First 6.5 CM Bolt Action Recommendations? MPA?

[gunsandgear]

Not a new shooter by any means but I'm new to precision bolt action rifles and need some advice. I want to get a rifle chambered in 6.5 CM and I have been looking at the options from MasterPiece Arms but I am not sure which model would suit me best. I'm looking to spend $2k-$3k on the rifle.

The only "long range" rifle I currently have is an AR10 in 308 which I occasionally stretch out to about 800 meters. I would like to jump into something that will work well enough with factory ammunition because I do not have the capacity to begin reloading at the moment. I also want something that won't require a bunch of custom work. I definitely want the rifle to be chambered in 6.5 CM. I would like to be able to shoot comfortably from 500-1,000+ meters with more precision than my AR10. I am hoping to take some precision classes in the future but for now it will be strictly recreational shooting.


Please let me know what you guys think.

 

[rustyinbend]

The Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor is a tack-driver ... I LOVE IT. I have two MPA rifles ... 300WMBA and 22BA. They're good, but you pay a premium price, and frankly, my Tikka shoots better, has a smoother action, fewer magazine issues, and is just an all-around better price performer.

My 6.5 Tikka is quickly becoming my favorite rifle ... and I have a bunch that cost me a LOT more.

 

[rustyinbend]

Photo above sporting a 20-MOA ADM QD Mount, Tikka Bag Rider, Atlas Bipod, APA Little Bastard Muzzle Brake, and Leupold 5-25 Mark 5 scope.

 

[drew_235]

As much as I like the looks of the TAC A1, there is an even less expensive route. You can get the T3x Varmint in 6.5 CM ($710 if you look around), slap it into a KRG Bravo ($380'ish), and purchase a MDT AICS mag for ~$40. That's $1130 compare to the TAC A1 at around $1500. With the difference you can afford a sweet Atlas bipod and some extra ammo. You can also sell the original varmint stock and magazine for ~$75. If you want a threaded barrel, you could go with the Tikka CTR for about $65 more, and the stock and magazine are even more valuable when selling your leftover parts.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Buy a used AI-AT.

It’s by far and away the best way to get your fundamentals squared away (2lb+ trigger and under 19lb rifle), while we the same time never worry about any feeding issues.

Move to a custom after you’ve had time to figure out what you like while training yourself to be a marksman and not just a shooter.

 

[rustyinbend]

I'm a "whole unit" fan ... vs. the "piece parts" approach ... mostly for warranty and consistency and time-to-use reasons ... but to each his own. My time is precious and at a premium while I'm still working, and worth more than a couple hundred dollars saved by building from parts and selling un-needed components, but that's just me. Everyone is different.

 

[Steel head]

I'm a "whole unit" fan ... vs. the "piece parts" approach ... mostly for warranty and consistency and time-to-use reasons ... but to each his own. My time is precious and at a premium while I'm still working, and worth more than a couple hundred dollars saved by building from parts and selling un-needed components, but that's just me. Everyone is different.

It’s not just about saving money, if you know what you want you can build it exact how you want it.

OP
Make a list of features you want and let that guide you.
DT’s suggestions of a used AI is a solid one as well

 

[Dthomas3523]

It’s not just about saving money, if you know what you want you can build it exact how you want it.

OP
Make a list of features you want and let that guide you.
DT’s suggestions of a used AI is a solid one as well

More and more I have come to the conclusion that an AT is the perfect “beginner” rifle.

It wil almost never fail or need tweaking (something most beginners don’t know how to do), it will weigh enough to not hinder you in a match while also being light enough you won’t free recoil everything, and the trigger makes you make good presses.

It will hold its value if you decide to sell it and you won’t burn through a ton of cash trying customs. You can try everyone else’s.

And it costs about the same as most custom rifles once it’s all said and done.

I started with customs, bounced all over the place, then went to AI for 1yr+, and now going back to customs after spending a year with the AI. I think the year with the AI pays dividends in more ways than one.

 

[Lexusclays]

For what it is worth, I went the MPA route. I have a few hunting rifles, and they are ok for getting your fundamentals started and sorted. Your AR would be in the same arena. I didn’t want to buy one rifle, and then sell it when I wanted to step up. The MPA has been super. Followed standard break in procedures, and it has really settled in after about 75-100 rounds. I did go a little overboard, with the switchlug. I have the 6mm and the 6.5 creedmoor barrels. I have no regrets. It certainly does its part when I do mine.

 

[flyer]

There are plenty of good actions out there.

Figure out your ergonomics first.

The MPA chassis is very flexible but it's not ideal for everyone. A few people will just not like it.

That Tikka, I guess someone thinks it needs a continuous rail above the barrel. The scope is mounted about an inch higher than it would be in a more conventional stock/chassis which requires a really tall comb to align the eye and might make removing the bolt a pain in the ass.

Grip angle and trigger reach are a big deal.

Once you know what works for you, you'll know what to look for in a stock, then you can start comparing your options.

 

[gunsandgear]

I still haven't been able to make a decision. Apart from the corona issue, there really aren't any gun stores out here that would have a decent selection of bolt actions to try out and feel. Any more suggestions you guys have would be appreciated.

 

[IndianaRem5r]

You might look at the Badrock South Fork. It is like a custom, but provided as a package for around $2,000. From the folks at Defiance.

BadRock Precision Rifles South Fork - Firearms for tactical and target use.

BadRock Rifles are built for tactical and target use, the South Fork uses a precision bolt action, set into an aluminum chassis. Call us at 406-897-2776.

badrockrifles.com

 

[Jackomason]

I guess to follow up in the South Fork comment...



These are a few good ideas. Just out of curiosity... how much are you planning to spend on glass?

My favorite idea from above is the used AI AT.

 

[gunsandgear]

I want to spend around $2k on glass. Thoughts on some good options? I want FFP, mil/mil, zero stop and illumination (but I could live without it). I could be convinced to spend a little more but I would also be happy spending less.

 

[gunsandgear]

I'm thinking I'm going to go with the MPA PMR Pro and maybe add the folding option. https://masterpiecearms.com/shop/mpa-ba-pmr-pro-competition-rifle/

I've been looking for a used AI in 6.5 CM the last month or so but no luck...

 

[WATERWALKER]

I want to spend around $2k on glass. Thoughts on some good options? I want FFP, mil/mil, zero stop and illumination (but I could live without it). I could be convinced to spend a little more but I would also be happy spending less.

W/ a 2K budget for glass I’d look at the Vortex Gen II Razor. Lots of good options out there. Find a reticle you like & go from there,

 

[Shooter McGavin]

I want to spend around $2k on glass. Thoughts on some good options? I want FFP, mil/mil, zero stop and illumination (but I could live without it). I could be convinced to spend a little more but I would also be happy spending less.

I would spend more on glass as you can sell the rifle and move the glass over to another rifle. I have burned through optics and have always kept my S&Bs. Lots of great high end optics that will last you for years. Going with the Tikka T3x TAC A1 will allow you to have more to spend on a great scope. JMO

 

[gunsandgear]

I like the open or floating dot reticles and some sort of christmas tree combo. Recommendations based on that? I like the Vortex EBR reticles.

 

[cdeiglmeier]

In the PX section you can find a Vortex gen 2 razor for under 2k easily. They are great scopes for the money. I personally like the ebr7c reticle the best.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

In the PX section you can find a Vortex gen 2 razor for under 2k easily. They are great scopes for the money. I personally like the ebr7c reticle the best.

I picked one up for $1600 here. They are heavy scopes, if I had the cash I would look at the Vortex Razor HD AMG weighing in at under 29 ounces compare to the Razor at 48.5 ounces. JMO

 

[Shooter McGavin]

This combo puts you in for $4500 scope and rifle:

Vortex Razor HD AMG 6-24x50 FFP ERB-7B MRAD Riflescope RZR-AMG-5

FREE SHIPPING on Vortex Razor HD AMG 6-24x50 FFP ERB-7 MRAD Riflescope RZR-AMG-5

www.eurooptic.com

Tikka T3x TAC A1 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Bbl 1:8" LH Coyote Brown Rifle JRTAT482L

Tikka T3x TAC A1 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Bbl 1:8" LH Coyote Brown Rifle JRTAT482L For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Here's a nice scope on sale at SH

Optics - SOLD: Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25x56 H59, illum, CCW, MTC SOLD

