Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: adamR on December 21, 2022, 05:43:39 AM

Title: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: adamR on December 21, 2022, 05:43:39 AM: I could use some opinions on a new lightweight mountain rifle. I'll be purchasing a 6.5 Creedmoor for anything from coyotes to deer. It must be relatively lightweight, definitely sub 8 pounds, if not sub 7. The rifle must be 1:8 twist. I do not want cheap (Savage Axis, Ruger American, etc.) And will spend up to around $1500.

I've always been a Remington 700 guy but I've also had issues and had to have them worked on as their quality has not been great. I thought I'd branch out a little with this new gun. The problem is, every time I think I found something I like, the customer service/warranty/quality searches on Google are horrible! Is every rifle junk now days or am I reading into these one off issues too much?

Cabelas has a Christensen Arms Mesa on sale for $900 right now that I really like but Googling Christensen Arms was not reassuring.

Thoughts on Christensen Arms? Thoughts on Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather? Other suggestions? I would prefer a rifle made in America but it's not a deal breaker. Any opinions are appreciated l, thanks!
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Westside88 on December 21, 2022, 06:07:20 AM: When looking for similar options a couple years ago I came down to Kimber Hunter in stainless and Browning Hells Canyon speed. The Browning was slightly heavier, but I like the feel/balance better and wanted a 22” barrel. I went with a 270 win and couldn’t be happier with the choice.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: treefarmer on December 21, 2022, 06:30:27 AM: I ran into the same issues while recently scope shopping. Seemed like a negative review for every brand out there. Some reviews were pretty unbelievable based on my personal experience Asked the forum for advice and got some good tips from people. I also spoke to folks that owned the actual brands and went from there. .
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: b23 on December 21, 2022, 06:40:20 AM: I'd look at one of the Tikka's. They have many different models available. For a factory over the counter rifle they're hard to beat. I have a CA Ridgeline in 6.5PRC that shoots very well but I'd take my chances with a new Tikka over a CA. I have a Tikka compact in 204 and a SL in 300 WSM. My stepdaughter bought a Tikka SL in 270Win about a year ago and the dang things just shoot. It's not often you hear of Tikka's not shooting well.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: fowl smacker on December 21, 2022, 06:43:36 AM: If you want a lightweight flat out shooter go with a Tikka. Browning Hells Canyon speed would be my 2nd choice. I know you said you don't want a "cheap" one but the Ruger American compact I bought for my girls in 7mm-08 shoots 1/2 moa all day long. I am SHOCKED at the accuracy of that thing.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Sneaky on December 21, 2022, 06:45:49 AM: My christensen 6.5CM is a tack driver. I have the ridgeline. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them. My rifle did have a slight cosmetic issue that I should have caught when buying the gun. I sent a photo to CA who sent me a label immediately. Gun went back to the factory and was back to me with issue corrected within a week. I now own three CA rifles but have yet to shoot the other two. While I agree you should never have to send something brand new back to the factory, the process was flawless. There was no arguing about whether the issue would affect rifle performance (the consensus was purely cosmetic issue). They simply said thats not right, here is a label.

The rifle shoots four different factory ammunitions sub-MOA, two of them less than .5. I've never owned a rifle that performed like that. Part of that is likely the inherent accuracy of the 6.5 itself but I have been very impressed.

Another rifle in your price range to consider is the savage ultralight. great lightweight rifle for the money with a high quality proof carbon barrel.

My advice is whichever rifle you choose bring a small LED flashlight with you and thoroughly inspect the rifle before you walk out with it.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: pickardjw on December 21, 2022, 06:53:16 AM: I went through this last year. Narrowed it down to a CA Mesa, Kimber Hunter, Browning X-Bolt HCS, and Tikka T3x stainless. Ended up with the Tikka.

