First bolt precision gun

[UKMan]

Looking for some help/advice. Sorry for long post.



Starting off with:

-I know me and this will not be my last precision bolt gun so not looking for a one and done rifle.

-Looking for a factory gun so I can actually make a decision and get going. When someone suggest “buy this action, with this barrel, with this trigger” it leads to paralysis by analysis for me.



Coming from the target archery world. Shoulders can’t take the hours of work it takes anymore to seriously compete. I am able to work on any bow/tinker with them until I get them how I like them.

Moving forward, precision rifles seem like a good next step. I can tell you anything you want to know about archery equipment but this world is all new and overwhelming. Not new to hunting but precision rifles is new.


What I will do with it:

-1 mile and in 20% of the time. 500 yards and in 80% of the time

-possible PRS but for now just smacking steel and shooting groups



What I am looking for:

-6.5CM
-Chassis style
-Good aftermarket support



What I am looking at with 2k cap (including if I need to buy a chassis):

-savage 110 tactical +aftermaket chassis
-tikka t3x + aftermarket chassis
-RPR
-Seekins Havak hit
-Remington 700 long range + aftermarket chassis



Any others I am missing? Probably missed something but trying to narrow options down.



Thoughts or opinions? Thanks!

 

[hafejd30]

Of your list I say Seekins or Tikka. Otherwise comb through the for sale section here. May find something you like

 

[the_assman]

the seekins havak hit would probably be a good starting point , and from your list would be my pick

 

[Kadams1563]

For 2k the MPA PMR, GAP PPR.

Look at the companies making rifles for production class.

 

[UKMan]

For 2k the MPA PMR, GAP PPR.

Look at the companies making rifles for production class.

I’ll take a look at these. Not seeing the GAP PPR on their website, maybe I am not looking in the right place?

 

[Kadams1563]

I’ll take a look at these. Not seeing the GAP PPR on their website, maybe I am not looking in the right place?

I looked as well and didn’t see it. I know they make them in runs so might have to reach out to see when the next one is.

Production used to have to be under $2k I believe so all the rifles were like $1995.99 lol.

Even with that you could get something going with a $2k budget just might have to wait a bit.

Last weekend I saw a guy buy a MPA Pro chassis, custom action, 1.2” dasher for $2600.

 

[FimRire RongLifle]

the MPA or GAP is more future proof IMHO, can easily reuse chassis, trigger, or have it re-barreled

 

[UKMan]

I looked as well and didn’t see it. I know they make them in runs so might have to reach out to see when the next one is.

Production used to have to be under $2k I believe so all the rifles were like $1995.99 lol.

Even with that you could get something going with a $2k budget just might have to wait a bit.

Last weekend I saw a guy buy a MPA Pro chassis, custom action, 1.2” dasher for $2600.

Fantastic thank you, the PPR looks like a sweet rifle/buy for that price

 

[UKMan]

the MPA or GAP is more future proof IMHO, can easily reuse chassis, trigger, or have it re-barreled

Do both take R700 parts and barrels?

 

[FimRire RongLifle]

yes

 

[Cody S]

the ruger is nice but I'll bet you'll be left wanting a custom one day into the future.
with factory guns usually the barrels are far far too light for prs or comp shooting but should be good to learn on. for comps everyone goes long and heavy just to get that center of balance a few inches in front of the mag well. most factory options I've seen don't offer a 26+" super heavy or truck axle contour but that's what works.
dad has a tikka t3x, action has at least 5k rounds on it. the actions are very durable and nice feeling but.. not rem 700 design easy and smooth.
do a full custom.
I went with American rifle company CDG action, barrel from PVA I will screw on myself, triggertech special trigger(for now), foundation stock. literally just watch some YouTube videos, screw some shit on or set it down and torque it down carefully to correct specs and you're off to the races...

 

[UKMan]

the ruger is nice but I'll bet you'll be left wanting a custom one day into the future.
with factory guns usually the barrels are far far too light for prs or comp shooting but should be good to learn on. for comps everyone goes long and heavy just to get that center of balance a few inches in front of the mag well. most factory options I've seen don't offer a 26+" super heavy or truck axle contour but that's what works.
dad has a tikka t3x, action has at least 5k rounds on it. the actions are very durable and nice feeling but.. not rem 700 design easy and smooth.
do a full custom.
I went with American rifle company CDG action, barrel from PVA I will screw on myself, triggertech special trigger(for now), foundation stock. literally just watch some YouTube videos, screw some shit on or set it down and torque it down carefully to correct specs and you're off to the races...

Definitely look into that thank you. RPR or similar might be the easy button now to learn and then do full custom later once I learn what I actually want in a rifle.

 

[Hickswr]

MPA

 

[powdahound76]

Seekins HIT is cool.
Would be my pick of the choices you listed.

Prefit replacement barrels is a big consideration.

