First, let me start by thanking you for helping me with my decision.
I have a 23 year old Browning A-Bolt chambered in 7MM-08 that has served me very well, but it's time to upgrade. The longest distance I have harvested game with this rifle is approximately 150 yards. My previous hunting encounters have not offered long range opportunities.
I now have opportunities to hunt at longer ranges (up to 400-500 yards), and I have purchased a .30 cal suppressor, so I'm looking to purchase a new rifle. I have sensitive hearing and throwing on hearing pro prior to shooting has not been ideal.
I began my search set on the Browning Predator Hunter in 6.5 CM. The rifle is reasonably priced, sub 7lbs, has a 22" heavy barrel, and is threaded in 5/8-24. I stumbled upon a thread from this forum where someone purchased this rifle, but the threads were not actually 5/8-24 as advertised. I am also concerned about Browning's CS, but I do not have any personal hesitations with their rifles given my past success with my current rifle.
Given my desire to have a 22" (or shorter) barrel for maneuverability with the suppressor, I believe stepping up to the 6.5 PRC to enhance my ballistics is a viable option. I will mainly be hunting deer sized game, hogs, predators, and varmints. I would love to go on an elk hunt one day, but that is most likely years from today. At that point I may purchase a larger caliber rifle better suited for larger game even though I believe the 6.5 PRC is up to the challenge given the right conditions.
I do not currently reload and I do not have plans to reload in the near future. My original budget for the rifle minus optic was $1,200, but I'm willing to bump that up to the $2,500 range. I'm not interested in building a custom rifle because I do not know a good smith and frankly I do not know where to begin. This rifle is solely for hunting and the range. I am not a competition shooter. Also, I like mags, just what I'm used to, but I'm sure I can be swayed.
This will likely be my last gun purchase for some time since my wife and I will be having children soon. Will the Browning Predator Hunter in 6.5CM suit my needs, sure, but I would like feedback from experienced users regarding the fine rifles listed below, or any other glaring omissions.
Christensen Arms Mesa - Pros: reasonably priced, lightweight, great reviews, availability Cons: 24" barrel (is the barrel able to be cut down and rethreaded?), factory thread 1/2x28
Bergara Highlander - Pros: great CS and rifle reviews, threaded 5/8-24 Cons: heavy
Fierce Edge / Rival - Pros: .50 MOA guarantee, availability Cons: price
Seekins Havak / Havak Element - Pros: great reviews, very lightweight (Element), 21" barrel, threaded 5/8-24 Cons: Fluting and stainless barrel (personal taste), 90 degree bolt?, and price
Proof Elevation MTR - Cons: Few/no reviews and PRICE
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible. I'm open to thoughts/opinions & suggestions. Also, I should be able to get my hands on all of these rifles with the exception of the Havak. Again, thank you for your time.
I have a 23 year old Browning A-Bolt chambered in 7MM-08 that has served me very well, but it's time to upgrade. The longest distance I have harvested game with this rifle is approximately 150 yards. My previous hunting encounters have not offered long range opportunities.
I now have opportunities to hunt at longer ranges (up to 400-500 yards), and I have purchased a .30 cal suppressor, so I'm looking to purchase a new rifle. I have sensitive hearing and throwing on hearing pro prior to shooting has not been ideal.
I began my search set on the Browning Predator Hunter in 6.5 CM. The rifle is reasonably priced, sub 7lbs, has a 22" heavy barrel, and is threaded in 5/8-24. I stumbled upon a thread from this forum where someone purchased this rifle, but the threads were not actually 5/8-24 as advertised. I am also concerned about Browning's CS, but I do not have any personal hesitations with their rifles given my past success with my current rifle.
Given my desire to have a 22" (or shorter) barrel for maneuverability with the suppressor, I believe stepping up to the 6.5 PRC to enhance my ballistics is a viable option. I will mainly be hunting deer sized game, hogs, predators, and varmints. I would love to go on an elk hunt one day, but that is most likely years from today. At that point I may purchase a larger caliber rifle better suited for larger game even though I believe the 6.5 PRC is up to the challenge given the right conditions.
I do not currently reload and I do not have plans to reload in the near future. My original budget for the rifle minus optic was $1,200, but I'm willing to bump that up to the $2,500 range. I'm not interested in building a custom rifle because I do not know a good smith and frankly I do not know where to begin. This rifle is solely for hunting and the range. I am not a competition shooter. Also, I like mags, just what I'm used to, but I'm sure I can be swayed.
This will likely be my last gun purchase for some time since my wife and I will be having children soon. Will the Browning Predator Hunter in 6.5CM suit my needs, sure, but I would like feedback from experienced users regarding the fine rifles listed below, or any other glaring omissions.
Christensen Arms Mesa - Pros: reasonably priced, lightweight, great reviews, availability Cons: 24" barrel (is the barrel able to be cut down and rethreaded?), factory thread 1/2x28
Bergara Highlander - Pros: great CS and rifle reviews, threaded 5/8-24 Cons: heavy
Fierce Edge / Rival - Pros: .50 MOA guarantee, availability Cons: price
Seekins Havak / Havak Element - Pros: great reviews, very lightweight (Element), 21" barrel, threaded 5/8-24 Cons: Fluting and stainless barrel (personal taste), 90 degree bolt?, and price
Proof Elevation MTR - Cons: Few/no reviews and PRICE
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible. I'm open to thoughts/opinions & suggestions. Also, I should be able to get my hands on all of these rifles with the exception of the Havak. Again, thank you for your time.
Last edited: