hey guys, here's my dilemma. Im new to long range shooting and on a somewhat limited budget under $2k. just joined a club that goes to 800yds after my previous one only went to 300. I had my focus on a Ruger RPR in 6.5CM, but am considering/open to buying another rifle such as Rem SPS, Tikka, etc and dropping it in an MPA BA chassis. Not a fan of the other stocks/chassis. My goal is learn to shoot at distance, take afew classes and hopefully ready to shoot a PRS style match next year for fun. I kno there are lots for aftermarket parts for the RPR, but dont wanna dump endless $$$ to add up to a custom build, but would do a barrel swap. Any suggestions?
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another beginner/entry level rifle buy/build? RPR or something else.
- Thread starter CageFighter
- Start date
Shop the PX lots of good deals there. I am a big fan of buy once cry once, try to start with a custom action that takes prefits so you can change barrels and calibers easy and don’t have to send off to a smith for work. Take a look at the bighorn origin or TL3.
missed the deal on the MPA in the PX. starting w a custom action will exceed my budget fast. I kno the RPR can get me decent accuracy for alittle over $1k. I need to start somewhere, just not sure where. I was hoping to build a nicer rifle when I figure this sh*t out.
Tikka in 6.5 CM
Slap it in a chassis
Put on a scope.
It won’t hold you back at all.
Slap it in a chassis
Put on a scope.
It won’t hold you back at all.
Any tikka
The action is the same basically.
Word on the street is LRI is gearing up to for tikka parts.
That’s a big plus.
I started with a savage and ran multiple barrels on it till I got a custom but that savage still shoots awesome and I learned a ton with that rifle.
You can rebarrel them easily now and aftermarket support gets better and better.
If you're already thinking RPR, I would seriously consider a ruger american instead. Oryx makes a sweet chassis for it as well as MDT and Indian creek designs. Something to consider if you're on a budget. The best bang for your buck for performance will always be a quality barrel.
I have an rpr. The are decent, but the options become limited. I think the mpa production rifle is pretty nice and would give more flexibility and a better result in the end. If that’s beyond what you want. I’d get a tikka 24” 6.5 Creedmoor.
I started with a t3x, rebarreled it as it was a lite model, threw it in an MPA chassis, and away I went until buying a custom. I would get the T3x CTR model in 6.5cm, and throw it in the chassis of your choice and be done though. For the price you can’t beat the accuracy, and the smoothness of the action.
That’s the one man!
yeah the t1x is a rimfire and the t3/T3x are centerfires
Over the winter I purchased an RPR in 6.5 PRC. I don’t know if I got an exceptionally good one or what but that thing will thread bullets like a sewing machine. Lol I couldn’t be happier with my first choice easing into the world of long range shooting.
Buy a Savage 12FV on sale in 6.5 CM, put it in a chassis or GRS stock, add your optic of choice. Spend half or less and achieve the same results.
Then when the barrel is done, screw on a fancy pants barrel with fancy fluting made of an exotic metal with exotic rifling.
Then when the barrel is done, screw on a fancy pants barrel with fancy fluting made of an exotic metal with exotic rifling.
Do you perhaps already own a rifle that might be upgraded?
That's the direction i'm going in now. I have an older Tikka 595 that is currently being rebarreled. Thankfully it already has an adjustable comb and i was able to find an accessory to mount a picatinny rail for a bipod. With respect to caliber, I opted for the near ubiquitous 6.5 Creedmoor which i how will prove a judicious choice as it is a proven entity and readily and competitively available commercially.
....i think this tack will allow me to save a little bit of money and perhaps afford me the opportunity to use any remaining funds for better optics. Can't wait to get the rifle back...and of course for Black Friday sales.
That's the direction i'm going in now. I have an older Tikka 595 that is currently being rebarreled. Thankfully it already has an adjustable comb and i was able to find an accessory to mount a picatinny rail for a bipod. With respect to caliber, I opted for the near ubiquitous 6.5 Creedmoor which i how will prove a judicious choice as it is a proven entity and readily and competitively available commercially.
....i think this tack will allow me to save a little bit of money and perhaps afford me the opportunity to use any remaining funds for better optics. Can't wait to get the rifle back...and of course for Black Friday sales.
I currently do not have a bolt gun. new to the long range game. i have a ton of AKs and afew SCARs.
I know the Savage rifles are sometimes ill thought of but i strongly considered purchasing the new 110 Elite Precision rifle. Had i not decided to upgrade what i already owned i probably would have gone that way.
Tikka. Either the T3X CTR, in which case you get a plastic stock that is an abomination on an otherwise excellent rifle, or the T3X TAC A1, which gives you a usable chassis, brake, and three magazines (two in the box and one via a coupon). I haven't priced TAC A1s lately; EuroOptic is showing $1998 for the 6.5CM model which seems high... Until you consider buying your MPA BA Comp chassis, mags, and brake to add to a CTR and then the TAC A1 looks better. If you can find a used chassis, the prices are more similar but magazines and brake are still cost factors.
If you get addicted to this pastime like I did, you'll be salivating over a custom soon enough. When that happened to me, I sold my TAC A1 in a day for $200 less than I paid for it. That is very, very unlikely to happen with a Ruger. The RPR is probably going to give you decent accuracy, but resale is another piece of the picture. My T3X TAC A1 - and the T3X Varmint .223 I got shortly afterward - were superbly smooth and accurate rifles. While quite accurate, the bolt on the Ruger I shot felt like dragging a crowbar through a box of nails compared to the Tikka.
If you get addicted to this pastime like I did, you'll be salivating over a custom soon enough. When that happened to me, I sold my TAC A1 in a day for $200 less than I paid for it. That is very, very unlikely to happen with a Ruger. The RPR is probably going to give you decent accuracy, but resale is another piece of the picture. My T3X TAC A1 - and the T3X Varmint .223 I got shortly afterward - were superbly smooth and accurate rifles. While quite accurate, the bolt on the Ruger I shot felt like dragging a crowbar through a box of nails compared to the Tikka.
Budget?? FYI look up to Snipers Hide Asbury,,
www.ashburyprecisionordnance.net
APO | Sniper's Hide Rifle
This Special Edition SABER M700 is a uniquely designed precision rifle inspired by Frank Galli, former USMC Scout Sniper.
www.ashburyprecisionordnance.net
nice set up, but i hate the look of the rifle.Budget?? FYI look up to Snipers Hide Asbury,,
APO | Sniper's Hide Rifle
This Special Edition SABER M700 is a uniquely designed precision rifle inspired by Frank Galli, former USMC Scout Sniper.
The CTR is a sweet setup, but if you want to save ~$100 AND you don't need a threaded barrel, you can get the 6.5CM varmint, 24"
T3X VARMINT BLUED 6.5 CREEDMOOR 24.3-INCH JRTXH382
That is the route I went with my first 6.5 Creedmoor. I sold the original stock and put it in a KRG Bravo, mounted a Viper PST Gen 2 3-15 on it and loved shooting it. Eventually I had the barrel threaded for the suppressors that I had in jail. If you go that route, just get the CTR. If you don't live in a free state or never plan on shooting suppressed, consider the varmint model.
T3X VARMINT BLUED 6.5 CREEDMOOR 24.3-INCH JRTXH382
That is the route I went with my first 6.5 Creedmoor. I sold the original stock and put it in a KRG Bravo, mounted a Viper PST Gen 2 3-15 on it and loved shooting it. Eventually I had the barrel threaded for the suppressors that I had in jail. If you go that route, just get the CTR. If you don't live in a free state or never plan on shooting suppressed, consider the varmint model.
I was in the same situation as you several years ago and I went a slightly different route. I squirrel's my pennies and ended up buying an AI AE MKII. Which I really phenomenal for a starter rifle. The price was just slightly north of 2k. My rationale was, I could build as I go and end up with a pretty good rifle which cost about the same as a used AE, so just decided to skip to the end there. The delayed gratification part sucked but totally worth it in the end.
Right now I have the MKII with a steiner scope and that's about perfect for anything I can do short of travelling to competitions.
Your mileage may vary. Good luck and have fun doing it.!!
Right now I have the MKII with a steiner scope and that's about perfect for anything I can do short of travelling to competitions.
Your mileage may vary. Good luck and have fun doing it.!!
i was hoping to just buy a rifle, drop it in a chassis and then shoot the shit out of it. Once I understand the game, I can buy something else.
Howa barreled actions on sale are a good choice.
Bergara HMR 6.5 CM and shoot the snot out of it. Or Savage Elite 110 Precision because of the MDT chassis you are getting.
OP,
You mentioned this is your first bolt rifle. Do you already have the glass which will be paired with the rifle? Do you have a set budget for glass? If you saved a little money going with a less expensive rifle like the RPR, would you then use the left over rifle budget and put it into the scope and mount?