Another option…..
Call Owen at Front Range Precision.
Origin, TT Special, Proof Steel prefit with action wrench, and a KRG bravo (not sure he stocks these, but easy to find).

Then you can screw around with other calibers later if you want.

 

[jLorenzo]

Buy a Tikka. You will not regret it. Chassis of choice and a nice piece of glass.

 

[UKMan]

Seekins HIT is cool.
Would be my pick of the choices you listed.

Prefit replacement barrels is a big consideration.

Another option…..
Call Owen at Front Range Precision.
Origin, TT Special, Proof Steel prefit with action wrench, and a KRG bravo (not sure he stocks these, but easy to find).

Then you can screw around with other calibers later if you want.

thanks I will also check them out!

 

[UKMan]

Buy a Tikka. You will not regret it. Chassis of choice and a nice piece of glass.

I have heard good things! sure wish places around here would stock them so I could get my hands on one.

 

[powdahound76]

I own 2 tikkas now and have had 3 others.
And rem 700s
And several custom actions.

Would go HIT or other (Origin noted for budget, and I like mine) before a tikka for a main precision.

Love a tikka for a hunter though.
Replace the trigger spring and GO!!!

 

[ma smith]

I have heard good things! sure wish places around here would stock them so I could get my hands on one.

where on earth do they not sell tikkas locally?

I have run a couple and they are solid. They are usable precision rifles, but not really turn-key rifles for PRS. That being said, there's only two action bolts needed to hitch it to a chassis. And the trigger takes a $10 spring, and one bolt, to make it match-ready.

If you seriously want to go PRS, and be competitive, however, go get an r700 platform. The seekins is also good rifle option on $2k budget.

Tikka never going to be elite tier competion rifle because the action is like an inch longer which will ultimately mess up the balance point vs r700.

Tikka is good for crossover rifle -- ie, hunting/range/casual prs type shooter. Its a great starter rifle if you know its limitations, and fit within them.

 

[UKMan]

where on earth do they not sell tikkas locally?

I have run a couple and they are solid. They are usable precision rifles, but not really turn-key rifles for PRS. That being said, there's only two action bolts needed to hitch it to a chassis. And the trigger takes a $10 spring, and one bolt, to make it match-ready.

If you seriously want to go PRS, and be competitive, however, go get an r700 platform. The seekins is also good rifle option on $2k budget.

Tikka never going to be elite tier competion rifle because the action is like an inch longer which will ultimately mess up the balance point vs r700.

Tikka is good for crossover rifle -- ie, hunting/range/casual prs type shooter. Its a great starter rifle if you know its limitations, and fit within them.

R700 platform is looking better and better the more I read. A tikka though might be a great starting point for me though to get the ball rolling. When I start looking at customs it’s an endless search of what could be when I could be out shooting a factory gun figuring out what I want. Thank you for your insight!

 

[UKMan]

I own 2 tikkas now and have had 3 others.
And rem 700s
And several custom actions.

Would go HIT or other (Origin noted for budget, and I like mine) before a tikka for a main precision.

Love a tikka for a hunter though.
Replace the trigger spring and GO!!!

Any reason why you would go HIT over R700 platform?

 

[powdahound76]

Any reason why you would go HIT over R700 platform?

Nope.

I would go with a 700 clone custom first actually due to prefit availability.

The Origin is slick as you can use TL3 barrels with the simple change to a Hunts Long Range recoil lug too.
Opens up a lot of barrels.

 

[UKMan]

where on earth do they not sell tikkas locally?

I have run a couple and they are solid. They are usable precision rifles, but not really turn-key rifles for PRS. That being said, there's only two action bolts needed to hitch it to a chassis. And the trigger takes a $10 spring, and one bolt, to make it match-ready.

If you seriously want to go PRS, and be competitive, however, go get an r700 platform. The seekins is also good rifle option on $2k budget.

Tikka never going to be elite tier competion rifle because the action is like an inch longer which will ultimately mess up the balance point vs r700.

Tikka is good for crossover rifle -- ie, hunting/range/casual prs type shooter. It’s a great starter rifle if you know its limitations, and fit within them.

Didn’t see your first part about Tikka. Local shops all carry the .22 version and they are sweet but no short action models in for whatever reason. Am assuming the short actions feel just as nice as the .22 just on a larger scale.

