Suggestions for starter Chassis bolt action rifle in 6.5?

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.
 
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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?
 
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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.


 
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And what is the max of that negotiation?

Tha depends on the scope. I mean if I'm shopping used I want to get as close to 50% of retail as possible. But the top of the line I can reasonably spend on a scope is 1500 - and that number would mean Im stretching my fun budget.

I'd like to get at least down to 475 - 500 on a 599 scope (including the sh10 code, this place rocks)

If it's a 3k scope like a theos I'd like to be at 1500 to make the move worth it.

Personally I'm not a good enough shooter yet, and I don't shoot long enough to take advantage of a scope like that though. For me, my best bet (i think) is to find a used dnt or another used Cronus gen 2 and a good mount - like @FuhQ suggested - and spend more on ammo.

But for the right deal ... I have another 2 weeks realistically before the rifle arrives at my FFL and it clears the delay that I always get personally.

So I have some time and I'm interested in knowledge and opinions!
 
Tha depends on the scope. I mean if I'm shopping used I want to get as close to 50% of retail as possible. But the top of the line I can reasonably spend on a scope is 1500 - and that number would mean Im stretching my fun budget.

I'd like to get at least down to 475 - 500 on a 599 scope (including the sh10 code, this place rocks)

If it's a 3k scope like a theos I'd like to be at 1500 to make the move worth it.

Personally I'm not a good enough shooter yet, and I don't shoot long enough to take advantage of a scope like that though. For me, my best bet (i think) is to find a used dnt or another used Cronus gen 2 and a good mount - like @FuhQ suggested - and spend more on ammo.

But for the right deal ... I have another 2 weeks realistically before the rifle arrives at my FFL and it clears the delay that I always get personally.

So I have some time and I'm interested in knowledge and opinions!

You might as well buy new if you think you will get 50% off new prices on a used optic lol 75-80% is a more reasonable expectation. I am selling a $1500 optic now for $1275 shipped. If someone offered me $750 I’d laugh in their face. lol Just trying to give you a little reality check on buying used.

Also the DNT isn’t $599 with the SH10. It’s $599 at Cameraland. Being new I don’t think you will find one for $475-500 anytime soon. Just order one for the $599 and get shooting.
 
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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.

A Bartlein blank is in the $400-$500 range. Having one done as a prefit will be more than that (likely $600-$700). I now use exclusively Bartleins and I have them all cut to my actions. Not all prefits are equal and I prefer to have a smith I trust to go the extra mile cut my barrels.
 
Tha depends on the scope. I mean if I'm shopping used I want to get as close to 50% of retail as possible. But the top of the line I can reasonably spend on a scope is 1500 - and that number would mean Im stretching my fun budget.

I'd like to get at least down to 475 - 500 on a 599 scope (including the sh10 code, this place rocks)

If it's a 3k scope like a theos I'd like to be at 1500 to make the move worth it.

Personally I'm not a good enough shooter yet, and I don't shoot long enough to take advantage of a scope like that though. For me, my best bet (i think) is to find a used dnt or another used Cronus gen 2 and a good mount - like @FuhQ suggested - and spend more on ammo.

But for the right deal ... I have another 2 weeks realistically before the rifle arrives at my FFL and it clears the delay that I always get personally.

So I have some time and I'm interested in knowledge and opinions!
I don't understand your weird obsession with this whole "it has to cost 50% of the new value" thing... Also the DNT's are so new, you likely won't find a used one. And they are really good optically, so I definitely doubt you'll find one for much less than $500-550 used. They're getting pretty hot reviews. I know both of mine are damn nice optically, and really nice for a $600 scope. And that's coming from someone who also has Razor Gen3's, NF ATACR F1, a bunch of Zeiss and Kahles scopes. You won't beat the DNT with anything that is currently on the open market for $600.
 
I don't understand your weird obsession with this whole "it has to cost 50% of the new value" thing... Also the DNT's are so new, you likely won't find a used one. And they are really good optically, so I definitely doubt you'll find one for much less than $500-550 used. They're getting pretty hot reviews. I know both of mine are damn nice optically, and really nice for a $600 scope. And that's coming from someone who also has Razor Gen3's, NF ATACR F1, a bunch of Zeiss and Kahles scopes. You won't beat the DNT with anything that is currently on the open market for $600.

It's not an obsession, it's just if I'm going to stretch my fun budget I want it to be for an exceptional deal.

