I have a few options in mind. I want to see what everyone else would do with $3500 to build a completed setup including glass and bipod. I’m trying to focus this around a prs style gun.
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If you had $3500 to spend on a bolt gun setup
- Thread starter Chasingpro
- Start date
If I had 3500, I'd do a Tikka, Bergara, etc in the $2000 range. Bipod would be a Accutac BR4. Scope, and possible Toric 4.5-30X56 scope.
I'd buy a Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6.5-Creedmoor ... and a Leupold Mark 5 HD 3.6-18x44 scope for it. You should have enough left over for a good Atlas bipod. If you're a good shot, that's terrific for out to 1,200 yards. If you're a great shot, it'll get you to a mile (mine does).
I'd look for a rifle and scope in the PX. 
. https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/custom-tikka-t3.7147091/#post-10551266. It's a 308 but you could offer 2500 and swap the barrel and still be in the ballpark.
. https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/custom-tikka-t3.7147091/#post-10551266. It's a 308 but you could offer 2500 and swap the barrel and still be in the ballpark.
ARC Nucleus or a Z. Origin - $1200
Criterion Prefit - $410
Chassis (lots of choices, get a KRG Bravo to save a few bucs) - $750
Triggertech - $207
Rings - $144
Used Athlon Cronus - $1000
Sundry bits, magazines, etc - $140
Total is like $3700ish (you can get it right at $3500 with the Bravo). Or, you can wait for sales or other used parts (lots of used actions on here) and get the total even lower.
Way better than starting with a factory rifle and replacing bits.
Criterion Prefit - $410
Chassis (lots of choices, get a KRG Bravo to save a few bucs) - $750
Triggertech - $207
Rings - $144
Used Athlon Cronus - $1000
Sundry bits, magazines, etc - $140
Total is like $3700ish (you can get it right at $3500 with the Bravo). Or, you can wait for sales or other used parts (lots of used actions on here) and get the total even lower.
Way better than starting with a factory rifle and replacing bits.
So I’m currently thinking defiance ruckus, proof prefit, krg bravo, triggertech special, arken ep5.
Other option would be ARC archimedes, criterion prefit, krg bravo, triggertech special, arken ep5.
Sort of trying to determine what setup I’ll be more happy with, which is tough since you can’t exactly handle or shoot these guns in person.
Other option would be ARC archimedes, criterion prefit, krg bravo, triggertech special, arken ep5.
Sort of trying to determine what setup I’ll be more happy with, which is tough since you can’t exactly handle or shoot these guns in person.
With black friday (BF) coming up, I would be looking at ARC and PVA for some action/barreled action sales.
I think the KRG Bravo is an excellent budget chassis that really punches above its weight class. MDT has black friday sales, so that would be a good place to look as well for a chassis.
Normally I'm a big BnA guy for triggers, but I think you'll have better luck finding TT's on sale during BF.
For bipods, MDT GRND-POD if on sale for BF. Atlas is another great bipod at a decent price, not sure if there will be any sales available.
Are there any matches nearby you? Go see what everyone else has, ask questions, get behind a few rifles.
Bravo- if you are serious about PRS you’ll quickly decide you need a better chassis that can be balanced properly (been there done that).Look at the MPA PMR PRO 2 and price out all the items separately and you’ll realize it’s a no brainer. Mine even came with the upgraded ESR chassis.
“Used” quality optics trump “New” sub-par optics.
Look at the MPA PMR PRO 2 and price out all the items separately and you’ll realize it’s a no brainer. Mine even came with the upgraded ESR chassis.
“Used” quality optics trump “New” sub-par optics.
The Bravo is pretty light and can be tricky to balance out.
My wife's Bravo with 24" heavy palma was fairly front heavy until we put two steel spacers on the rear end.
With a 6.5 Creedmoor, I find a 24" barrel to be a nice sweet spot, and with the correct profile (like a heavy palma), you can balance it out. But place a 26"+ MTU/HV/1.25" straight contour and you are going to have a seriously front heavy rifle.
-Proof Tikka Prefit.
-Tikka short action assembly
- KRG Whiskey 3
- KRG midas 2 stage if you're down
- Muzzle device
$3500
https://jaoutdoors.com/product/ctr-short-action-308/
-Tikka short action assembly
- KRG Whiskey 3
- KRG midas 2 stage if you're down
- Muzzle device
$3500
https://jaoutdoors.com/product/ctr-short-action-308/
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Pinnacle Production Rifle - Deposit
<p>Place a Deposit for the 2022 Pinnacle Production Rifle</p>
www.gaprecision.net
iirc they do a batch of these once or twice a year. might (more likely - definitely) have to up your budget some though depending on what glass you get.
A friend and I both used tikkas when we started. We both have them and they are great but starting over again if you think your going to stick with this long term I would buy a 700 pattern action for the trigger and chassis options.
