OK , so I am ready to bite the bullet and purchase my dream gun. I have decided on an Accuracy International AX 20" bbl in .308win. I will soon buy a proof research 20 " bbl in 6.5 creedmore. Before I spend 7K plus I would appreciate any input, criticism, suggestions. Thank you in advance.
If getting new, make sure you get the one with the small firing pin since you will be doing 6.5CM, you don't have to have it, but all things being equal, you might as well get it.
My suggestion is to not bother with the 20" .308 barrel unless you really want that barrel.
Get it with the 26" threaded 6.5CM barrel instead assuming similar cost.
You can get .308 barrels cheaply on the forum here all the time that people take off to put on a 6.5CM barrel
Plus a new 6.5CM take off barrel will sell a lot quicker than the .308 barrels.
Then when actually going to buy, I have a couple suggestions:
1. Get a quote from Mile High shooting (New & Demo if available)
2. Get a quote from EuroOptic and ask them what discount they can offer for eCheck (bank transfer) or check payment
3. Hunt around on the forum here and find what the best deal you can get is (usually you can find something in the $5k to $6k range, there are at least a couple up for sale right now). Make some offers of what you think it is worth it to you over the best cost new.
Decide what offers you the best value for what you want. Brand new with a pristine 26" 6.5CM threaded barrel that you can use or sell, is probably at least a $600 value.
If you are going new, take a look at the new Elite Sand colour, it's really nice. (Light greyish like wet sand on the beach).
I'd say shoot it with the factory trigger and then decide if you would like to spend the $400 for the competition trigger. The factory trigger breaks at around 3.5 pounds, but the competition one lets you do single stage as well as 1.5 pounds or less. So for dedicated match / range work, it's a nice idea.
Make sure to adjust the trigger shoe to be at the perfect point for your finger joint, it will make a lot of difference in your comfort.
Dedicate the better part of a range day to specifically setting up the rifle & scope to feel perfect for your body & your shooting position. It is well worth the time spent.