 

[Cody S]

since this is still going, I finally spent all my money on a new bench rest rifle that I'm planning on shooting in PRS
American rifle company Coup De Grace,(fixed handle)
foundation stocks Samson with the brass,
PVA prefit barrel in 6 creed, proof contour 26" I will screw and torque it myself for the first time
triggertech Diamond trigger
I expect this to take my a couple hours to get assembled and adjusted to fit me. not the end of the world. the price will be decent (minus the foundation stock) and I literally get to do it all myself and save a buck plus learn all about my new system

 

[Kadams1563]

since this is still going, I finally spent all my money on a new bench rest rifle that I'm planning on shooting in PRS
American rifle company Coup De Grace,(fixed handle)
foundation stocks Samson with the brass,
PVA prefit barrel in 6 creed, proof contour 26" I will screw and torque it myself for the first time
triggertech Diamond trigger
I expect this to take my a couple hours to get assembled and adjusted to fit me. not the end of the world. the price will be decent (minus the foundation stock) and I literally get to do it all myself and save a buck plus learn all about my new system

Very nice build for sure. I just converted from Manners to foundations Genesis 2’s for them to release the Samson. Lmao. The ONLy rifle I need to replace is my Vudoo and I don’t think I want to put it on a Samson lol

 

[jLorenzo]

I have heard good things! sure wish places around here would stock them so I could get my hands on one.

Is there a Scheels nearby? They seem to have a good amount of them at each one I've been to.

I won't buy any other centerfire factory rifle other than a Tikka after owning one.

 

[UKMan]

Is there a Scheels nearby? They seem to have a good amount of them at each one I've been to.

I won't buy any other centerfire factory rifle other than a Tikka after owning one.

Unfortunately no, I am in northeast Ohio. Going to call a couple local shops that I know the owners shoot to see if they might have one I could get my hands on.

 

[A.sosa]

Tikka makes a good rifle and a poor stock. Fortunately, lots of stock options. Gift yourself a stock, muzzle break and trigger job.

6.5 creed might be ok on light game, but 7rm will do most things better.

Tikka can be stingy on twist, but 7rm is usually ok.

 

[Ronws]

I have nothing to add and lots of great advice here.

Personally, I would build on the Seekins. Look at their stock options and it might work for you.

 

[drifter308]

the MPA or GAP is more future proof IMHO, can easily reuse chassis, trigger, or have it re-barreled

The PPR is right under $3,000. I just got my second one in 6GT to go with my 6 Creed PPR. They are great for the price.

 

[Kadams1563]

The PPR is right under $3,000. I just got my second one in 6GT to go with my 6 Creed PPR. They are great for the price.

Damn didn’t they come out at $2k?

 

[FuhQ]

Looking for some help/advice. Sorry for long post.



Starting off with:

-I know me and this will not be my last precision bolt gun so not looking for a one and done rifle.

-Looking for a factory gun so I can actually make a decision and get going. When someone suggest “buy this action, with this barrel, with this trigger” it leads to paralysis by analysis for me.



Coming from the target archery world. Shoulders can’t take the hours of work it takes anymore to seriously compete. I am able to work on any bow/tinker with them until I get them how I like them.

Moving forward, precision rifles seem like a good next step. I can tell you anything you want to know about archery equipment but this world is all new and overwhelming. Not new to hunting but precision rifles is new.


What I will do with it:

-1 mile and in 20% of the time. 500 yards and in 80% of the time

-possible PRS but for now just smacking steel and shooting groups



What I am looking for:

-6.5CM
-Chassis style
-Good aftermarket support



What I am looking at with 2k cap (including if I need to buy a chassis):

-savage 110 tactical +aftermaket chassis
-tikka t3x + aftermarket chassis
-RPR
-Seekins Havak hit
-Remington 700 long range + aftermarket chassis



Any others I am missing? Probably missed something but trying to narrow options down.



Thoughts or opinions? Thanks!

Buy this... Slap a scope on it... Call it a day. This action will be exponentially better than ANY factory mass-produced assembly line action.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/156701/aero+solus+competition+6.5cm+22+5+round

Or, order a custom built barreled action from PVA in your cartridge of choice...

Solus Barreled Action

[email protected]

patriotvalleyarms.com

 

[jLorenzo]

Unfortunately no, I am in northeast Ohio. Going to call a couple local shops that I know the owners shoot to see if they might have one I could get my hands on.

I lived in Boardman for a few years. There's always gunbroker. Ship it to Fin Feather and Fur or something. I don't remember any shops having Tikkas up there. I bet there are some somewhere though.

I personally won't buy any other bolt action besides a Tikka. For my purposes I don't need anything more. Spend the extra cash on glass. They resale well too if you decide to get out of it. I would go Tikka before a custom, especially starting out.

 

[UKMan]

I lived in Boardman for a few years. There's always gunbroker. Ship it to Fin Feather and Fur or something. I don't remember any shops having Tikkas up there. I bet there are some somewhere though.

I personally won't buy any other bolt action besides a Tikka. For my purposes I don't need anything more. Spend the extra cash on glass. They resale well too if you decide to get out of it. I would go Tikka before a custom, especially starting out.