We both also started with bravos and they are excellent chassis but you have to be willing to do some extra work to get balanced. I used lead bbs and epoxy to fill the buttstock and steel spaces as well as sheets of lead under the handguard and running proof comp contour. It balanced excellent and I really like the ergos. I still have 2 bravos but recently bought a Xlr envy and MDT ACC to test out.
My best advice is try to pick up a used rifle, action, scope off here. If your patient you can easily come in under your budget and with much nicer components. I would make sure to get an action that offers proof prefits as well.
We both also started with bravos and they are excellent chassis but you have to be willing to do some extra work to get balanced. I used lead bbs and epoxy to fill the buttstock and steel spaces as well as sheets of lead under the handguard and running proof comp contour. It balanced excellent and I really like the ergos. I still have 2 bravos but recently bought a Xlr envy and MDT ACC to test out.
My best advice is try to pick up a used rifle, action, scope off here. If your patient you can easily come in under your budget and with much nicer components. I would make sure to get an action that offers proof prefits as well.
You can buy the Archimedes rifle complete for a great deal I’m sure with the Black Friday sales. Definitely would stay with the options that offer pre fit barrels. Gonna leave you a little lacking for great optics options but it can be done.
ETA: I would look at the XTR3 as an option
ETA: I would look at the XTR3 as an option
I'd buy a Bighorn Origin for $900, a prefit for $500-600, Timney HIT for about $190, PVA Jet4 brake for $140 and get a used chassis/stock and then spend the rest on a decent scope like a Burris XTRIII 5.5-30.
Keep an eye in the PX as there are a ton of good deals there. I would not buy any factory rifle like Bergara etc. Get a custom action as you will save in the long run with prefit barrels.
Keep an eye in the PX as there are a ton of good deals there. I would not buy any factory rifle like Bergara etc. Get a custom action as you will save in the long run with prefit barrels.
Nucleus Gen2 Rifle
americanrifle.odoo.com
Im ignoring the bipod and rings aspect because youll eventually spend the additional money anyways.
CTR Barreled Action in 6.5cm $800
KRG Bravo+ Arca Rail $450
Area 419 Hellfire Match $150
Reduced trigger pull spring $5
Burris XTR3 $1000
Spuhr Mount $400
TBAC Bipod with Arca adapter $500
2 Mags $200
The first thing you will end up adding if you shoot PRS, is weights. You can eventually put a prefit 6mm barrel in whatever flavor you like on there.
KRG Bravo+ Arca Rail $450
Area 419 Hellfire Match $150
Reduced trigger pull spring $5
Burris XTR3 $1000
Spuhr Mount $400
TBAC Bipod with Arca adapter $500
2 Mags $200
The first thing you will end up adding if you shoot PRS, is weights. You can eventually put a prefit 6mm barrel in whatever flavor you like on there.
They switched from defiance tenacity to curtis actions.........Pinnacle Production Rifle - Deposit
<p>Place a Deposit for the 2022 Pinnacle Production Rifle</p>
iirc they do a batch of these once or twice a year. might (more likely - definitely) have to up your budget some though depending on what glass you get.
Bravo with arca aluminum fore end, straight barrel, and as many .22 bullets as you can get in the rear cavity.
As others mentioned the MPA BA PMR Pro is hard to beat. I wish I had known about this when I built up my first PRS rifle this year. Get a Burris XTR iii and a bipod in PX and you would be around or just over $3500.
MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle II - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.
Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...
masterpiecearms.com
ARC is so great that in the PNW where they are located, almost no one runs their shit except for a handful of people.
I guess your mother never taught you that if you don’t have anything nice to say…. To each his own.
While what he said contributed little I think if something sucks we need to tell each other. We need to share what does and doesn't work. That's actually the premise of forums...
I am 100% not saying that ARC sucks. If he has some proof beside "they don't run them up here" I'm all ears.
Glad we have the fanboi dick sucks here to pimp there shit.
Personally I saw more ARC failures at matches this year than anything else. Nukes that wouldn't feed, Mbrace cracked in half and actions binding up when they get dirt in them. Watched some dolt try to take apart his bolt and lost a part or 3. Hope he enjoyed the 4 hour drive home after shooting 2 mags.
My mother taught me to tell the truth. Sorry your sensitive little ass can't handle it.
Well if you had pertinent info, you could have led with that... Having an opinion is hardly fanboi pimping. You're probably right, if it doesn't say Impact or GAP it must be utter shit.
Ad hoc attacks on anybody that calls you out on your lack of manners is another issue entirely. Not sure why your thought process instantly leads to imagery of oral sex. I urge you to go ahead and pleasure yourself in whatever way suits you - no judgement here.
