CA or Seekins 6.5 PRC

[JohnInTampa]

Although I’ve been around long enough to know that what I am asking is for the most part a subjective topic, I thought I would tap into the collective experience here and pose the following question. I am currently in the market for a bolt gun in 6.5 PRC that will primarily be used for hunting but will also see some off-season use to hone my shooting skills at distance. At my family’s property we are set up to shoot at 500 yards and at times may stretch that out a bit. I already have the scope for this new rifle and will be using a Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 for this application. Luckily for me, between myself and my cousin we are well-equipped with a LabRadar, Kestrel, ballistic apps and also the technically-driven enthusiasm for precision shooting.

Due to positive experiences that my cousin has had with both Christensen Arms and Seekins Precision rifles I am looking at these two manufacturers, specifically either a Ridgeline (maybe even their new titanium offering) or Traverse from CA or a Havak PH2 from Seekins. It would appear from my limited research here that both brands have an overall good record of quality and accuracy with the occasional issue being reported as is expected with anything manmade. Opinions and individual experiences being just that I am not discounting either option as both are obviously quality rifles.

Primarily what I would be interested in hearing is if either company’s offerings that I am looking at holds an advantage over the other that I may not be identifying. I’ve read tales of CA’s customer service maybe not being the best although I haven’t heard any specifics on that, and I also know that Seekins seems to have overcome issues such as rough-feeling actions in the updated PH2 series. I’d like to hear anything constructive about the options I am considering and thank you in advance for taking the time to provide some experienced feedback.

 

[Halcyonhal]

I have the Seekins 6.5CM with the same leupold mark 5 scope you’ve bought. It’s a rock solid combo. I’ve been able to hit steel out to 1400 reliably with it (furthest the range would go). No problems with accuracy.


the only thing I’ve changed on it is the trigger. Put in a triggertech. I also added the Seekins muzzle brake, which is awesome. Highly recommend it.

I have it primarily for hunting and the weight works out great. Light enough to carry long distance (I backcountry hunt). Heavy enough I can do a 2 day course without my shoulder hurting.

 

[Halcyonhal]

My only regret was not getting it in 6.5 PRC ?

 

[Mute]

Seekins seem to be more consistent in quality control.

 

[clark33]

I'd go seekin's, my 6cm shoots lights out, and the seekins action alone is $1,200, add in the timney, their stocks aren't bad and the rock creek barrel and you're getting a helluva a deal in my opinion.

 

[ricard13]

Seekins. I have a Havak PH2 in 6.5 PRC. it is a fantastic rifle. Seekins customer service is fantastic as well.

 

[264win]

Seekins any day, and twice on on Sunday.

 

[JohnInTampa]

Wow, so far overwhelming response exclusively for the Seekins.

Thanks for the replies, guys. Let’s see who else chimes in. I’m not going to lie, I was leaning towards CA primarily for the more traditional aesthetics.

 

[lennyo3034]

I'd go seekin's, my 6cm shoots lights out, and the seekins action alone is $1,200, add in the timney, their stocks aren't bad and the rock creek barrel and you're getting a helluva a deal in my opinion.

I wonder how many actions they’re actually selling at that price. Lots of competition at the price range and the Seekins action is one of the worst feeling actions I’ve ever handled.

I really wanted to like the Havak and was in the store ready to buy more than once. Every time though, I handled it and the action felt terrible. I understand the forward and backwards motion of the bolt will smoothen out, but the bolt close was terrible too. This is my least favorite action of any ive handles, at any price point.

The CA action, while nothing to write home about, is considerably smoother. I’m not a huge fan of the traverse and I haven’t heard great things about CA stocks either.

 

[goosed]

I wonder how many actions they’re actually selling at that price. Lots of competition at the price range and the Seekins action is one of the worst feeling actions I’ve ever handled.

Not sure I would agree with "worst feeling action", but I definitely agree it doesn't feel as nice as some of the other $1200 actions.

Wow, so far overwhelming response exclusively for the Seekins.

Thanks for the replies, guys. Let’s see who else chimes in. I’m not going to lie, I was leaning towards CA primarily for the more traditional aesthetics.