Makes sense! Trying to get my hands on one before I dive into one. Local shop owner has a buddy that shoots long range that likes his Tikkas

 

[UKMan]

Tikka ordered. Custom route will come later down the line. Thanks everyone

 

[jLorenzo]

Tikka ordered. Custom route will come later down the line. Thanks everyone

What did you end up with? Post some pics when you get it put together.

 

[UKMan]

What did you end up with? Post some pics when you get it put together.

T3X super varmint 6.5CM. Will look for a chassis for it at another time.

 

[kthomas]

Here's another option:

- Mac Bros Evo II ($775)
- Barrel of choice chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor (~$800)
- KRG Bravo Chassis (~$350)
- Trigger of choice (~$250)

This gets you to $2175, close to your goal, using pretty premium components. Excellent action at a great price, and in my pricing I accounted for a premium barrel blank spun up by a reputable 'smith.

The KRG Bravo is a great chassis that punches above its price class, lots of accessories available to "dress it up" as needed. You can also upgrade to a different chassis/stock in the future as desired.

 

[kthomas]

I guess I just missed where you said you have already ordered a Tikka.

That's also a great pick. Lots of aftermarket support, and growing every day. Great action to build off of as you evolve as a shooter in this journey.

Enjoy!

 

[UKMan]

I guess I just missed where you said you have already ordered a Tikka.

That's also a great pick. Lots of aftermarket support, and growing every day. Great action to build off of as you evolve as a shooter in this journey.

Enjoy!

Saving what you posted though! I know this will not be my last long range rifle and will most likely want to build a custom in the future. Thanks for the detailed list!

 

[Turkeytider]

T3X super varmint 6.5CM. Will look for a chassis for it at another time.

Under serious consideration by me as well for a 1K yard range gun. A little more than ideally I would like to pay, but.....

 

[UKMan]

Under serious consideration by me as well for a 1K yard range gun. A little more than ideally I would like to pay, but.....

In the long run a few hundred bucks is nothing if it means a higher quality product. Some of those super high end customs are way out of my price range but a $700 rifle compared to a $1400ish rifle is basically the same thing to me just means waiting another month or two to save up the cash. Good luck to you finding a nice rifle!

 

[jLorenzo]

T3X super varmint 6.5CM. Will look for a chassis for it at another time.

Excellent choice. You'll be happy. The stock on those seems good, I havent seen one in person.

 

[Turkeytider]

In the long run a few hundred bucks is nothing if it means a higher quality product. Some of those super high end customs are way out of my price range but a $700 rifle compared to a $1400ish rifle is basically the same thing to me just means waiting another month or two to save up the cash. Good luck to you finding a nice rifle!

Thank you sir, and best to you as well! The Super Varmint looks really nice and Tikka makes a fine production rifle.

 

[UKMan]

Thank you sir, and best to you as well! The Super Varmint looks really nice and Tikka makes a fine production rifle.

It will be my first Tikka, very excited to get it in

 

[Kadams1563]

Saving what you posted though! I know this will not be my last long range rifle and will most likely want to build a custom in the future. Thanks for the detailed list!

Not most likely. It won’t be just a few months and you’ll be eyeballing a custom.

This is one of those decisions where saving longer and buying the best pays off so you don’t double buy lol.

Do yourself a favor and make the decision to NOT under any circumstances let anyone talk you into shooting their custom builds.

 

[UKMan]

Not most likely. It won’t be just a few months and you’ll be eyeballing a custom.

This is one of those decisions where saving longer and buying the best pays off so you don’t double buy lol.

Do yourself a favor and make the decision to NOT under any circumstances let anyone talk you into shooting their custom builds.

I’ve shot a few customs and while they are super nice/accurate I was reaching Analysis paralysis looking up different builds, actions, barrels, etc. it was overwhelming for a new shooter to longe range and no actual shooting was getting done. A custom will come down the line when I have shot for awhile and figured out what makes the most sense to me/what I value in a rifle. From what I’ve read Tikka rifles hammer though!

 

[Kadams1563]

I’ve shot a few customs and while they are super nice/accurate I was reaching Analysis paralysis looking up different builds, actions, barrels, etc. it was overwhelming for a new shooter to longe range and no actual shooting was getting done. A custom will come down the line when I have shot for awhile and figured out what makes the most sense to me/what I value in a rifle. From what I’ve read Tikka rifles hammer though!

That makes sense it is a lot.

Another word of unsolicited advice lol.

Hook up with some of the local PRS or local long range shooters and find a mentor. Will be invaluable and catapult you ahead to save you money.

 

[valhal25]

For a precision bolt action, I would recommed to get a bergara b14 hmr and a bushnell match pro.

 

[Turkeytider]

For a precision bolt action, I would recommed to get a bergara b14 hmr and a bushnell match pro.

As someone who has been and is reviewing brands and models of rifles for a 1K yard range gun, is it safe for me to assume that your recommendation is based on personal experience? If so, what others did you consider and why the Bergara? Thanks.