Throwing your heavy handed opinions around as if it carries any weight is a figment of your imagination. I don't know you from Adam and couldn't care less about your recommendations or criticisms. Perhaps if they were presented in an objective way with actual information they would be better received. All I can perceive from your posts is that you are a foul numbskull with an overactive delusions of grandeur who could use some manners. Touting your PNW location only leads me to other assumptions that you have been being influenced by the libs and their pervasive disrespectful manner of discourse. I have seen many of your other posts and you presenting yourself as some sort of advocate or ambassador for the PRS, hardly the welcoming attitude one would wish to see.
I will give you the last word to appease your need to agrandize yourself and you opinions on all things firearms related. My sensitivity is much less than you imagine and I could care less about your line of rhetoric. I was simply noting your lack of tact.
I will agree the bolt is overly complicated and if you must should only be dissasembled in one of these.
Bighorn Origin 900
ZERMATT ARMS/BIGHORN ARMS ORIGIN SHORT ACTION | Northland Shooters Supply
Northland Shooters Supply (NSS) offers the TL3, SR2, and Origin action from Zermatt Arms/Bighorn Arms.
northlandshooterssupply.com
Barrel 400-500
Triggertech Trigger 250
KRG Bravo 300 in PX
Badger ordnance rings 170
Bushnell Elite Tactical 800 in PX
AICS mag from Short Action Precision 71 bucks
Atlas bipod 250
3250 dollars for total build and it will hammer.
For your budget, go Bighorn Origin instead of Tikka. It just gives you more options in the future. Tikkas are awesome, Bighorns are better.
Yeah I would recommend an archimedes, even without Black Friday you could be close if you go bravo chassis, pva barrel in stocked caliber or likely sale. Have both nucleus and archimedes and that is worth the extra $100 normal price (unless you want to swap bolt heads all the time, that is slightly more difficult on it).
For something that you can grow in the future, I’d consider a Bighorn with Proof prefit package from @Front Range Precision with that budget. Leaves you over $2K for the optic and chassis, which for my taste is tight but certainly doable.
I sort of tried the Tikka thing and you can get a badass Tikka for $2K (either built out to your specs from a stripper action or buying a TAC A1) and it’s certainly not a bad rifle but any stretch, but you’re limiting your future tinkering or growth. Of the shorter bolt throw actions I played with, I prefer the Sako TRG. You could get into one in the $2K range if you snag it used or find a deal but everything about them is hideously expensive and there’s not a lot of aftermarket for them really.
I sort of tried the Tikka thing and you can get a badass Tikka for $2K (either built out to your specs from a stripper action or buying a TAC A1) and it’s certainly not a bad rifle but any stretch, but you’re limiting your future tinkering or growth. Of the shorter bolt throw actions I played with, I prefer the Sako TRG. You could get into one in the $2K range if you snag it used or find a deal but everything about them is hideously expensive and there’s not a lot of aftermarket for them really.
Bighorn origin with a prefit, Triggertech Diamond and PDC chassis with weight kit will put you about $2500ish. Leaves you about $1000 for a scope. That’s in the Athlon ETR price range.
For $3000 for an entire rig? Keep saving your pennies until you can afford a rig that doesn’t compromise on anything. Buy once cry once.
Like everyone is loyal to things made near where they live . That's just stupid to think, we have the internet and shipping now .
Sucked back when you mailed in your order and had to wait for the stage coach though .
I'd put the $3500 as a down payment on a Tac Ops.
When you finally crawl out of debt after getting the rifle and you've been finger banging it for a month with no optic, throw a SWFA SS fixed 10x to save money.
Run it like that until you can get a ZCO.
You're welcome.....
When you finally crawl out of debt after getting the rifle and you've been finger banging it for a month with no optic, throw a SWFA SS fixed 10x to save money.
Run it like that until you can get a ZCO.
You're welcome.....
In all seriousness,
I agree that a CTR in Bravo [or any other better stock of your preference] is hard to beat for the money.
There are lots of great bipods out there [accutac, tbac, atlas, etc...].
That's a solid setup for under $2k, then put everything else you can in a good Optic with a reticle you like, and good mounting setup.
I agree that a CTR in Bravo [or any other better stock of your preference] is hard to beat for the money.
There are lots of great bipods out there [accutac, tbac, atlas, etc...].
That's a solid setup for under $2k, then put everything else you can in a good Optic with a reticle you like, and good mounting setup.
The ARC rifle might go on sale here soon.
That + a solid PX optic would be a nice way to role . . .
If it were me I'd buy a Tikka / bravo setup from the PX and be done- spend my extra coin on a silencer or more ammo.
Don't get hung up on needing the cool kid 6mm (6BR, BRA, GT, Dasher, etc)- a 6.5 creed is still a great option.
That + a solid PX optic would be a nice way to role . . .
If it were me I'd buy a Tikka / bravo setup from the PX and be done- spend my extra coin on a silencer or more ammo.
Don't get hung up on needing the cool kid 6mm (6BR, BRA, GT, Dasher, etc)- a 6.5 creed is still a great option.
No one has chimes in and mentioned an AI AT yet?
The hide really is slipping.
The hide really is slipping.
