Not new to shooting, or to bolt rifles but new to longer ranges. Also never owned my own bolt gun but shot family's most of my life. Longest shot is around 250 yards but I'm looking to grow into 1k.
With that said, I'm looking to set up my first one in 6.5cm or .308 win. Budget of around 1300ish Been eyeing the gen 2 Ruger American predator which has a 22" barrel (which is what I want) instead of the 20" on the standard. I've noticed it seems to basically a gen 1 go wild but with a better polished bolt, fluted barrel, and different stock. I'm unsure about the flutes so that's an option as well.
Also been debating a Howa build to be a little. If I go this route then 6.5prc is also on the table.
Regardless of which I go with I'm going to be putting the barreled action into a MDT field stock.
I'll be using this as a range gun and for mule deer, antelope and maybe the occasional elk (I usually bowhunt for elk on the Oregon coast)
Already expecting tikka or bergara recommendations but those would likely put my build over budget by a few hundred after optic and bipod etc.
With that said, I'm looking to set up my first one in 6.5cm or .308 win. Budget of around 1300ish Been eyeing the gen 2 Ruger American predator which has a 22" barrel (which is what I want) instead of the 20" on the standard. I've noticed it seems to basically a gen 1 go wild but with a better polished bolt, fluted barrel, and different stock. I'm unsure about the flutes so that's an option as well.
Also been debating a Howa build to be a little. If I go this route then 6.5prc is also on the table.
Regardless of which I go with I'm going to be putting the barreled action into a MDT field stock.
I'll be using this as a range gun and for mule deer, antelope and maybe the occasional elk (I usually bowhunt for elk on the Oregon coast)
Already expecting tikka or bergara recommendations but those would likely put my build over budget by a few hundred after optic and bipod etc.