Switching up a few things in the safe so for your consideration: NO TRADES Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 Black Illuminated H59 reticle Locking MTC turrets 0.1mil CCW adjustment Scope looks 95% and that's being very critical. VERY faint marks, superficial at best. Clicks are clear and distinct...

www.snipershide.com

 

[gunsandgear]

Alright, I'm willing to spend a bit more on the scope. I can justify getting one very high end piece of glass for this precision build. I can't decide if the Horus type reticles are too busy. I really like the open center or floating dot and the EBR-7 type reticles in general.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Alright, I'm willing to spend a bit more on the scope. I can justify getting one very high end piece of glass for this precision build. I can't decide if the Horus type reticles are too busy. I really like the open center or floating dot and the EBR-7 type reticles in general.

I would go with the Razor AMG then. Not super expensive, made in the USA.

 

[cdeiglmeier]

Alright, I'm willing to spend a bit more on the scope. I can justify getting one very high end piece of glass for this precision build. I can't decide if the Horus type reticles are too busy. I really like the open center or floating dot and the EBR-7 type reticles in general.

Can always save a little more and spend somewhere around $2300-2600 which could get you a Kahles, Minox, or ATACR. Or spend 1500-1700 on a Razor gen 2 and use the rest for ammo.

 

[Army First]

I want to spend around $2k on glass. Thoughts on some good options? I want FFP, mil/mil, zero stop and illumination (but I could live without it). I could be convinced to spend a little more but I would also be happy spending less.

I would go with the Razor AMG then. Not super expensive, made in the USA.

The Razor AMG is what I went with because of the same budget

At this point I will go against the grain and recommend you build the rifle. Afterwards if you still want an MPA then go for it. I did just the opposite, while there is nothing wrong with the MPA I prefer to shoot the rifle I put together. My MPA was becoming a safe queen and I don't shoot in comps.

In the future you will have a trailer hitch barrel vise because it's a necessity, probably a Labradar before the vise.

 

[S3th]

If you want someone to build you a whole rifle, I cannot recommend MPA enough. However, I would go with non-axiom action on your MPA build.

 

[gunsandgear]

I'm definitely open to going Kahles, S&B, Nightforce, etc.

I wish I had access to try out more rifles before making a decision here. Most of the AI guns I could find aren't folders (prefer a folding chassis) and the MPAs seem like a lot of gun for the money, especially since I will be getting it at a slight discount. What is a fair price for a used AI-AT in 6.5 CM? I want to get this build in my hands within the next 2 months so I don't want to waste too much time if I am ultimately going to have it built.

 

[cdeiglmeier]

I'm definitely open to going Kahles, S&B, Nightforce, etc.

I wish I had access to try out more rifles before making a decision here. Most of the AI guns I could find aren't folders (prefer a folding chassis) and the MPAs seem like a lot of gun for the money, especially since I will be getting it at a slight discount. What is a fair price for a used AI-AT in 6.5 CM? I want to get this build in my hands within the next 2 months so I don't want to waste too much time if I am ultimately going to have it built.

I personally prefer to build my own (like a lot of others here) but there are a lot of people here who only own AI rifles. I think it all depends on what you intend to do with the rifle. AI's are about as tough as they come. But, they can't be customized to the shooter like a "custom" build can be. Do you know a reputable gunsmith around you? If I were you, I'd browse the PX part of the forum, you can build a rifle for a pretty good discount if you wait for parts to come for sale there, and you won't be waiting long there's always actions, chassis's, triggers, brakes etc.... If you don't like it odds are you can sell it again for basically what you paid for (or really close to it) and not be out much. Personally I'd start with a chassis like an MPA, KRG, XLR. More adjustable to fit the shooter than stocks like manners/mcmillan. Then choose any action that suits your fancy. They all work. They All have slight variations from one another but as long as a reputable gunsmith chambers/fits your barrel, they all do the same thing just need to find what specs you like most in an action (90 degree bolt vs. 60 degree, push round feed vs controlled round feed, milled one piece actions vs. pinned recoil lug/scope base actions etc etc. etc....) buy a barrel blank from any of the reputable companies (benchmark, hawkhill, bartlein, Krieger or online websites such as Altus, bugholes, straightjacket armory etc.), A trigger, bipod and brake are last and all can be found in the PX section fairly often. If you don't know a good gunsmith to fit/chamber your barrel ask around here and people will tell you who they use. There's so many out there. PM me if you need recommendations. All you'd have to do is send your barrel blank and action to them and they send back a barreled action ready to go to be bolted in to your chassis. That's just me though. Some people don't care and just want the easy button so they just buy an AI or a pre-built/pre-spec'ed rifle like the MPA. Both of which are great. But you sacrifice on fitting the rifle to you.

