x56mm-LSW-CCW-SKMR4-FFP-Riflescope-10682.aspx

On top of that, you will be spending $200-300 on a scope mount, and at least $250+ on a bipod. You will also want a rear bag, extra mags, ammo, and perhaps other accessories. That all adds up.

$5k just for the rifle quickly balloons into $9+k. You can easily get into the game for much less, but you need to be honest with yourself and us if you want some suggestions that won't get you into hot water with the wife.

LR1845 · Jul 28, 2024

kthomas said:
The reason why I ask is because you need to factor in costs for scope, scope mount, bipod, etc.

A $5k rifle is great, but if it only leaves you with $1k for accessories and a scope, you are really doing yourself a disservice.

If you're spending $5k on a rifle, at a minimum you'll be spending $2+k on a scope, like this one: https://www.eurooptic.com/Like-New-Kahles-K624i-6-24x56mm-LSW-CCW-SKMR4-FFP-Riflescope-10682.aspx

On top of that, you will be spending $200-300 on a scope mount, and at least $250+ on a bipod. You will also want a rear bag, extra mags, ammo, and perhaps other accessories. That all adds up.

$5k just for the rifle quickly balloons into $9+k. You can easily get into the game for much less, but you need to be honest with yourself and us if you want some suggestions that won't get you into hot water with the wife.

He's already in hot water with the wife he just don't know it yet.

kthomas · Jul 28, 2024

If you want to get into the game just to try it out, you could also do something like this:

Tikka T3 CTR ($1249): https://www.eurooptic.com/JRTXC382S-Tikka-Tikka-T3x-CTR-65-Creedmoor-S-S-200--barrel-M.aspx

Burris Xtreme Tactical Pro 5.5-30x56 ($1600): https://www.eurooptic.com/Burris-Xtreme-Tactical-Pro-55-30x56-34mm-SCR-2-Mil-Riflescope-202212.aspx

ARC M-Brace Mount ($179): https://www.americanrifle.com/#table_of_content_heading_1721834675760_166

Harris bipod (~$120)

Rear bag (~$80)

That gets you in the game for about ~$3k all in. Spend the rest on a training class to develop your skills, meet new people and to see if the sport is for you.

DownhillFromHere · Jul 28, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
It's hard to find out what I really want since I don't know the how and when and where I will shoot the gun, if at all.

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
5k is probably the most I am willing to splurge, and I want to keep it simple and only buy one gun for everything.

Bottom line is, you really need to determine the how/where the complete rifle will be used before spending your money. There is no "one gun for everything" any more than there is "one golf club for everything."

You just said the rifle needs to have 70% resale value. Whether that's realistic at all, let alone "easily," depends on a lot of factors.

Unless you can define your use case, or you put a high priority on "looking cool" (one of your original criteria)... you won't even know what calibers to consider... I hate to sound ugly here, but save yourself (and people trying to help you) time and buy one of those MPA rifles that you think looks good, stick a Vortex Strike Eagle scope on it, put it in a safe, and call it a day. Or better still, just buy a CZ 457 MTR .22 in the cool stock or chassis of your choice, put the same scope on it... done, and it will be a lot easier to sell.

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 28, 2024

DownhillFromHere said:
Bottom line is, you really need to determine the how/where the complete rifle will be used before spending your money. There is no "one gun for everything" any more than there is "one golf club for everything."

You just said the rifle needs to have 70% resale value. Whether that's realistic at all, let alone "easily," depends on a lot of factors.

Unless you can define your use case, or you put a high priority on "looking cool" (one of your original criteria)... you won't even know what calibers to consider... I hate to sound ugly here, but save yourself (and people trying to help you) time and buy one of those MPA rifles that you think looks good, stick a Vortex Strike Eagle scope on it, put it in a safe, and call it a day. Or better still, just buy a CZ 457 MTR .22 in the cool stock or chassis of your choice, put the same scope on it... done, and it will be a lot easier to sell.

Thanks man, that makes total sense!

