Help me pick a long range hunting rig

[michiman]

I’m trying to decide between a couple rifles. Long range hunting will be the main use. The two front runners are the Sako 85 carbon wolf in 300 win mag or the Christensen arms tfm. Both are light weight, carbon stocks. Sako is about 8lbs. Tfm is about 7.5. If I buy the tfm it’ll either be a 300 Norma or 300 prc. I will be reloading, so factory ammo availability is not an issue. Both are close in price. About $3300-3700

I would prefer the Norma or prc over the WM, but the Sako is not offered in either. But I own other sakos, so I am confident in purchasing another. I am Not too familiar with the tfm and the build quality.

Other rifles I own are Sako trg 22 in 6.5 cm and a Remington 700 sendero sfii in 300 win mag.

Would really appreciate any advice!

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Sounds like you answered your own question. Sako is an excellent rifle so is the CA. The CA being on the 700 footprint has more after market support if you decide to upgrade. I had one Sako 75 deluxe once and it didn't shoot to my standards so I sold it. Just my one time experience. I personally would choose the CA Traverse and spend more on the glass if I were to go with CA.

 

[Alabusa]

I would buy the Sako. I've heard too many horror stories about CA's customer service. You won't be left behind with the .300 WM for hunting distances.

 

[nrspence]

Christensen arms quality control has dropped off the pst few years. They also don’t put their employees worth a shit, so it all adds up. I would go Sako if you are dead set on those two choices.

 

[michiman]

Christensen arms quality control has dropped off the pst few years. They also don’t put their employees worth a shit, so it all adds up. I would go Sako if you are dead set on those two choices.

What else do you recommend? I’m open to all options really.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

If you do not want to build, Proof and Seekins come to mind.

 

[Milf Dots]

What else do you recommend? I’m open to all options really.

Instead of the Christensen I'd contact some top rifle builders and see what they can offer in your budget range. Chad at LRI might have some ideas. Kirby Allen/APS in Montana would also be a guy to talk with.

 

[Healy]

That’s a good budget call up ga precision see what they have built in stock

 

[Cheyenne Bodie]

Ever think of a Bighorn action, Proof carbon barrel, and KRG stock? Should be well under your target price even after trigger and DBM. I don't have any experience with Bighorn actions myself, I'm sure others can give you some insight on them though.

 

[pinhead]

That is a healthy budget. You could also post up a Want To Buy ad on the PX to see if someone out there has what you want. It doesn’t hurt to ask while you hunt down a new rig.

 

[nrspence]

What else do you recommend? I’m open to all options really.

Maybe not as light as you want, but I have been really impressed with the Seekins Havak rifles. 6.5 PRC ?

 

[acudaowner]

why not a used gun for hunting pay less for the gun savage has tons of much cheaper than 3k choices or tika or bagara a b 14 is only Weight: 7 lbs-7.1 lbs and a Hunter MSRP $825 .
maybe 1k , and then a nice scope

 

[michiman]

why not a used gun for hunting pay less for the gun savage has tons of much cheaper than 3k choices or tika or bagara a b 14 is only Weight: 7 lbs-7.1 lbs and a Hunter MSRP $825 .
maybe 1k , and then a nice scope

I appreciate all the advice. I’ll keep it all on mind.

ive never had a rifle built. Not really that interested honestly. I also have had some pretty bad luck with preowned firearms.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Seekins Havak 300 win mag would get my vote.

 

[MTS308]

My advice would be buy the sako. I have a sako 85 and a christensen mesa both in 308. Both are very nice guns but if I had it to do over again I'd have bought 2 sakos. Just my 2cent. Nothing against the christensen but it seems in the last few years their quality has been iffy. I know several of guys who have the ridgeline and b a tactical series that are tack drivers. But the christensen rifles just don't feel as good as a sako to me.

 

[NewsShooter]

With that budget I'd build..... Bighorn, proof, choice of trigger, manners carbon EH1A . My other choice would be a havak, https://www.seekinsprecision.com/product/havak/havak-bolt-action-rifle-ph2.html

 

[Fishin6061]

If you don’t have to have the 300, the 28 Nosler is a death ray

 

[b6graham]

I'd vote sako between the two.

But with that budget

Bighorn TL3/SR3
AG Composites or XLR magnesium or McMillan/manners
Proof in 300PRC

Get to pick trigger. Chassis/stock. Exact barrel etc and tons of options for improvement or modifications down the road

 

[S_R]

Seeking will have 10% off on Black Friday

 

[b6graham]

Seeking will have 10% off on Black Friday

It's easy to get 20 30 or 40% certs from seekins

 

[S_R]

Teach me Obi Wan i never heard of it. Please share information with us.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

It's easy to get 20 30 or 40% certs from seekins

would like to hear more. I’m thinking of ordering the Havak Element on Black Friday and could use all the % off I could get! Thanks!

 

[S_R]

With 30% off I’ll get element in heart beat.

 

[michiman]

It's easy to get 20 30 or 40% certs from seekins

how????

 

[b6graham]

how????

almost ever 2 day match i've been to. or in the PX. i might have one floating around still