Best Accuracy Bolt Gun for $2500 - $3000

[devildawg2531]

Very limited knowledge in the high end / custom bolt gun options. I want a nice bolt gun for extended range, and PRS style competitions. My main goal is accuracy.. and getting hits out to 1200 yards. I have bolt guns that I use for hunting so not worried about weight. I am heavily invested in 308 but am really leaning towards the 6.5 Creedmoor for the flatter trajectory.. I don't currently reload so readily available factory ammo is a must. The 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor both use the same AICS mags .. I believe which is a plus.

I've looked at the Master Piece Arms and the GA Precision bolt guns .. which is "better" or should I look at someone else.
Leaning towards 1 of these two in 6.5 Creedmoor.. but open to 308 or 300 Win Mag if these would be much better options.

My goal is to keep the rifle to $2500 but will go a little higher if I can get more value.
Thanks!

 

[jcmullis2]

Sako TRG.

 

[Supersubes]

Definitely do the creedmoor. It’s not just the better trajectory, it’s the better wind drift numbers. You have a bunch of options. You can buy the parts and the tools to build it yourself for that much.

 

[NewsShooter]

There's lots of options in that range, I'd keep an eye out in the PX too. I picked up an Impact barreled action in an MPA chassis for a lot less than I was planning to build. Truthfully though a Tikka, RPR, Bergara HMR, will do well too and you'd have more money for glass and ammo for practice which is just as important especially if you're new to this game. 6.5 has better ballistics than the .308, especially past 800 and factory ammo is good too.

 

[verdugo60]

Really depends on what your plans are with the rifle. Any chance you’ll shoot PRS/NRL with it? Hunt with it?

I think the GAP production rifle in either 6GT or 6 Creedmoor would be a sweet range/“intro” comp rifle. Low recoil, quality parts and can feed from 308 mags. Factory ammo for both, more for 6 Creedmoor.

Other options would be a Seekins Havak in caliber of your choice (6.5 CM or 6CM are popular for a reason).

LRI or PVA could do a barreled custom action that you could just drop in the chassis of your choice on a Bighorn Origin or Nucleus. Then you have the option of swapping bolt heads and calibers or barrels yourself with pre-fits.

This is the best solution long term if you have any tinkering ability, with a few simple tools you can have a multi-cal gun.

 

[uscbadger]

I have a Sako TRG and a custom build from Stuteville Precision. The custom is great but double the price. The Sako really cant be beat for the price. Both shoot 3/8 MOA.

 

[CerebralDistortion]

Sako TRG.

Although I agree it's one very good rifle, not for PRS.

 

[Dave62677]

You can get an barreled action then drop in whatever chassis suitable for PRS.

 

[uscbadger]

Although I agree it's one very good rifle, not for PRS.

Fair point. I do shoot both the TRG and Stuteville in PRS and have fun with both. The main advantage of the custom is the weight. Other thing to consider is the triggers. I have 2 stage TT Diamond and compared to the Sako it is wash. The Sako trigger is one of the best factory triggers I have experienced.

 

[verdugo60]

You don’t hear as much about the Sako’s anymore but they have always seemed like great rifles. I love me some Tikkas which are kissing cousins with the Sako.

 

[devildawg2531]

There's lots of options in that range, I'd keep an eye out in the PX too. I picked up an Impact barreled action in an MPA chassis for a lot less than I was planning to build. Truthfully though a Tikka, RPR, Bergara HMR, will do well too and you'd have more money for glass and ammo for practice which is just as important especially if you're new to this game. 6.5 has better ballistics than the .308, especially past 800 and factory ammo is good too.

Thanks I’m leaning heavily towards the 6.5 CM. I already have a bergara HMR pro in 308. Looking for something a notch above it. What type of accuracy are you getting from the Impact action?

 

[Bungi]

How about the ARC Nucleus rifle for $2,500

Or, build your own on a Bighorn Origin with a Proof pre-fit -- Then the chassis of your choice.

 

[uscbadger]

This was last sat zeroing my impact action with 5 rounds at 100 yards. Would be tighter except for user error.

