Is the Savage 10BA Stealth the best/only factory, mag fed, bolt gun for a lefty for ~$1k?

[TXLX]

I'm potentially looking to get into long range shooting and PRS matches as well as get a new rifle for hunting. I'd like a rifle that can fulfill all of these roles. I have a .308 gasser that technically could do this, but I'd like a bolt gun. After some extensive research, it seems like the options are pretty limited for a lefty like me. I could make a right-handed bolt gun work, but I'd like a left-handed gun if possible. With 3-gun taking up most of my time and money, I'm not looking for a custom made rifle or SRS-A1. The criteria of what I'm looking for is below:

1. Left-handed
2. 6.5 Creedmoor
3. Magazine fed (~10 round capacity, AICS magazine compatibility preferable)
4. ~$1,000ish

The rifles I've been looking at that meet most of the criteria are below, with the Savage 10BA Stealth being the only rifle that meets all of it:

• Savage Model 10BA Stealth
• Tikka T3x CTR (No left-handed option available in the US)
• Howa HCR (No left-handed option)
• Bergara B14 HMR (No left-handed option)
• Ruger Precision Rifle (No left-handed option)

I guess I'm coming to y'all to ask if there's an option I'm not aware of. I'm perfectly happy ordering the Savage (especially with the rebate going on right now) as I've heard great things about it. I just wanted to see if y'all had any suggestions or comments for a long range noob.

 

[EJ1001]

I love threads for lefty suggestions. As a fellow lefty, I am always hopeful someone will chime in with a left handed option I never thought of.

My 2 cents: I own 3 Savage rifles of differing quality levels, 2 right bolt, and 1 left bolt (10 FLCP-K). For hunting and target shooting, they are great - no major issues in that role. However, if I was looking for PRS reliability (feeding and ejection), I am thoroughly convinced I would need another action other than Savage based on what I encounter form time to time just target shooting.

I have spent quite a bit of time doing research, lurking, sending emails and PMs, and I keep coming back to a semi-custom approach is the best 'value' for my money spent. Here is just one idea: Keeping close to ~1.5K, you could find a R700 lefty pawn shop donor, plus barrel, trigger, and some Remage parts and tools, and a B&C stock. After that, add a rail and glass and you would have a perfectly serviceable multi-purpose rifle.

I read this all the time, and it is so true - the gun is the cheap part, feeding it is where the money goes.

 

[TXLX]

I love threads for lefty suggestions. As a fellow lefty, I am always hopeful someone will chime in with a left handed option I never thought of.

My 2 cents: I own 3 Savage rifles of differing quality levels, 2 right bolt, and 1 left bolt (10 FLCP-K). For hunting and target shooting, they are great - no major issues in that role. However, if I was looking for PRS reliability (feeding and ejection), I am thoroughly convinced I would need another action other than Savage based on what I encounter form time to time just target shooting.

I have spent quite a bit of time doing research, lurking, sending emails and PMs, and I keep coming back to a semi-custom approach is the best 'value' for my money spent. Here is just one idea: Keeping close to ~1.5K, you could find a R700 lefty pawn shop donor, plus barrel, trigger, and some Remage parts and tools, and a B&C stock. After that, add a rail and glass and you would have a perfectly serviceable multi-purpose rifle.

I read this all the time, and it is so true - the gun is the cheap part, feeding it is where the money goes.

Thanks for the suggestion! I have seen some instances where the action on the Savage hung up and wouldn't go completely into battery. Could that possibly be attributed to the tight tolerances of the blueprinted action?

Not gonna lie, I had to google some of the stuff you said haha. Semi-custom seems like a good route to go, just not sure if I'm knowledgeable enough on the subject yet to do that competently. I'll do some more research. Thanks again.

 

[houndog]

This is from Tikka's website. http://www.tikka.fi/rifles/tikka-t3x/t3x-compact-tactical-rifle - but maybe not available in U.S. Not sure of the cost, but the RH Tikka CTR can be found for under $900.

Also, pay attention to Left Hand rifles for sale on this forum. It could take a while, but you might find something or be able to piece something together (buying action, chassis, etc. separately).

 

[LeftyJason]

To see what they do into the US go here. http://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[CJS-6.5]

Ruger just came out with a Predator in 6.5 lefty...

 

[CJS-6.5]

Would need to find a new stock or chassis to meet your 3rd requirement though.