You aren't likely to get to many recommendations for CA as we like to protect our own.

CA's quality control and reports of their customer service experience is not what most of us consider acceptable. That said, if you like the product they offer and you get one of the 'good ones' you'll likely be happy.

 

[waspocrew]

Seekins for sure. Just took my 6 CM out for the first time the other day, definitely impressed!

 

[JohnInTampa]

I wonder how many actions they’re actually selling at that price. Lots of competition at the price range and the Seekins action is one of the worst feeling actions I’ve ever handled.

I really wanted to like the Havak and was in the store ready to buy more than once. Every time though, I handled it and the action felt terrible. I understand the forward and backwards motion of the bolt will smoothen out, but the bolt close was terrible too. This is my least favorite action of any ive handles, at any price point.

The CA action, while nothing to write home about, is considerably smoother. I’m not a huge fan of the traverse and I haven’t heard great things about CA stocks either.

Regarding the comments about the Havak’s less-than-smooth action, I believe I read somewhere that this was an issue with the PH1 but that Seekins addressed this in the second evolution of this rifle, the PH2. Is this not the case?

 

[benchmstr]

Whichever one use something longer than a short action.

bench

 

[goldenbear926]

I dont think the bare Havak action is completely worth $1200. But I do believe the PH2 rifle is a great deal at its price.

 

[Aaron47pb]

I’m really happy with my CA MPR in 6.5 PRC. Have ~500 rounds on it and and it hammers with factory 147 ELD match. Took a nice buck with it this year at 420 yards and will use it again next season.

 

[FALex]

I'm going with Seekins because Glen Seekins is fucking awesome.

 

[lennyo3034]

Regarding the comments about the Havak’s less-than-smooth action, I believer I read somewhere that this was an issue with the PH1 but that Seekins addressed this in the second evolution of this rifle, the PH2. Is this not the case?

I haven't handled the PH2 and didn't realize that. If it is the case, then the rifle will be back on my list of potential buys.

 

[nrspence]

I would go seekins. CA’s quality control has slipped.

 

[Shrubjr]

+1 more vote for Seekins!

 

[JohnInTampa]

Not sure I would agree with "worst feeling action", but I definitely agree it doesn't feel as nice as some of the other $1200 actions.




You aren't likely to get to many recommendations for CA as we like to protect our own.

CA's quality control and reports of their customer service experience is not what most of us consider acceptable. That said, if you like the product they offer and you get one of the 'good ones' you'll likely be happy.

May I ask what the comment in bold refers to? Is it that CA rifles aren’t liked here and the group simply steers people away from them due to quality issues, or is there some sort of history or other issue with CA or its ownership that turns people here off to them?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Between the two I'd get the Seekins, but personally I would not buy a 6.5PRC especially for what you're looking to do. 6.5 Creedmoor will do it just as well with better ammo availability, better brass availability, better barrel life, and less ammo costs.

And I'd get 6.5 Creedmoor in a Q Fix over both of those rifles for an all around hunting/LR rifle.

 

[Ian A. Kelbly]

Check out our new KODA rifle. It is offered in 6.5 PRC. Atlas Tactical action, Bix N Andy Trigger, Krieger Barrel, Grayboe's new carbon fiber stock, unconditional lifetime warranty. https://www.kelbly.com/koda-rifle/

 

[nrspence]

May I ask what the comment in bold refers to? Is it that CA rifles aren’t liked here and the group simply steers people away from them due to quality issues, or is there some sort of history or other issue with CA or its ownership that turns people here off to them?

I’ve seen some CA rifles that shoot awesome, and others that shoot like shit, needing some smith work to shoot properly. To me that screams quality control. I also know guys that have worked at their factory in central Utah that don’t have to much good to say about the company.

 

[goosed]

May I ask what the comment in bold refers to? Is it that CA rifles aren’t liked here and the group simply steers people away from them due to quality issues, or is there some sort of history or other issue with CA or its ownership that turns people here off to them?