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 28, 2024

kthomas said:
If you want to get into the game just to try it out, you could also do something like this:

Tikka T3 CTR ($1249): https://www.eurooptic.com/JRTXC382S-Tikka-Tikka-T3x-CTR-65-Creedmoor-S-S-200--barrel-M.aspx

Burris Xtreme Tactical Pro 5.5-30x56 ($1600): https://www.eurooptic.com/Burris-Xtreme-Tactical-Pro-55-30x56-34mm-SCR-2-Mil-Riflescope-202212.aspx

ARC M-Brace Mount ($179): https://www.americanrifle.com/#table_of_content_heading_1721834675760_166

Harris bipod (~$120)

Rear bag (~$80)

That gets you in the game for about ~$3k all in. Spend the rest on a training class to develop your skills, meet new people and to see if the sport is for you.

Thanks! You guys are saving me from myself no kidding

Baron23 · Jul 28, 2024

Defender3 said:
Consider a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5CM. Use it and learn from it (weight, ergonomics, bolt lift, form, fit function, etc., etc.), then make a decision if you need something different. If so, take what you learned and/or don't like about the RPR and seek an upgrade. Sell the RPR for $200-$300 under what you paid and consider that a cost for the experience.

Actually, going that way I'd suggest a Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Choose your own Tikka rifle from a variety of innovative models

Tikka is able to meet the requirements of modern hunters by combining traditional gunsmith know-how with advanced technology. Choose your own Tikka rifle now!

choose.tikka.fi

My cousin recently found one...albeit left handed...for right at $2k. OP may have to look a little bit for one in stock (EuroOptic will take a back order) but they can be found. Get the 23" and change barrel and dont' look back. Get the Yo Dave $10 trigger weight spring to lighten the trigger, pop a decent scope on it, and its a GREAT gun to learn on and even to stay with. Def shoot that bad boy well out to 1k yards.

Here is the EuroOptic listing and it comes with an added on muzzle break for this price.

Tikka T3x TAC A1 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Rifle JRTAC382L

Tikka T3x TAC A1 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Rifle JRTAC382L | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Just my thought about, IMO, a far better rifle than a Ruger but to each their own.

mr_fullmetal · Jul 28, 2024

MRAAADDDD

Nik H · Jul 29, 2024

Huskydriver said:
@Nik H this aspiring long range shooter could really use your advice here

Don’t be baiting me…LOL

Zigjib · Jul 29, 2024

Don't get an MRAD. It's big, it's bulky and it's minimum LOP is 14". The execution of the design is phenomenal but it's just.... I don't like it any better than my customs and it cost twice as much.

Maurygold · Jul 29, 2024

Zigjib said:
Don't get an MRAD. It's big, it's bulky and it's minimum LOP is 14". The execution of the design is phenomenal but it's just.... I don't like it any better than my customs and it cost twice as much.

Forgot the heavy trigger and sandpaper bolt

Zigjib · Jul 29, 2024

Maurygold said:
Forgot the heavy trigger and sandpaper bolt

I'll give you the heavy trigger. I can't adjust mine down below 2.8lbs. But the bolt, i disagree. The bolt on my MRAD is INSANELY smooth.

Huskydriver · Jul 29, 2024

Nik H said:
Don’t be baiting me…LOL

TheOE800 · Jul 29, 2024

Zigjib said:
Don't get an MRAD. It's big, it's bulky and it's minimum LOP is 14". The execution of the design is phenomenal but it's just.... I don't like it any better than my customs and it cost twice as much.

Cheap ass customs.

Bolt smooth as hell though.

5RWill · Jul 29, 2024

I think for a multi cal setup for the money the MRAD is pretty hard to beat. I don't think it's a bad route to go. I have one on my list to get. When you consider the cost of platforms that can change from 308-300 norma it and the Desert tech are on the lower end. AI as much as i love them is double the price of that last I checked.

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 29, 2024

Baron23 said:
Actually, going that way I'd suggest a Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Choose your own Tikka rifle from a variety of innovative models

Tikka is able to meet the requirements of modern hunters by combining traditional gunsmith know-how with advanced technology. Choose your own Tikka rifle now!

choose.tikka.fi

My cousin recently found one...albeit left handed...for right at $2k. OP may have to look a little bit for one in stock (EuroOptic will take a back order) but they can be found. Get the 23" and change barrel and dont' look back. Get the Yo Dave $10 trigger weight spring to lighten the trigger, pop a decent scope on it, and its a GREAT gun to learn on and even to stay with. Def shoot that bad boy well out to 1k yards.