 

[CerebralDistortion]

Fair point. I do shoot both the TRG and Stuteville in PRS and have fun with both. The main advantage of the custom is the weight. Other thing to consider is the triggers. I have 2 stage TT Diamond and compared to the Sako it is wash. The Sako trigger is one of the best factory triggers I have experienced.

You don’t hear as much about the Sako’s anymore but they have always seemed like great rifles. I love me some Tikkas which are kissing cousins with the Sako.

Where PRS is heading with 6 mm cartridges and really heavy weighted down rifles loaded with accessories, the TRG is no longer a viable option.
Unless of course you put it in a chassis and swap the barrel. But then, how much different is it from any other...

 

[ma smith]

Where PRS is heading with 6 mm cartridges and really heavy weighted down rifles loaded with accessories, the TRG is no longer a viable option.
Unless of course you put it in a chassis and swap the barrel. But then, how much different is it from any other...

SAKO TRG has great ergonomics, but SAKO need to have barrel swap feature! KRG appears to retain alot of the SAKO ergos in whiskey chassis, but to deal with the barrel issue you have to move to non SAKO system. And as noted above, at that stage you essentially just buying a very expensive donor action.

 

[Ledzep]

No brainer...

Nucleus Gen2 Rifle

www.americanrifle.com

 

[NewsShooter]

Thanks I’m leaning heavily towards the 6.5 CM. I already have a bergara HMR pro in 308. Looking for something a notch above it. What type of accuracy are you getting from the Impact action?

About the same as my savage and tikka 6.5 CM. 1/2 moa if I do my part, my savage usually shoots one hole at 100. . The barrel is probably more important than the action. But the impact is nice and smooth, the tikka just a tick behind it.

 

[devildawg2531]

Keystone Accuracy / Bighorn Origin Barreled Action dropped into a chassis or stock of your choice. Hard to beat for the money.

Gunsmith Services – Keystone Accuracy

keystoneaccuracy.com

Thank you this looks very interesting.. I may be demonstrating my total lack of knowledge but I'm not seeing an option for 6.5 CM? Is the TL3 Bighorn action worth the $225 additional over the Big Horn Origin action? Is all that would be needed is having them put 1 of these into a chasis?

Bighorn Origin Short Action – Right/Left Hand, 223 (.380), 308 (.478), Magnum (.535), Valkyrie/PPC Bolt Head Krieger Barrel up to 26″, Target Crown, Your choice of contour, Muzzle threads add $45.00	$1425.00
Bighorn TL3 Short Action – Right/Left Hand, 223 (.380), 308 (.478), Magnum (.535), Valkyrie/PPC Bolt Head Green Mountain Barrel up to 26″, Target Crown, Your choice of contour, Muzzle threads add $45.00	$1650.00

 

[wpeach1912]

Thank you this looks very interesting.. I may be demonstrating my total lack of knowledge but I'm not seeing an option for 6.5 CM? Is the TL3 Bighorn action worth the $225 additional over the Big Horn Origin action? Is all that would be needed is having them put 1 of these into a chasis?

Bighorn Origin Short Action – Right/Left Hand, 223 (.380), 308 (.478), Magnum (.535), Valkyrie/PPC Bolt Head Krieger Barrel up to 26″, Target Crown, Your choice of contour, Muzzle threads add $45.00	$1425.00
Bighorn TL3 Short Action – Right/Left Hand, 223 (.380), 308 (.478), Magnum (.535), Valkyrie/PPC Bolt Head Green Mountain Barrel up to 26″, Target Crown, Your choice of contour, Muzzle threads add $45.00	$1650.00

They can chamber it in whatever you want (as long as they have a reamer). If you are trying to stay under $2500, you would be fine with the origin, and you'll free up money for a nicer stock and trigger. If you're willing to spend that much money, there is not likely going to be significant accuracy differences between whatever rifle you build/buy. Also would recommend just sticking with 6.5 creed for simplicity and availability of ammo.

 

[T-TurtleWang]

The American rifle company nucleus 2.0 build is right at 2500 and it comes with a TT diamond.
Would be a good place to start.

 

[Sinned]

I actually read your post and you listed 2 companies that happen to build production class rifles in your stated price range but only one offers there's in 6.5 creedmoor, also you did not mention or maybe did not realize, do you prefer a chassis or a traditional stock?

