Free: Contests & Raffles.
Lol as I was typing I was thinking "I bet phooey says ruger"
Ruger, but why rebuild the American, why not just buy the Ruger Preditor in 6.5 Creed already done?
Not sure about American and I was skeptical on the Axis with some reviews I read so I didn't purchase it initially. I went with a .111 in 7mm. I received an Axis in .270 for Christmas and its nice. The only complaint I have with it is the heavy trigger in the 1st generation Axis models (1 i received) versus the next generation that just came out that has the accutrigger stock. With a decent scope, factory trigger and factory ammo (not handloads) I've gotten mine to shoot within 3/4" groups at 100yds. I'd imagine with the trigger upgrade and handloads I could tighten that up even more.
You say he's going to "build a 6.5 Creedmoor"? So what exactly does that mean? Aftermarket stock, trigger, bedding job, etc? A good option would be a Howa barreled action. Then he could purchase the stock he wants. And the Howa trigger should be good enough until he can afford to buy a better one. http://legacysports.com/barreled-actions