Here is the EuroOptic listing and it comes with an added on muzzle break for this price.

Tikka T3x TAC A1 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Rifle JRTAC382L

Tikka T3x TAC A1 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Rifle JRTAC382L | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Just my thought about, IMO, a far better rifle than a Ruger but to each their own.

I have cross eye dominance so not sure if I will want RH or LH. MRAD kinda makes it easy because of the ambidextrous design.

Herb Stoner · Jul 29, 2024

First line item in your budget should be ammo and a class or two - so $1K - 2K. Worry less about the rifle - there are good starting rifle suggestions above. Take a class and spend some timing learning to shoot better. Keep reading and pay attention - eventually you’ll be in a position to ask the right questions.

Baron23 · Jul 29, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
I have cross eye dominance so not sure if I will want RH or LH. MRAD kinda makes it easy because of the ambidextrous design.

Have you handled an MRAD?

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 29, 2024

Baron23 said:
Have you handled an MRAD?

No I haven't shot one

Baron23 · Jul 29, 2024

5InchGroupAt3Yard said:
No I haven't shot one

I have transitioning eye dominance and need to squint my left eye. I’m very right handed. IMO, as a long time skeet shooter with dominance issues, dominance can be managed in various ways

I ask if you have handled one….not necessarily have you shot one. The are very big and bulky rifles…again intended for SOCOM snipers. Someone above said they have a fixed 14” length of pull which would be far too long for me. Are you tall and lanky kind of fella? 14” LOP is out there by my reckoning but bigger guys may like that.

I just think it’s a terrible starter rifle. In Frank’s recent pod cast with Marc Taylor talking about their Alaska clinics, they mention the Tikka as a great first precision rifle and that a good number of their students brought them. I’m nobody, but I agree and put my cousin into one and he loved it. Shoots very well.

Best of luck

5InchGroupAt3Yard · Jul 29, 2024

Baron23 said:
I have transitioning eye dominance and need to squint my left eye. I’m very right handed. IMO, as a long time skeet shooter with dominance issues, dominance can be managed in various ways

I ask if you have handled one….not necessarily have you shot one. The are very big and bulky rifles…again intended for SOCOM snipers. Someone above said they have a fixed 14” length of pull which would be far too long for me. Are you tall and lanky kind of fella? 14” LOP is out there by my reckoning but bigger guys may like that.

I just think it’s a terrible starter rifle. In Frank’s recent pod cast with Marc Taylor talking about their Alaska clinics, they mention the Tikka as a great first precision rifle and that a good number of their students brought them. I’m nobody, but I agree and put my cousin into one and he loved it. Shoots very well.

Best of luck

Thanks! Points well taken. I do admit that I intentionally sought after a big gun because my safe has 52.5" of vertical space that needs filling.

TheOE800 · Jul 29, 2024

No bullshit, the shortest LOP is 14”. It’s an incredibly awkward rifle, but it has a lot of value which is what poor people like me say to feel better about not having an AI.

5RWill said:
. AI as much as i love them is double the price of that last I checked.

That’s about the only thing the AI has against it though, to be fair.

Huskydriver · Jul 29, 2024

5RWill said:
I think for a multi cal setup for the money the MRAD is pretty hard to beat. I don't think it's a bad route to go. I have one on my list to get. When you consider platforms that can change from 308-300 norma it and the Desert tech are on the lower end. AI as much as i love them is double the price of that last I checked.

I would take a cadex over the mrad and dt everytime... Not even in the same league... The mrad is straight garbage...

Get a used axmc or axsr if the price hurts... Ai is the way

Zigjib · Jul 29, 2024

TheOE800 said:
No bullshit, the shortest LOP is 14”. It’s an incredibly awkward rifle, but it has a lot of value which is what poor people like me say to feel better about not having an AI.

That’s about the only thing the AI has against it though, to be fair.

This is accurate, but as an MRAD AND an AI owner.... The MRAD has a better bolt and a better safety, the AI has better everything else. I'm just really off the MRAD. I can shoot it, it shoots well. But damn.... The size, the LOP, the barrel swap and the poly mags. Ergh.... AI is better. This hurts my soul to say because i've been long time anti-AI, but in this camp.... it's just better.

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