 

[spife7980]

Thank you this looks very interesting.. I may be demonstrating my total lack of knowledge but I'm not seeing an option for 6.5 CM?

Bighorn Origin Short Action – Right/Left Hand, 223 (.380), 308 (.478), Magnum (.535), Valkyrie/PPC Bolt Head Krieger Barrel up to 26″, Target Crown, Your choice of contour, Muzzle threads add $45.00	$1425.00
Bighorn TL3 Short Action – Right/Left Hand, 223 (.380), 308 (.478), Magnum (.535), Valkyrie/PPC Bolt Head Green Mountain Barrel up to 26″, Target Crown, Your choice of contour, Muzzle threads add $45.00	$1650.00

those are bolt face diameters listed, not chamberings. The .478” (308) bolt face diameter will be what you chose for a 6.5 creed.

 

[308pirate]

Very limited knowledge in the high end / custom bolt gun options. I want a nice bolt gun for extended range, and PRS style competitions. My main goal is accuracy.. and getting hits out to 1200 yards. I have bolt guns that I use for hunting so not worried about weight. I am heavily invested in 308 but am really leaning towards the 6.5 Creedmoor for the flatter trajectory.. I don't currently reload so readily available factory ammo is a must. The 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor both use the same AICS mags .. I believe which is a plus.

I've looked at the Master Piece Arms and the GA Precision bolt guns .. which is "better" or should I look at someone else.
Leaning towards 1 of these two in 6.5 Creedmoor.. but open to 308 or 300 Win Mag if these would be much better options.

My goal is to keep the rifle to $2500 but will go a little higher if I can get more value.
Thanks!

Since this is your first trip down this rabbit hole, I recommend not pieceing together a rifle out of components. Buy something already made.

My pics would be either the GA Precision Pinnacle or the American Rifle Company Nucleus Gen 2.0 rifle.

PS, there is no absolute "best" in this game. Everything's a compromise.

 

[devildawg2531]

I actually read your post and you listed 2 companies that happen to build production class rifles in your stated price range but only one offers there's in 6.5 creedmoor, also you did not mention or maybe did not realize, do you prefer a chassis or a traditional stock?

Everything I own is in a traditional stock so leaning towards a chassis for this rifle. I'm not set on 6.5 CM it just seems like the next best step up. I went to a long range course and my combination of 308, Bergara HMR Pro and Vortex PST gen II 3 - 15 I was "outgunned" significantly by some of the other rifles and flatter shooting calibers.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Impact action, Proof prefit in whatever flavor, trigger tech trigger, and whatever chassis you like.

 

[ma smith]

Everything I own is in a traditional stock so leaning towards a chassis for this rifle.

If possible, get some hands on time with chassis so you can pic one with ergos you like.

 

[JBattles]

Check out the Masterpiece Arms BA in 6.5 CM. I bought one with the WTO Switch lug and you can easily change calibers similar to an AI with one set screw. MPA will chamber barrels prefit for your action based on the serial#. It's pretty cool to be able to shoot a 223 Wylde out of the same setup as my big gun. You can run something in the 30 cal family with the same bolt/mag or even go down to a 223 with another bolt/mag.

I upgraded from a Bergara Premier HMR in 6.5CM and am super happy with the MPA Chassis and all of the options to configure / customize the rifle.

 

[swampbuck]

I recommend the GAP PPR. Can't beat it for the money and the pedigree

 

[Vossman5]

There's lots of options in that range, I'd keep an eye out in the PX too. I picked up an Impact barreled action in an MPA chassis for a lot less than I was planning to build. Truthfully though a Tikka, RPR, Bergara HMR, will do well too and you'd have more money for glass and ammo for practice which is just as important especially if you're new to this game. 6.5 has better ballistics than the .308, especially past 800 and factory ammo is good too.

The .308 has bullets that are superior to 6.5 just not as common to shoot 200+gr bullets even out of the 30 cal

 

[devildawg2531]

Appreciate everyone’s input and suggestions. I went with the Masterpiece Arms rifle in 6.5CM.. has a 3/8 MOA guarantee should be great to start with. Now wait 12 weeks or so for delivery so plenty of time to explore scopes and rings. I’m leaning towards the Vortex Razor in 5 - 27 and seekins rings. I have a couple of Vortex PST gen II’s on other rifles and been very pleased with Vortex.

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Impact action, Proof prefit in whatever flavor, trigger tech trigger, and whatever chassis you like.

Damn that's some good advice...

 

[308pirate]

I went to a long range course and my combination of 308, Bergara HMR Pro and Vortex PST gen II 3 - 15 I was "outgunned" significantly by some of the other rifles and flatter shooting calibers.

I don't get this.

What do you mean?

 

[Praeger]

The .308 has bullets that are superior to 6.5 just not as common to shoot 200+gr bullets even out of the 30 cal

@NewsShooter is talking about cartridges, not bullets - and he is correct. There's a reason people don't shoot high BC 200+gr 30 cal bullets from a 308 Win - you can't the velocity to take advantage of the higher BC.

 

[jcmullis2]

I don't get this.

What do you mean?

I can’t be certain but I’m pretty sure he just blamed the rifle and the 308 cartridge for him not shooting as good as the others. Sorry, He included his scope too.

 

[308pirate]

I can’t be certain but I’m pretty sure he just blamed the rifle and the 308 cartridge for him not shooting as good as the others. Sorry, He included his scope too.

That's what it seems like to me. The reason I ask is because I don't want to assume, but over the many years I've been shooting there is always this undercurrent of treating training classes as some sort of performance in which one has to "do well" whatever the hell that means.

Not as common here, but very common in the handgun forums I mostly lurk on is the thread started by someone asking "how good do I need to be to attend basic handgun 1 with XYZ uber cool tactical trainer?" It's an asinine question. The right answer is "not very good at all". It's a basic, entry level handgun class. You need to listen and do what you're told. Then the follow up comes when they're discussing slightly more advanced courses and some people are just obsessing over their times on this or that drill. WTF, it's not a match. As long as you're somewhat capable of meeting the stated entry requirements for the class and can manage your handgun without endangering others, the rest is what you're there to learn. It's not where you go to show off how good you are.

Training classes are where you learn. If you want to know how you stack up to others, compete.

 

[tmason1]

Depends on what you want out of the rifle the ARC Nucleus rifle for $2,500

Appreciate everyone’s input and suggestions. I went with the Masterpiece Arms rifle in 6.5CM.. has a 3/8 MOA guarantee should be great to start with. Now wait 12 weeks or so for delivery so plenty of time to explore scopes and rings. I’m leaning towards the Vortex Razor in 5 - 27 and seekins rings. I have a couple of Vortex PST gen II’s on other rifles and been very pleased with Vortex.

Great choice keep us posted 12 week delivery time is just a long wait.

 

[NewsShooter]

The .308 has bullets that are superior to 6.5 just not as common to shoot 200+gr bullets even out of the 30 cal

They certainly do, but if you're shooting them out of a .308 they're going slow which defeats the purpose. Hell my .223 shooting black hills 77smk's requires less elevation than my .308 shooting 175 FGGM at 1K.

 

[devildawg2531]

I can’t be certain but I’m pretty sure he just blamed the rifle and the 308 cartridge for him not shooting as good as the others. Sorry, He included his scope too.

Not sure what you mean by "blaming" the rifle and 308. The 2 day class had some competitions mixed in. Also everyone got to shoot about 5 rounds from other folks rifles. Some of the rifles / optics were 4 x the cost of mine and I could definetly tell a difference using flatter shooting rounds vs my 308 past 500 yards. If I was ranking my performance I was firmly middle of the pack so nothing great. I love my Bergara and 308 and keeping them.. they are consistently sub MOA with FGMM.. just believe their is more to be had with a better rifle / optics and round..

 

[jcmullis2]

That's what it seems like to me. The reason I ask is because I don't want to assume, but over the many years I've been shooting there is always this undercurrent of treating training classes as some sort of performance in which one has to "do well" whatever the hell that means.

