Suggestions for starter Chassis bolt action rifle in 6.5?

[faylix]

Is your total budget still “in the low twos” as you said in your first post?

I feel like it’s not as that leaves you like $500 for an optic.

-Stan

Doing my best to keep it in the low 2's.

For the right optic I could spring for 1500 ish. Prefer not to go that far though. I might have to dig into my Bitcoin holdings not to upset the boss.

Barrel not included in this number - new barrel will be in 6 months or so and new budget.

 

[Rob01]

What else do I need to do?

- I have a 1 - 6x optic that isn't being used right now I can put on this thing while I save up for a DNT the one (anyone with an extra one want to give me a good deal?) - I guess I could use one of my optics from my other long range guns - but they are sighted in and zero stopped and I just don't want to break up a working gun set.
- I have a good bipod on a quick release mount
- I have a few different kinds of bags
- I ordered a box of the suggested ammo.
- I need some kind of bag that will accept a gun that long - any suggestions?
- I have targets, target stands, etc.
- Muzzle compensator - I'm in MA so suppressors are kind of a no go (right this second) - I have a 419 6.5 compensated break I was going to put on my 6.5 LMT barrel but I can save it for this? I also have a simple KAK compensator that would work. Or I can just leave the thread protector.

What am I missing?

also, Where should I start reading about pre fit barrels for when I'm ready to move up? Who should I be looking at? I've read about Osprey, Bartlien, NSS, proof.... so far Bartlien looks like it'll be around 500, the NSS barrels are in the 3 - 4 range, proof is in the 1k range, osprey is 6 - 7.

Again, super appreciate all the help.

A 1-6x optic on that rifle is a waste of time mounting. Just keep saving and throw the DNT on when you get it.

I wouldn’t waste a lot of money on the first 100 rounds or so of what you put through it. Buy some cheaper ammo and then some good stuff like Hornady 140 ELD-Ms for when you start reaching out with it.

What 419 brake you have? A PVA Jet4 is what I would recommend but you need an optic before you buy anything else for the rifle.

For a prefit get an Osprey. They shoot great and you can get it in whatever contour you want and length. I wouldn’t get a cheap prefit if you want it good performance. The PVA are priced right. You shouldn’t need one for a while anyways.

Buy your optic first! What’s your optic budget?

 

[faylix]

My optic budget is negotiable.

I'd love a lightly used dnt for 400ish...

 

[Rob01]

And what is the max of that negotiation?

 

[FuhQ]

If your budget is negotiable, but you can spend "up to $1,500 on the right optic", stop being cheap and just spend $600 on a damn DNT and $200 on a set of ARC M-Brace 34mm Medium rings. You now have a fully functional rifle, and still have $700 of your "$1,500 budget for the right optic" to now play with. Both are in stock right now. Get the optic first, then worry about the other stuff. Like @Rob01 said, without a proper optic, that rifle is worthless.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/dnt-optics-the-one-7-35x56-ffp-mrad-tor-theone-reticle-to7351tor/7e5bcf10-5cac-013d-d1be-00163ecd2826?variation=3855962&srsltid=AfmBOooJU-1jHqK9ZfzIa48EIgmYIrTE6bGV3ZrqwTvGoMyYyq0GxB6J

American Rifle Company M-BRACE 34mm Picatinny-Style Scope Rings Medium

The American Rifle Company M-Brace Scope Rings will hold firmly without marring or indenting the scope, even under the heaviest recoil. The uniquely...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[HaydenLane]

You should just completely forget about a barrel until you shoot out the one it comes with. Given your budget constraints, that’s gonna be a while. Worry about getting good and spend the money on ammo instead.

 

[SURREYDIESEL]

Hey guys,

I'm just starting to put together my list for my first bolt action rifle.

- I'm looking to stay under 2k. If I could do it for 1500 that would be perfect - that way with glass and bipod I'm in the early 2's
- Very happy with used parts if necessary to stay in price point
- I shoot mainly at 1 - 200 yards but am looking to build something I could fly west with and start taking to long range classes
- Ideally sub .5 moa at 100 yards (My WOA barrel 223 AR can do sub 1 moa ... looking for something significantly better)
- I just converted my LMT MARS-H to 6.5cm and would like to stick with this round for purposes of ammo stocking

I've been looking at things like the tikka t3x tactical, Remington 700 , Ruger precision rifle, but its a lot and I thought I'd come here to gain some good dope to start with.

other than the above, go wild. I'm down to collect an action, barrel, trigger and chassis all separate if I have to - but it would be nice to buy something I can shoot now and have an upgrade path later.

thank you all for putting up with me ;-)

For a first bolt-action under $2k, the Tikka T3x CTR or Ruger Precision Rifle are solid choices with sub-MOA accuracy and upgrade potential. A used Remington 700 is also a good option if you want to build from scratch. Stick with 6.5 Creedmoor for ammo consistency.