Help me pick a new deer rifle

[Pnwrider]

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!

[jrebel]

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.   

[tritt007]

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 !

[tritt007]

Its also threaded and comes with a nice brake !


https://www.bergara.online/en/rifles/wilderness-series/wilderness_ridge/

[Type65]

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.

[colersu22]

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.

[BigVinn]

I agree with the savage ultralite. I love my 6.5 prc. Shoots great groups and is light weight.

[bigdub257]

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.

[furbearer365]

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

[CaNINE]

Another vote for the savage

[actionshooter]

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.

[Pnwrider]

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.

[savagehunter]

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.

[jasnt]

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

[thinkingman]

Sako is the most reliable of that group for accuracy.
Sako and Tikka never disappoint.