Not as common here, but very common in the handgun forums I mostly lurk on is the thread started by someone asking "how good do I need to be to attend basic handgun 1 with XYZ uber cool tactical trainer?" It's an asinine question. The right answer is "not very good at all". It's a basic, entry level handgun class. You need to listen and do what you're told. Then the follow up comes when they're discussing slightly more advanced courses and some people are just obsessing over their times on this or that drill. WTF, it's not a match. As long as you're somewhat capable of meeting the stated entry requirements for the class and can manage your handgun without endangering others, the rest is what you're there to learn. It's not where you go to show off how good you are.

Training classes are where you learn. If you want to know how you stack up to others, compete.

I seem to shoot better when I keep my eyes on my targets and not on the other guys targets worrying about how they’re doing.

 

[WyCoShooter]

Appreciate everyone’s input and suggestions. I went with the Masterpiece Arms rifle in 6.5CM.. has a 3/8 MOA guarantee should be great to start with. Now wait 12 weeks or so for delivery so plenty of time to explore scopes and rings. I’m leaning towards the Vortex Razor in 5 - 27 and seekins rings. I have a couple of Vortex PST gen II’s on other rifles and been very pleased with Vortex.

Where did you end up purchasing? I am in your exact boat, my head is spinning from all the options and whether to build a custom or buy something like the MPA or ARC.

 

[T-TurtleWang]

Where did you end up purchasing? I am in your exact boat, my head is spinning from all the options and whether to build a custom or buy something like the MPA or ARC.

Either option would be a good pick. If you like the MPA or ARC setup it wouldn't do you wrong. If you rather have a different chassis/barrel/whatever. You should piece it together in my opinion.

 

[BuLLet]

I'd second this one, and got one to boot! For a $2500 rifle it's hard to beat. My first go with it at the range. Bore sighted and my first 5 shots on paper @ 200 Yards, 90 Degrees and Windy!

I recommend the GAP PPR. Can't beat it for the money and the pedigree

 

[leclairk]

Doesn’t look like the PPR is available in 6.5CM?

 

[T-TurtleWang]

That GAP PPR looks sweet. Great shooting

 

[WyCoShooter]

Either option would be a good pick. If you like the MPA or ARC setup it wouldn't do you wrong. If you rather have a different chassis/barrel/whatever. You should piece it together in my opinion.

I have put together ARs but I am completely novice when it comes to putting together a bolt gun. Is it a pretty tedious process that requires alot of builder tools? That would be my one concern trying to build my own custom I guess rather than buying one of these semi customs out of the box.

 

[WyCoShooter]

I might be the only guy on the planet that prefers the nitrided barrels too and those seem like they are hard to find.

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

I have put together ARs but I am completely novice when it comes to putting together a bolt gun. Is it a pretty tedious process that requires alot of builder tools? That would be my one concern trying to build my own custom I guess rather than buying one of these semi customs out of the box.

There are a FEW special tools specific to bolt guns that you wouldn’t need for an AR, mainly a barrel clamp, action wrench and ft lb torque wrench.

I’d suggest every bolt gun owner throwing 2-3k or more at a gun at least know how to work on it, and in turn, maintain it.

If you can drive a few spring pins and are familiar with righty-tighty, you’re capable.

 

[devildawg2531]

Where did you end up purchasing? I am in your exact boat, my head is spinning from all the options and whether to build a custom or buy something like the MPA or ARC.

I went with MasterPiece Arms.. it seemed the best for what I needed / wanted at my price point. My knowledge of building my own wasn't sufficient to not screw it up.. I think that down the road when I know more that would be fun to do.

 

[Contender-1]

I am in a similar situation with .308 being all I've ever really hunted with. I bought the Tikka TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor, added a Silencerco Omega, Atlas bipod and the rifle is more accurate than I am. I've shot one match and learned a lot of what not to do. I agree with an earlier post that match ammo and time to practice are more important than a custom rig. I have been incredibly pleased with the Tikka.

 

[leclairk]

I went with MasterPiece Arms.. it seemed the best for what I needed / wanted at my price point. My knowledge of building my own wasn't sufficient to not screw it up.. I think that down the road when I know more that would be fun to do.

Which model did you choose? There are so many options!