See response from @nrspence above then do a quick google search about how CA has treated their customers when issues were experienced with said products. *hint: to date it hasn't been good

 

[EricRF]

Depends on your priorities, but I might favor the Fierce Carbon Fury over the CA Ridgeline or Traverse. For $150 more than the Traverse you get a Sako style action, a magazine instead of a drop plate, a 6.6lb rifle instead of a 7.7lb rifle and possibly better QC. You lose the side port brake from the Traverse in favor of a Radial brake on the Fierce, but the is the only real downside that I see.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

I’ve personally shot and seen 3 CA Ridgelines. 2 in 6.5x284 and 1 300 Win Mag. All are hunting rifles.
None shoot more than 1” 3 shot groups at 100 yards, usually 1.5” at 200 yards with factory Nosler Ammo with the Accubond bullets. Animals taken at ranges from 160 to 570 yards with 1 shot.
maybe it’s the luck of the draw X 3, but my impression of CA is positive.

 

[65prc]

Seekins! Company is awesome. Rock creek barrels are awesome. I have a 6.5 prc havak bravo and it is the most reliable and accurate rifle I’ve ever owned. I’ve read complaints about the action not being smooth and maybe I’m just lucky but mine was great out of the box and only got smoother after a 100 or so rounds. The action design is a little different - glenn seekins designed a great action- very innovative.
highly recommend and believe their rifles are a great value.
for your use you ought to check out their new element rifle.
I love the prc but creedmoor is going to be $.50 per round cheaper and more options if you aren’t going to reload.

 

[65prc]

Yesterday was range day with my seekins havak bravo 6.5 prc. Damn near couldn’t miss at 750 yards. A lot of fun!

 

[db2000]

I think you'd be happy with either.

I have a Seekins SP223 Gen 2 billet lower and 2 uppers. .300 BLK and 5.56. These are very accurate and well made so I can only imagine the Havak stands up to its reputation. I initially had an issue with subsonic rounds not always cycling and Seekins provided an RTA and label quickly. Although they did NOT originally build the rile, they rebarreled the gun and put an new gas block on it. It runs fine now. Return time was about 3-4 weeks or so if I remember correctly. Excellent customer service.

That being said, I have a CA MPR 6.5 PRC w/ carbon barrel. I noticed there was about 1mm of play at the joint where the stock folds. I contacted CA and they immediately emailed me an RTA and label. 3 weeks later I received the gun back and they had replaced the entire folding stock unit as well as rebarreled the rifle and replaced the bolt. Essentially, the action and forearm were the only original parts. They told me the rifle was "not up to their standards for accuracy". I reload and it was definitely sub MOA as advertised, even with factory ammo. It had about 600 rounds through it so I'm happy to have a new barrel! I feel this was above and beyond, especially unsolicited and free.

 

[SmartDonkey]

For those who were talking about the harder bolt close-- Realize that it is doing part of the cocking on the bolt close. Watch the firing pin- it comes back about half way on bolt open- and then the rest of the way on close. So it is a compromise- a little easier to open but a little more pressure on close.

I think the seekins is a good value for a complete rifle- but also agree that If I wouldn't spend $1200 for the action alone.

 

[Drstrangelove]

I got lucky and snagged a CA Ridgeline in 6.5PRC (with only 18rds down the pipe) for $1200. The hunter stock, though light, was not to my liking. Really wanted a chassis. Got lucky again and got this AI Legacy with an extra set of skins and the Atlas spigot for $650 shipped. At zeroing, the first step in my load ladder printed ~1/2” at 100yds. One click of adjustment and bullseye! At current weight, around 12lbs, I don’t feel the least recoil. I cheaped out on the scope and it’s wearing a Burris XTRii 5-25. Glass is fine until cranked past 20 then I know how much money I saved. I’m going to upgrade to a NF pretty soon.

I would love to build a Seekins or Stiller but for my investment and results, I just can’t complain about CA.

 

[Sid Post]

Check out our new KODA rifle. It is offered in 6.5 PRC. Atlas Tactical action, Bix N Andy Trigger, Krieger Barrel, Grayboe's new carbon fiber stock, unconditional lifetime warranty. https://www.kelbly.com/koda-rifle/

Does anybody have one of these? Or, have you been around one?

How do they compare to the CA and Seekins options? Are they in the same price range?