As I’m sure many here will agree, buying the best possible glass you can afford is money well spent if you intend on using the rifle seriously in competition or whatever type of shooting you plan to do.
As for the RPR. I picked up a gen 2 RPR in 6.5CM and it was the first gun I used when I started dabbling in local one day matches. In stock form, I liked the rifle and it shot reasonably well. I did polish the bolt body to get rid of that awful “zipper” feeling it had when cycled. Now it functions like butter and is a joy to work.
After my first match, I found it had some deficiency‘s which could be helped with aftermarket mods. I added a Hendersen precision arca rail to the handguard and an arca clamp for my bipod so I could move the bipod closer to me to create a stable platform on top of short props like barrels for instance.
Then I screwed up when a fellow shooter let me pull the trigger on his RPR which was equipped with a Timney 2 stage flat trigger. I ordered one when I got home.
Lastly, I installed the MPA vertical grip which in combination with that Timney was a match made in heaven for my hand/ergos.
In fact, I liked that grip so much, I decided what I needed was a full custom dropped in an MPA chassis
Ended up assembling a 737r, Bartlein barrel in 6bra, MPA chassis, Bix N Andy trigger, RZR G2.
While that rifle is absolutely a better performer than the RPR, I’m so new at the sport I don’t think the RPR would have held me back going to comps and I still enjoy shooting it. Barrel change with AR tools, all kinds of different inexpensive mags that work well, what’s not to love. It fits me well, balances well, shoots well and I even like the way it looks. I think next it is deserving of a premium barrel to maximize its potential.
In short, I think the RPR has a lot to offer but you may want to add some upgrades. That said, I’ve never shot a Tikka but understand they have a good reputation here and I’m sure that’s well deserved. Lots of other options out there as well. You have your work cut out for you making the decision on what to get but that is a good problem to have.
Sorry for the long post.
Buy good glass.
You mentioned this is your first bolt rifle. Do you already have the glass which will be paired with the rifle? Do you have a set budget for glass? If you saved a little money going with a less expensive rifle like the RPR, would you then use the left over rifle budget and put it into the scope and mount?
As I’m sure many here will agree, buying the best possible glass you can afford is money well spent if you intend on using the rifle seriously in competition or whatever type of shooting you plan to do.
As for the RPR. I picked up a gen 2 RPR in 6.5CM and it was the first gun I used when I started dabbling in local one day matches. In stock form, I liked the rifle and it shot reasonably well. I did polish the bolt body to get rid of that awful “zipper” feeling it had when cycled. Now it functions like butter and is a joy to work.
After my first match, I found it had some deficiency‘s which could be helped with aftermarket mods. I added a Hendersen precision arca rail to the handguard and an arca clamp for my bipod so I could move the bipod closer to me to create a stable platform on top of short props like barrels for instance.
Then I screwed up when a fellow shooter let me pull the trigger on his RPR which was equipped with a Timney 2 stage flat trigger. I ordered one when I got home.
Lastly, I installed the MPA vertical grip which in combination with that Timney was a match made in heaven for my hand/ergos.
In fact, I liked that grip so much, I decided what I needed was a full custom dropped in an MPA chassis
Ended up assembling a 737r, Bartlein barrel in 6bra, MPA chassis, Bix N Andy trigger, RZR G2.
While that rifle is absolutely a better performer than the RPR, I’m so new at the sport I don’t think the RPR would have held me back going to comps and I still enjoy shooting it. Barrel change with AR tools, all kinds of different inexpensive mags that work well, what’s not to love. It fits me well, balances well, shoots well and I even like the way it looks. I think next it is deserving of a premium barrel to maximize its potential.
In short, I think the RPR has a lot to offer but you may want to add some upgrades. That said, I’ve never shot a Tikka but understand they have a good reputation here and I’m sure that’s well deserved. Lots of other options out there as well. You have your work cut out for you making the decision on what to get but that is a good problem to have.
Sorry for the long post.
Buy good glass.
Then go with the Tikka for sure. T3x varmint or T3x super varmint for the thicker barrel profile or T3x lite for a skinny barrel. Drop it into a KRG Bravo or Oryx chassis and get to shooting.
I put my T3x lite 308 into the Oryx and it is a fantastic rifle. Holds 3/4MOA with Federal GMM 168gr all day long.
