collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Help me pick a new deer rifle  (Read 3218 times)

Offline Pnwrider

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 757
  • Location: PNW
Help me pick a new deer rifle
« on: June 13, 2021, 05:19:11 PM »
I’m in the middle of a custom build and due to supply issues, likely won’t have it done in time for deer camp this year. Thus I need a plan B. I have kind of narrowed it down to 4 rifles at the moment and am having a tough time deciding which way to go. Here are the parameters: needs to be available in 6.5 (cm, prc, etc), would like to keep it under $2k after tax, weight conscious since I’ll be hiking, must have threaded barrel and would like to keep barrel length as short as possible (it’ll have a can on when hunting). I was leaning towards a Sig Cross but after watching some reviews and seeing terrible groups I am not sure which way to go now. Here are the 4 rifles I am trying to narrow down:
Sig Cross
Sako S20
Seekins Havak pro hunter
Bergara b14 HMR

Would appreciate any first hand experience/ thoughts with those rifles, thanks in advance!

Offline jrebel

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+25)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2008
  • Posts: 11366
  • Location: East Wenatchee
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2021, 06:13:36 PM »
Savage ultralite would be my choice.  Not familiar with the sig but have heard good things about the bergara rifles. 

With all that said the savage ultralite will not disappoint.  My next rifle will be the 6.5 cr ultralite.   

Offline tritt007

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 545
  • Location: Camas
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2021, 06:47:45 PM »
I think I would look at the bergara wilderness ridge in 6.5 before the hmr , I have the wilderness hmr in .300 its not particularly something I would want to tote around in the woods . But i think the wilderness ridge runs around 800$ or so at sportsmans that would be great and give you around a grand afterwards for glass !
They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security  -Benjamin Franklin

Offline tritt007

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 545
  • Location: Camas
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2021, 06:49:27 PM »
Its also threaded and comes with a nice brake !


https://www.bergara.online/en/rifles/wilderness-series/wilderness_ridge/
They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security  -Benjamin Franklin

Offline Type65

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Pilgrim
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2021
  • Posts: 7
  • Location: Spokane
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2021, 07:01:03 PM »
I wouldn't go with the HMR if you are planning to lug it through the woods. I was looking at buying one until I got my hands on one. They seem really nice and I've heard great things, but they are HEAVY. It is definitely more of target or tree stand rifle.

Offline colersu22

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Aug 2016
  • Posts: 142
  • Location: Carnation
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2021, 07:17:52 PM »
I don’t have any experience with those rifles but was looking at the sig cross when it came out.  I’m happy I didn’t pull the trigger because from what I have read they sent a recall and told customers not to shoot them, people reported long waits for the prepaid shipping to send them back.

Offline BigVinn

  • Trade Count: (+20)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 99
  • Location: Tacoma
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #6 on: June 13, 2021, 07:23:15 PM »
I agree with the savage ultralite. I love my 6.5 prc. Shoots great groups and is light weight.

Offline bigdub257

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 716
  • Groups: RMEF;Ducks Unlimited
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #7 on: June 13, 2021, 07:54:58 PM »
I agree with the savage ultralite. I love my 6.5 prc. Shoots great groups and is light weight.

Ditto. Have the same gun.  Very accurate and super light.

Offline furbearer365

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 946
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #8 on: June 13, 2021, 07:57:11 PM »
I just bought a Tikka Veil in 6.5 Creedmore. I still havent topped it with a scope yet, nor shot it. But once my sons baseball season ends, that is top priority. It's a beautiful gun, and Tikka are usually great shooters, so I'm expecting a sweet setup

Online CaNINE

  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2015
  • Posts: 1429
  • Location: Gig Harbor
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #9 on: June 13, 2021, 08:00:13 PM »
Another vote for the savage
The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

Proverbs 12:27

Offline actionshooter

  • Past Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2007
  • Posts: 6036
  • Location: Olympia/Okanogan
    • https://www.instagram.com/steve.bell.actionshooter/
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #10 on: June 13, 2021, 09:00:44 PM »
Out of the 4 you have listed, Havak 100%

Haven't played with a Savage that the other are mentioning, but have red about them and was thinking one might be a good back up rifle.

Offline Pnwrider

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 757
  • Location: PNW
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #11 on: June 13, 2021, 09:23:13 PM »
Guess I didn’t look that closely at the HMR specs. That one is out. I should also clarify, I’ll take accuracy over light weight any day. Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Offline savagehunter

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+19)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 776
  • Location: everett
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #12 on: June 13, 2021, 09:44:39 PM »
For price and features and in my experience out of the box accuracy savage. Firbwaht you are looking for Savage ultralight with the carbon barrel in 6.5 prc.

Offline jasnt

  • ELR junkie
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2010
  • Posts: 6539
  • Location: deer park
  • Out shooting
  • Groups: WSTA
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2021, 06:15:01 AM »
The hmr’s are great rifles! But as said they are not light.  Some of the lighter options from Bergara would be a better option imo
https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  It takes 10 seconds and it’s free. To easy to make an excuse not to make your voice heard!!!!!!

The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens.
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.04.012

Offline thinkingman

  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2008
  • Posts: 2363
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #14 on: June 14, 2021, 12:30:33 PM »
Sako is the most reliable of that group for accuracy.
Sako and Tikka never disappoint.
“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser men so full of doubts.”
― Bertrand Russell

Offline MeatMissile

  • Trade Count: (+9)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jun 2018
  • Posts: 248
Re: Help me pick a new deer rifle
« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2021, 02:09:51 PM »
PM sent

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Please Comment on new Game management Plan, RE Furbearers by JakeLand
[Today at 04:29:19 AM]


Bobcat Traps 4 Sale by JakeLand
[Today at 03:39:37 AM]


1st bear of the season for us. by str8meat
[Today at 02:33:19 AM]


Alpine Meadow Bear Hunting and Hikers by EnglishSetter
[Yesterday at 11:34:34 PM]


Bear Season 2025 by dreadi
[Yesterday at 11:05:49 PM]


HUNTNNW 2025 trail cam thread and photos by huntnnw
[Yesterday at 10:05:41 PM]


AKC Australian Shepherd Puppies by TeacherMan
[Yesterday at 09:18:01 PM]


Share your out of state experience by HighlandLofts
[Yesterday at 09:05:12 PM]


New property cams checked by finnman
[Yesterday at 08:35:42 PM]


Beaver Traps 4 Sale by Katalla
[Yesterday at 08:00:20 PM]


Still no bears by greenhead_killer
[Yesterday at 07:45:00 PM]


New 2025 CVA Optima ? by lonedave
[Yesterday at 06:38:59 PM]


Skyline by greenhead_killer
[Yesterday at 06:19:57 PM]


Opening morning by Dave Workman
[Yesterday at 05:56:23 PM]


3 pintails by hdshot
[Yesterday at 05:30:29 PM]


American Legion Summer Raffle - $1000 Prize!!! by pianoman9701
[Yesterday at 03:26:26 PM]


AUCTION: Custom knife by Alden Cole by Dan-o
[Yesterday at 03:10:35 PM]


Velvet by Ricochet
[Yesterday at 03:09:38 PM]


GROUSE 2025...the Season is looming! by Dave Workman
[Yesterday at 12:54:35 PM]


Scope/mount options Ruger Ranch 5.56 by Westside88
[Yesterday at 12:25:46 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal