Need help in purchasing my first bolt action

[Cuomo blows Deblasio]

First, thanks in advance for reading and giving guidance.

I am looking to purchase my first bolt action rifle, but I have no clue what to look at. I am on Nassau county NY, and the store that I've visited, they seldom take the time to explain, other than "it's good, you'll be happy with it."

So I am turning to this community. I have a budget of about $3000, looking for more tactical feel, 6.5 Creedmore, 3lb or less pull. Looking to shoot target at 1000 yards and possible hunt. Not looking for the generic manufactured models which I am sure they are great. Just want to see whats a recommendation and why?

Any directions you can give, it's greatly appreciate it.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Does $3k include optic?

If not, find a used AI-AT or spend a little extra and get a new fixed stock AT

 

[DaChank]

Get the best action you can afford. Everything else is reasonably upgradable.

 

[Win223]

I was/am in your exact position, looking to get I to lo g range on a $3K budget. I've decided to save up a bit more money to go with a custom action, probably from Bighorn, but prior to that I was looking at the Tikka CTR, Ruger RPR, and Bergara HMR. The HMR is the least "tactical" of the 3, which was my preference.

Tons of guys on here and other forums swear by the Tikka's, its pretty hard to go wrong with one of those I think. The CTR is has the most "tactical" style stock of the Tikka models. I think they run around $1500, which would leave you plenty of money for a scope, a few accessories and ammo.

Almost everyone says you should get as much scope as you can afford. CameralandNY posted sales prices for some Athlon scopes that are really good, I think there's a post in the PX. I'm probably going to pick up a Cronus tomorrow.

From what I've been able to gather, the smart way to do this is get a decent factory rifle like one of the above, put the best glass you are willing to pay for on it, shoot it a bunch, make sure you actually like the long range game, then move up to something nicer/better later, if you even want to.

Unfortunately, I've never been accused of being smart, hence the jump straight to a custom action.

Just keep in mind, what you just read was internet advice from a noob.

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

I am biased.
Tikka would be a great idea.
Certainly an accurate "out of the box" rifle.
My Super Varmint is cheaper than the CTR, and shoots pretty damn well.
Seriously doubt you would regret it.
Yon can always get a custom stock at a later date.
Whatever decision you make , all the best with your endeavours.

 

[Harman117]

Yeah, hard to answer without knowing if $3000 includes optics or not?

If just rifle there are plenty of newer options aimed at the "production" division of PRS competitions. Meaning: rifle costs less than $2500, and you're basically getting a "custom" rifle for that.

Badrock South fork (Defiance), Masterpiece Arms, GAP, ARC are just a few examples of the companies/rifles.

Edit: While it's nice to have a gucci gun, I would also recommend attending a vetted long range shooting course, you don't want to end up being another guy on the range who has a $3k rifle and doesn't know how to use it...

(Also Tikka T3X CTRs are closer to $800-900 in the states, not $1500)

 

[vinniedelpino]

Mack Bros Evo Stainless
Criterion prefit with remage setup
Triggertech Special
KRG Bravo/X-ray Gen2/ Oryx Chassis
Arken Halo Rings
Athlon Ares ETR

That'll perform with the best of them at $3k with optics. Now.... where are you shooting 1k anywhere near Nassau? That would have to be the most expensive range in the world by a huge margin.

 

[808caliber]

Havent received my action yet. But @Joel Russo is an awesome dude and always answers my emails in less than a day. Was confused about the kratos lite vs kratos x and which wyatt box to use. He called me when i got off work to explain each action and why its designed the way they are in respect to BDL setups and which wyatt box to use.
Ive never used a 3 lug, but my bro uses a curtis and loves it, so seeing as joel is the creator of those actions and has made further improvements def has me excited.

Have used arc, bighorn, and ultimatum. Cant say one is better than the other. But its nice when u have solid customer service to backup a product.

 

[Cuomo blows Deblasio]

First, thanks in advance for reading and giving guidance.

I am looking to purchase my first bolt action rifle, but I have no clue what to look at. I am on Nassau county NY, and the store that I've visited, they seldom take the time to explain, other than "it's good, you'll be happy with it."

So I am turning to this community. I have a budget of about $3000, looking for more tactical feel, 6.5 Creedmore, 3lb or less pull. Looking to shoot target at 1000 yards and possible hunt. Not looking for the generic manufactured models which I am sure they are great. Just want to see whats a recommendation and why?

Any directions you can give, it's greatly appreciate it.

WHILE I WAS READING SOME OF THE REPLIES, THE $3000 BUDGET IS ONLY THE RIFLE WITH NO SCOPE.