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Ok, there is more than a few RPR, let’s say, detractors, here. My first so called precision rifle IS an RPR. Still have it and probably won’t sell it. I have added quite a few accessories; Magpul Gen 2 PRS stock, Sawtooth ARCA rail, Timney 2 Stage flat, Magpul grip ?, etc.... as well as homegrown smithing such as polishing the cocking ramps and surfaces and bolt body/receiver interface areas.
With the factory handguard/sawtooth setup I can say that it has quite a bit more fore/aft range of bipod adjustment than my more recent but similar Bravo equipped rifle. The two stage Timney is the only aftermarket trigger that I know of at the moment. Very nice but some folks do not like two stage.
I guess what I am trying to say is that a RPR can be a great starter for those on a budget, especially if bought used with the add ons you may Know that you will most likely want, yet I can completely understand how the ‘buy once, cry once’ crowd is advocating their position.
For me, it is/and will be, about the journey and the memories/lessons along the way.
Newish guy Tequila talk,
Sorry
With the factory handguard/sawtooth setup I can say that it has quite a bit more fore/aft range of bipod adjustment than my more recent but similar Bravo equipped rifle. The two stage Timney is the only aftermarket trigger that I know of at the moment. Very nice but some folks do not like two stage.
I guess what I am trying to say is that a RPR can be a great starter for those on a budget, especially if bought used with the add ons you may Know that you will most likely want, yet I can completely understand how the ‘buy once, cry once’ crowd is advocating their position.
For me, it is/and will be, about the journey and the memories/lessons along the way.
Newish guy Tequila talk,
Sorry
I also have an RPR. Started life as a 6 creed, now is a 6BR.
I have added a magpul PRS
Timney 2 stage flat trigger
Precision armament M4-72 severe duty brake
MI 15" handguard
Penguin grip
Atlas BT10 Bipod
Love the gun.
I have added a magpul PRS
Timney 2 stage flat trigger
Precision armament M4-72 severe duty brake
MI 15" handguard
Penguin grip
Atlas BT10 Bipod
Love the gun.
@CageFighter
Buy any Tikka with a .473 bolt face. Used or new, doesn’t matter. Get the cheapest one you can find. I would try gunbroker or wait for a deal. You should find one under $500. The action needs to be mechanically sound. That’s all.
Throw away the stock and barrel (or sell here). Buy a PVA prefit barrel from, well, PVA obviously. Tighten that on. It is easy. Don’t worry, we will help you. That will be about 550 bucks. Get a KRG Bravo Chassis for 350 ish and drop it in. Now you need a 20 MOA rail from Mountain Tactical. $70. 3x AICSmags from Magpul - $75
You can come out of this with a full setup that will shoot right alongside any custom for about 1700 bucks easily minus optics. This will have a better barrel than a factory Tikka too. The factory barrels are excellent but a little slow. You will like this setup so much better than a RPR. I know. I have both.
Buy any Tikka with a .473 bolt face. Used or new, doesn’t matter. Get the cheapest one you can find. I would try gunbroker or wait for a deal. You should find one under $500. The action needs to be mechanically sound. That’s all.
Throw away the stock and barrel (or sell here). Buy a PVA prefit barrel from, well, PVA obviously. Tighten that on. It is easy. Don’t worry, we will help you. That will be about 550 bucks. Get a KRG Bravo Chassis for 350 ish and drop it in. Now you need a 20 MOA rail from Mountain Tactical. $70. 3x AICSmags from Magpul - $75
You can come out of this with a full setup that will shoot right alongside any custom for about 1700 bucks easily minus optics. This will have a better barrel than a factory Tikka too. The factory barrels are excellent but a little slow. You will like this setup so much better than a RPR. I know. I have both.
I have also had both. The rpr has gone the way of old yeller. The tikka is still in my safe and gets used every few days for training. I have swapped my leg bravo for a krg whiskey 3 with enclosed forend tho
MPA BA PMR Rifle - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.
Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...
masterpiecearms.com
What turned you off of the RPR in favor of the tikka? Real question. I've never owned a tikka.
My rpr was barely accurate. That aside to my knowledge no one makes a good trigger for the rpr that actually goes light. The action is clunky and the furterest from smooth something could be on the rpr. My tikka is easily as smooth my impact. The bolt lift on the rpr is quiet heavy to only save 10 degrees over the tikka. Finally if you decide to go to a high end custom like I did then the tikka can be put in an identical stock and used as a trainer that's almost identical to your comp rifle. The rpr cant
I was most of the way through my first cup of coffee when I saw this - have we confirmed that Magpul AICS mags work with the KRG Bravo/Tikka combination? For some reason, I was under the impression they did not and had stuck with the MDT polymer AICS mags (~$38 each). Second, if they do work, where can I get a 3 pack for $75?
MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.
masterpiecearms.com
im seriously considering this rifle now. i think after all the buying, swapping & tweaking, I will end up being near the same price point. so, i may bust my ass and squirrel afew dollars away until I can buy this.
I have an RPR in 6.5 CM. I dont compete (other than friendly bets with guys at the range). It shoots great out of the box and has a great factory trigger and barrel. I used it to develop my skills and then along the way, added little upgrades. I bought a ATI grip for about $30. Still has the same stock. I bought a Timney two stage and that is a big difference. At around 2000 rounds, I upgraded with a Bartlein barrel and that was a game changer.
All in, at the beginning it was $1,300.00 for the rifle. Trigger was about $245 and the Bartlein was about $500 chambered and shipped.
All in, at the beginning it was $1,300.00 for the rifle. Trigger was about $245 and the Bartlein was about $500 chambered and shipped.
I have about $2000 in this one including....everything in the picture. Based on a Savage 10 in 6.5 CM. I was advised against it and told I'd regret it...save yer money and buy better.
Shoots sub MOA and has since day one. I'll never sell it so I'll never have to deal with investment recovery. I still can;t outshoot it 3 years later.
VooDoo
Shoots sub MOA and has since day one. I'll never sell it so I'll never have to deal with investment recovery. I still can;t outshoot it 3 years later.
VooDoo
The Magpul AICS mags will NOT work in a Tikka KRG Bravo. I learned this the hard way after failing to read the note on KRG's website. I shaved them down a bit and got them to fit, but it made the lips too flexible and the cartridges would pop out.
With your budget, I would 100% go with a custom build.
Bighorn Origin $825
TriggerTech Primary $124.99 On Sale @ Brownells
Keystone Accuracy GM Barrel $419.00 in whatever 308, 6.5 or 6mm caliber you want
Add $45 for muzzle threading if you want muzzle threads
Keystone will torque your barrel on your Origin if you order the action from them so all you have to do is install your trigger and drop it in a chassis...
That comes to $1,413.99 with muzzle threads for a ready to go, custom Zermatt Origin with DLC coating, swappable bolt heads, @Zermatt Arms top notch no bs customer service, able to take prefits, 20moa scope base, and TT Primary trigger ready to drop into your chassis/stock of choice. That leaves you $586 for a stock/chassis. You could go with an XLR Element 3.0, KRG Bravo, MDT XRS, or add a few more dollars and get something else..... But, you can have a full custom action, ready to go for your budget. Why get anything else?
Bighorn Origin $825
TriggerTech Primary $124.99 On Sale @ Brownells
Keystone Accuracy GM Barrel $419.00 in whatever 308, 6.5 or 6mm caliber you want
Add $45 for muzzle threading if you want muzzle threads
Keystone will torque your barrel on your Origin if you order the action from them so all you have to do is install your trigger and drop it in a chassis...
That comes to $1,413.99 with muzzle threads for a ready to go, custom Zermatt Origin with DLC coating, swappable bolt heads, @Zermatt Arms top notch no bs customer service, able to take prefits, 20moa scope base, and TT Primary trigger ready to drop into your chassis/stock of choice. That leaves you $586 for a stock/chassis. You could go with an XLR Element 3.0, KRG Bravo, MDT XRS, or add a few more dollars and get something else..... But, you can have a full custom action, ready to go for your budget. Why get anything else?
Take a look at it if you want to stay within your budget. It's at least $700 less than MPA and an excellent chassis. I have a Tikka in one and love it. That's more money for bipod, bags, optics, etc. which I'm guessing you still need since you're just getting into this.
Or save up for a custom since you're almost there. There are really no bad choices here.
its all up to you what you want to do and what you can afford there are some really nice cheaper first rifles that will take you pretty far if you want them to . the rpr is nice , I love mine its a decent rifle with a lot of extras you can get when and if you want them . And 6.5 creedmoor is a great round but neigher are most of the other rifles that you could get . from mild to wild you got a lot of choices available gas or bolt good luck with the final decision .
If your ok with it limited the savage is certainly viable route.
Buttercup.
It’s had multiple barrels over the last decade.
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