Production Rifle Options

[Sagemonkey]

Hey,

I'm going to buy a 6.5CM bolt rifle. My price range is up to $2000.00, not including the optic. I weaseled my way into the upcoming shot show and was curious if anyone had suggestions of things to see. If you feel like voting on the list below, feel free. I will primarily be using the rifle for skill building. Possibly a match or two, and a hunt if I draw a tag for Oryx, pronghorn, elk, mule deer, or Ibex. Weight isn't a big issue for carry reasons, but 15 lbs would be the limit due to regulations in WA and ID. (Scoped, bi-pod, and 5 round mag included)

1. Bergara B14 HMR Pro
2. Tikka Tac A1 (or CTR put in a KRG Wiskey 3)
3. MPA PMR
4. Daniel Defense Delta 5
5. Christensen Arms Mesa Long Range

Maybe I will build a 6.5 PRC in the future, but for now I think a good production gun would be best. I like the Tikka for the less than 90° throw...

 

[FisherT&C]

Tikkas are smooth and I've personally seen guys shoot incredibly well with those at long range. I have no personal experience with any of the others on you list.

 

[kRcu]

Tikka CTR in a W3 would be my vote.

 

[Crabcore]

I would strongly suggest checking out that new Savage in the MDT ACC chassis. I think this rifle has the best chassis of any production offering.

Savage 110 Elite Precision

 

[leeb10]

Grab a Keystone Accuracy Bighorn origin Barreled Action ($1200), a Triggertech Primary Trigger ($150), APA Little Bastard Muzzle Brake ($150), KRG Bravo ($350), Hawkins Rings ($125), SAP 2 round holder ($15), 2x Beers ($10)

 

[SpeedyR]

I was in the same boat. I ordered a PVA John Hancock 6.5CM rifle. Didn't get it after a year and I had learned enough to start to build my own rifle but looking at sub $2k rifles here were some good ones:

Ruger Precision rifle- well under your price range, but could buy the rifle and a really nice trigger, optics and a new prefit barrel and I would bet it would be a runner.

Tikka- solid action and trigger. I really looked hard at the Tac A1. Would have been happy with it, just didn't find the right deal at the time.

PRS "gamer" rifles- these were rifles that were made to get into the price point for the PRS series ($2k at the time) but were really full on custom guns where a few corners were cut to get the price into the level needed. This is what I would do if I were you, depending upon how you want something set up:

BadRock Rifles South Fork- shot one at the Precision Rifle Expo- If I hadn't built my own, this would have been the rifle for me. Basically a Defiance action (hard to go wrong there) and an MDT chassis with a good barrel.
MPA PMR rifle- very similar to the Bad Rock but with an action that might be more to your liking if you want a sub 90degree bolt throw. I didn't get a chance to shoot it at the PRE but you can't go wrong with either of these two rifles. You get a MPA chassis with this one, MDT with the Bad Rock.

 

[benchmstr]

Badrock South fork...there is absolutely nothing else to consider.

Bench