 

[jgmartin]

I shoot the Tikka T3X Tac A1 and Ruger Precision Rifle frequently.. both good entry level options. If i had it to do again and *already had a good optic to use* i'd get the tikka. If i didn't have a good optic, I'd buy the RPR and a good piece of glass. (good rifle + great glass) > (great rifle + mediocre glass).

they both shoot equally well in capable hands... if your buddy beats you it won't be the rifle's fault, regardless of which way you go. there really isn't an inch of space between them in terms of how they shoot. get whichever one you can afford to put killer glass on.

 

[Northfl]

I'm thinking I'm going to go with the MPA PMR Pro and maybe add the folding option. https://masterpiecearms.com/shop/mpa-ba-pmr-pro-competition-rifle/

I've been looking for a used AI in 6.5 CM the last month or so but no luck...

I just ordered one of these myself about 3 weeks ago.
phil told me a 5-6 week lead time to get it. I personally like the vertical grip. Also ordered mine with a flat trigger shoe. Everyone i have talked to that has them says “you wont be disappointed “

 

[chuey]

Not a new shooter by any means but I'm new to precision bolt action rifles and need some advice. I want to get a rifle chambered in 6.5 CM and I have been looking at the options from MasterPiece Arms but I am not sure which model would suit me best. I'm looking to spend $2k-$3k on the rifle.

The only "long range" rifle I currently have is an AR10 in 308 which I occasionally stretch out to about 800 meters. I would like to jump into something that will work well enough with factory ammunition because I do not have the capacity to begin reloading at the moment. I also want something that won't require a bunch of custom work. I definitely want the rifle to be chambered in 6.5 CM. I would like to be able to shoot comfortably from 500-1,000+ meters with more precision than my AR10. I am hoping to take some precision classes in the future but for now it will be strictly recreational shooting.


Please let me know what you guys think.

GAP has good lineup. Patriot Valley and Badrock and Seekins have really good ones for great prices. I like the whole custom build experience, though. Spartan Precision in san jose can turn one out in 4 to 6 weeks if you have all the parts... check out cs tactical out of elk grove, im pretty sure they can get you all the parts and you can get it to a smith

 

[strong]

I'd go for an Alamo precision build or Tikka CTR in stainless and either a vortex AMG or Leupold mk5 . I've got both setups and both perform perfectly.

 

[gunsandgear]

How is this getting harder with each response? Leaning towards just pulling on the MPA and worst case if I don't like it I'll move onto something else.

Not sure what glass to look at if I'm willing to go over the $2k point now, there are so many options and they're all foreign to me. I like the idea of the Horus and Tremor reticles but they seem really busy and I probably wont have a chance to get behind anything before I buy. Definitely want either an open reticle or floating dot. Guess I'll just have to hope for the best and worst case sell/trade it in the future.

 

[gunsandgear]

Also, what would be the appropriate scope mount height on the MPA rifle? Is that determined mostly by the size of the objective on my scope or is it an individual preference for comfort as well? The rail on the action is already canted at 20 MOA on the MPA rifle. I see the mounts are offered at 1.060″, 1.125, 1.250 & 1.500

 

[cdeiglmeier]

Anything generally 1" or higher will work on a bolt rifle as long as there is not a continuous rail out over the barrel (like the AIAX). I run Spuhr 4001 mounts which are 1.18" tall with plenty of clearance. As for a scope over $2k you really can't go wrong with any of the top contenders: NF, Minox, Kahles. All can be found in the PX section for 2300-2800 depending. I'm not a fan of the Tremor or H59. I like simple tree's all of which have a floating center dot: MR4 (Minox), SKMR3 (Kahles), Mil-XT (NF). Can't go wrong with any of those.