I have almost 2 weeks to look around so I'll probably end up with a DNT or a Cronus but I'd like to get the most for my money and also look around a bit.

Plus, shot show is right around the corner, a bunch of new stuff is gonna drop, and I bet some people are gonna want new stuff and put their current stuff up for sale. Shot show deals on new goods will drop down the price for used goods.

Some people like to spend an inordinate amount of time researching, tracking prices, and deal hunting. Some people smoke crack.

Which one are you? 😄
 
It's not an obsession, it's just if I'm going to stretch my fun budget I want it to be for an exceptional deal.

I have almost 2 weeks to look around so I'll probably end up with a DNT or a Cronus but I'd like to get the most for my money and also look around a bit.

Plus, shot show is right around the corner, a bunch of new stuff is gonna drop, and I bet some people are gonna want new stuff and put their current stuff up for sale. Shot show deals on new goods will drop down the price for used goods.

Some people like to spend an inordinate amount of time researching, tracking prices, and deal hunting. Some people smoke crack.

Which one are you? 😄
Buying a new DNT for regular price of $600 and a set of ARC rings is getting the most for your money. There aren't any other scopes under $1000 that I'm aware of, with that amount of features, and that quality of glass. I've owned scopes that cost $100, and scopes that cost $5,000. When I recommend something, it's from personal experience.

Some of us have been spending inordinate amounts of time playing this game and researching, deal hunting, and spending our hard-earned money for decades longer than you have. Just stay in your lane, and learn something...Don't be so closed-minded towards things. Remember, you're the newbie who asked the questions in the first place, we're just here to help you from our own personal experiences and our own fuck ups and wasted money through bad or underperforming purchases in the past. We've already "been there, done that" and put our money where our mouth is. Just something to keep in mind.
 
Update:

- Solus arriving at FFL today
- Ordered DNT scope
- got a good deal on some seekins rings / 1.25 height
- ordered good ammo, ordered some medium ammo.

I run an Atlas bipod on my WOA gasser that I'll probably just switch back and forth. Maybe if I can find a good deal on another one I'll pick it up.

But I'm probably just gonna buy ammo for a while now.

Congratulations guys, you ruined my (tiny) savings account and made a tactical gas guy into a newbie bolt gun guy.

Photos and first range report sometime next week!
 
Oh,

I need a bag for this gun - what do people recommend ? How long does it have to be?

How long is the rifle? A little longer than that. 😉

There are tons of bags out there and it all depends on your price range. You can get a cheap Midway version and it will work or a more expensive drag bag and it will work. All up to you.
 
Google says 41 Inches.

Mass law says it has to be a hard shell.

For now I just got a cheapie Amazon 48 inch case.

Fucking MAsshole laws. So stupid. So glad I loved south. That sucks but yeah get a longer case as you will probably get a longer barrel down the road. I would go 50-52 honestly as better to have a little more room.
 
Oh,

I need a bag for this gun - what do people recommend ? How long does it have to be?
This gun is heavy, and will be a precision instrument, you don't want a "bag"... You will want a nice rotomolded hard case, like the Pelican, or something similar. Pelican now has their Vault series cases that are also very well constructed, just more budget-friendly.

Pelican V770 Vault Single Rifle Case

Here's a couple of knock-off Pelican cases that are also pretty nice, and right around $100...

Vevor Rifle Case (knock-off Pelican)

HQ Issue (knock-off Pelican)
 
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full comp aero rifle ... for now!

just got dropped off by fedex. Currently running my own background check right now.

Can you believe that even with an FFL I still get delayed when I transfer something to myself?

aerocomp.jpeg


btw, She's 41 inches tip to tail with a 13 inch length of pull with the stock adjusted all the way in.
 
full comp aero rifle ... for now!

just got dropped off by fedex. Currently running my own background check right now.

Can you believe that even with an FFL I still get delayed when I transfer something to myself?

View attachment 8597776


btw, She's 41 inches tip to tail with a 13 inch length of pull with the stock adjusted all the way in.
Oh wow, that's pretty short 😂😂😂

But still factor in that you may run some sort of muzzle device in the future if you plan to attach a suppressor. Or just even a muzzle brake.
 
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full comp aero rifle ... for now!

just got dropped off by fedex. Currently running my own background check right now.

Can you believe that even with an FFL I still get delayed when I transfer something to myself?

View attachment 8597776


btw, She's 41 inches tip to tail with a 13 inch length of pull with the stock adjusted all the way in.
A little confused....you said you have an FFL...why did you say earlier you were having it shipped to an FFL?

Also I thought if you ran a trigger lock a bag is ok in MASS? I thankfully haven't lived there in years but I'm pretty sure it was that way before, just needed to be "secured and unloaded during transport" etc.

If you like to tinker I may have suggested a factory Rem 700 in 6.5cm. Much less expense (especially at dealer cost since you said you are an FFL) and then upgrade as you go. An avg factory rem 700 will shoot better than most anyone starting out.

I used to run hard cases....way too heavy and a pain when more than one. Now I just use a good couple of bags. My favorite bags right now are GPS. Their 50" Bolt gun bag is perfect. I had an Armageddon gear and didn't like it and gave it away.
 
A little confused....you said you have an FFL...why did you say earlier you were having it shipped to an FFL?
🤨 Are you sure your name shouldnt be Sherlock?

Also I thought if you ran a trigger lock a bag is ok in MASS? I thankfully haven't lived there in years but I'm pretty sure it was that way before, just needed to be "secured and unloaded during transport" etc.

New (as of 8/1/2024) adopted mass laws require high capacity rifles to be transported in hard cases. A trigger lock is not enough.

The definition of "large capacity" is nebulous, and since this rifle takes magazines and there are magazines which hold more than 10 rounds it is potentially a large capacity firearm. Though the chance of getting pulled over, having an officer who wants to look inside my vehicle, seeing my rifle case, opening it, and deciding my bolt gun is a large capacity firearm that requires a locked hard case is low - it is not zero. For an extra few bucks and a little extra elbow grease the trade off between that and losing my ability to own a firearm makes the decision prudent.

Further the eventual plan with this gun is to fly west for a few long range training classes. Airlines require a hard case.

As to other rifle choices - I already chose this one. Not much more to consider there.
 
Why fly west? You can take classes in New England by Rifles Only. No flying. 😉

If you will be flying then you need to up your hard case game and get something that will protect the rifle while flying. Not a cheap case. Pelican, Plano and others make those cases.
 
🤨 Are you sure your name shouldnt be Sherlock?



New (as of 8/1/2024) adopted mass laws require high capacity rifles to be transported in hard cases. A trigger lock is not enough.

The definition of "large capacity" is nebulous, and since this rifle takes magazines and there are magazines which hold more than 10 rounds it is potentially a large capacity firearm. Though the chance of getting pulled over, having an officer who wants to look inside my vehicle, seeing my rifle case, opening it, and deciding my bolt gun is a large capacity firearm that requires a locked hard case is low - it is not zero. For an extra few bucks and a little extra elbow grease the trade off between that and losing my ability to own a firearm makes the decision prudent.

Further the eventual plan with this gun is to fly west for a few long range training classes. Airlines require a hard case.

As to other rifle choices - I already chose this one. Not much more to consider there.
Ha, sounds like it’s worse that Canukistan.
 
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Seekins all the way, it’ll be a better range rifle plus there’s plenty of reports of bad accuracy from the Springfield, I personally wouldn’t touch one with what I’ve seen from users.

In that price range I’d also look at Bergara HMR Pro, Tikka CTR dropped in a Bravo (get SS if you go Tikka, the CM barrels are slow), and also some options like a bighorn origin or similar action with a prefit barrel dropped into a bravo or other chassis.
 
I'll be sticking with the stock chassis for a while - but I have always kind of liked the Sidechick (by q) chassis.

Now that Q has discontinued it, and a quick search shows they are hard to find, what other chassis out there are similar that people would recommend?
 
I’d say use the chassis that comes on it and see how you like it before you start worrying about replacing it. You may like it and be happy. If after using it a while you don’t then there are a bunch of options to look at like MDT, MPA, Manners with a mini chassis, etc.
 
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I’d say use the chassis that comes on it and see how you like it before you start worrying about replacing it. You may like it and be happy. If after using it a while you don’t then there are a bunch of options to look at like MDT, MPA, Manners with a mini chassis, etc.
Changing the grip on one makes a huge difference. Personally, I hate the factory Solus chassis grip that comes on them, so I swap on Ergo Suregrips on all mine. Same grips I run on all my AR's.