Years ago I sold my HateCa built M40 A1 semi clone built on a USMC return McMillan smear stock. Just looking to get back in for the fun and decent basics from the ground again. Not looking for anything custom at this time, I'm looking for the best economical factory rifle to get back in with and just shoot. It doesn't have to be anything custom buildable platform for the future either. I've been out for some time so I'd like some good help getting caught back up from the good folks here, thanks.
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Best economical factory bolt rifle
- Thread starter Enoch777
- Start date
The only issue I have with the Howa is the bolt knob. It's like they made it for a little kid. I sent mine off to Short Action Customs and had Mark install a tactical bolt knob. Night and day difference.
Ruger american predator = 400+shipping and FFL so 450
Athlon Argos BTR= 329, calling cameralandny may get you a better price on it. A swfa or vortex would be nice as well and doable with the budget
Nightforce rings= 77 bucks
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Total= 856
Magpul American hunter stock = 270 or so after coupons for cash off and shipping
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Total=1126 but the stock is unnecessary, just nice.
You could also get the more expensive model of american that accepts ai style mags for 442, that would get you half the benefit of the magpul stock for only 50 extra making your original total right at 900. Use that extra hundred to get a good brake to reduce the recoil on what is a not heavy weight rifle.
Athlon Argos BTR= 329, calling cameralandny may get you a better price on it. A swfa or vortex would be nice as well and doable with the budget
Nightforce rings= 77 bucks
--------------------------
Total= 856
Magpul American hunter stock = 270 or so after coupons for cash off and shipping
----------------
Total=1126 but the stock is unnecessary, just nice.
You could also get the more expensive model of american that accepts ai style mags for 442, that would get you half the benefit of the magpul stock for only 50 extra making your original total right at 900. Use that extra hundred to get a good brake to reduce the recoil on what is a not heavy weight rifle.
Tikka all day. Quality and accuracy are normal and not luck like current 700’s etc.
I'd also say Tikka... but realize you're stuck with a pretty damn thin barrel unless you pony up most of your budget for a Varmint or CTR. I will say I'm not a great long range shot and have gotten several <MOA 5-shots @ 100 with my .308 Lite. It's not incapable of accuracy... you just have to accept that it's limiting you.
I bought mine with a stacked holiday-season price match, military discount, and discount gift cards, which got it to a price where I could just about buy a barrel I'd really like with a barrel nut system for the price difference between it and a CTR. YMMV paying more normal prices, that would probably level the playing field a lot.
The barrel profile or price is one of very few downsides, though, depending if you think you'll break the bolt stop or care that every caliber shares the same action length.
I bought mine with a stacked holiday-season price match, military discount, and discount gift cards, which got it to a price where I could just about buy a barrel I'd really like with a barrel nut system for the price difference between it and a CTR. YMMV paying more normal prices, that would probably level the playing field a lot.
The barrel profile or price is one of very few downsides, though, depending if you think you'll break the bolt stop or care that every caliber shares the same action length.
This post brings up a good point. What are you doing with it. Do you want the best thin-barrel or a thicker barrel for extended shot strings at the range?
Tikka CTR is always the obvious answer to "best bang for the buck", but only if your budget allows. Bergara and Howa are both pushing the limits of value as well. And I'd throw Savage and Ruger in there if your budget is really limited.
Personally, I run a CTR and couldn't be happier with it. Finished a match last month by hitting a 16", 8", 6", and 4" square at 800 yards. Hard to find a ton of factory rifles capable of that kind of accuracy and consistency.
Tikka CTR is always the obvious answer to "best bang for the buck", but only if your budget allows. Bergara and Howa are both pushing the limits of value as well. And I'd throw Savage and Ruger in there if your budget is really limited.
Personally, I run a CTR and couldn't be happier with it. Finished a match last month by hitting a 16", 8", 6", and 4" square at 800 yards. Hard to find a ton of factory rifles capable of that kind of accuracy and consistency.
Gonna piss off the haters but here goes:
Rueger American Predator....they shoot great and if you put them in a better stock it's very solid shooter ( Boyd's AT1 for adjust on the fly)
Savage 12 FV from Cabela's....26" heavy countor varmint barrel. Accu-trigger. You can get it in 6.5 or 308. I have the 308 and it's silly good. There are great inexpensive chassis's that allow you to over come the internal mag and you have a really good start to a fun shooter. The bolt lift is probably the only gripe but it's not to hard to fix that.
T/C compass: Sporter barrel but threaded but it shoots surprisingly well. Bolt handle is like the Howas though....made for small hands.
Howas....all stated above.
Rueger American Predator....they shoot great and if you put them in a better stock it's very solid shooter ( Boyd's AT1 for adjust on the fly)
Savage 12 FV from Cabela's....26" heavy countor varmint barrel. Accu-trigger. You can get it in 6.5 or 308. I have the 308 and it's silly good. There are great inexpensive chassis's that allow you to over come the internal mag and you have a really good start to a fun shooter. The bolt lift is probably the only gripe but it's not to hard to fix that.
T/C compass: Sporter barrel but threaded but it shoots surprisingly well. Bolt handle is like the Howas though....made for small hands.
Howas....all stated above.
A) Remington's is far worse
B) https://www.boltonquickloadknob.com/shop-bolt-on-qlk/bolt-on-quick-load-knob-for-the-howa-1500
I love the Howa 1500's stock they are a very accurate rifle and if you want there are enough parts out there that you can build it up to a semi custom that I feel will run pretty well with the custom actions. I built a semi-custom 300-375 Ruger and it has been a great rifle. I do have to admit the barrels are a bitch to get off so I just make a small relief cut and they spin right off. I know with the right equipment they can be taken off without the cut I just find it real easy to chuck it up make the cut and spin the barrel off.
wade
wade
@Enoch777 this weekend is the time to buy glass. SWFA.com is having a sale 10% off store wide and 15% off all Vortex products.
Get your glass now, and the rifle later. The SWFA 10x or 12x mil quad will do all you need - and do it well. Buy Seekins rings at the same time and done.
The blued steel Tikka T3X CTR in 6.5 creed with 24" barrel is your answer. It is worth the money and comes with a picatinny base. You may end up $100 over budget, but again it's worth it.
Get your glass now, and the rifle later. The SWFA 10x or 12x mil quad will do all you need - and do it well. Buy Seekins rings at the same time and done.
The blued steel Tikka T3X CTR in 6.5 creed with 24" barrel is your answer. It is worth the money and comes with a picatinny base. You may end up $100 over budget, but again it's worth it.
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