I figured I might want to upgrade my platform over time and the T3x seems to have plenty of aftermarket support.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: SI Eagle on December 21, 2022, 07:04:25 AM: https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/tikka-t3x-lite-d-18-rifle-with-truetimber-strata-stock
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Sakko300wsm on December 21, 2022, 07:09:23 AM: I have had multible tikkas , Sako's and CA Ridgelines - still have a couple Tikka's and Ridgelines . Both shoot great , but i would Choose a Ridgeline over the Tikka's anyday - mine flat out are excellent shooters and have never had a problem with CA
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Emptyhanded on December 21, 2022, 07:41:37 AM: I have a CA Ridgeline and have set up 3 others for friends. All of them shoot well. One of them hit pressure signs with 2 out of 3 factory loads. Probably a tight chamber, but the owner decided to just shoot the Nosler stuff that didn’t show ejector marks. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another CA. With that said, I have a tikka as well and they are tough to beat for the price.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: bustedoldman on December 21, 2022, 07:44:30 AM: Browning, Tikka, Kimber...Probably won't go wrong with any of them. I had a few CA's all shot well, there was a time period where I think they had some QA/customer service issues but it's been resolved I think?
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: HereDuckyDucky on December 21, 2022, 07:44:59 AM: For lightweight, off-the-shelf accuracy and reliability, another vote for Tikka T3. Rifles flat-out shoot and won't break the budget.

RW
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: CamoDup on December 21, 2022, 08:16:20 AM: Buy a Tikka 6.5 PRC and thank me later :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 21, 2022, 08:56:54 AM: Quote from: CamoDup on December 21, 2022, 08:16:20 AM
Buy a Tikka 6.5 PRC and thank me later :chuckle: :chuckle:
:yeah:
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: MountainWalk on December 21, 2022, 09:00:51 AM: You can’t go wrong with any of the 7’s- 70,77,700,7.

Myself, I agree with you; I despise cheap guns. There’s nothing about an axis or American Ruger that makes you wanna will them to your great grandkids!

I try to buy American made products as much as I can, and when it comes to rifles, I always buy USA. Up here in Alaska, the Winchester and the Ruger are pretty popular.

When you buy a Winchester or Ruger, you know it’s a company that honors and backs up its products and will be around the next decade.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Taco280AI on December 21, 2022, 09:05:44 AM: I have an M70 Extreme Hunter 308 that was the easiest rifle I've ever loaded for. First load I tried, only load I tried, went .4" @ 100.

One powder, one bullet, one primer, one powder charge, one seating depth... done.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 21, 2022, 09:11:11 AM: It's very person dependent. Go mess with your options and see what fit and finish you like best.
Then shoot em if you can...I was going through the same process a couple years ago...
Personally...I hate the way Tikkas feel....and they don't fit me well.
I ended up with a Browning x bolt HC....love it and it flat out shoots. The 6.5 PRC is an awesome round..
I looked at the CAs but there seemed to be allot of issues with them at the time.
If I was going to spend a little more money I would also look at Seekins Havak line.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: thinkingman on December 21, 2022, 10:03:11 AM: I don't know if some of these people even read the OP, but CA and Kimber are probably the least consistent manufacturers I can think of and the 7s are already 7.5lb and have been widely discussed as cheap and inconsistent.
Tikka Superlight is exactly what you're describing with lightweight, reliable and consistent.
You just never hear of a Tikka with basic shootability or manufacturing issues.
Easy choice and money left over for a good (not Leupold or Vortex) optic.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Hilltop123 on December 21, 2022, 10:06:14 AM: https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57577
May or may not fit your bill.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: buckfvr on December 21, 2022, 10:09:01 AM: With todays mfg, all top brands should be sub moa, but Id still not buy an entry level option from anyone. I know plenty of guys who have bought and sold both Tikka and Kimber in short order.

I think for the most part it may boil down to ammo, just like rifles, dont buy the cheapest shtuff you can find. If you dont reload, buy premium ammo. I reload, but my favorite deer woods rifle gets Sierra Game Changers @ 1/2 moa. If youre talking about a hunting rifle, whats important is the first two shots touching or close to it. :twocents:

Last year after a slip in the snow I went home and verified my sight in before continuing to hunt. 2 shots 100 yards with 200 zero. Its done the same thing over and over even at 200.

Not sure why it rotated but that is now sideways.....
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: adamR on December 21, 2022, 10:52:35 AM: For those of you that have Tikkas, have you ever had to send your rifle in for work? I'm hesitant on Tikkas only because they are in Finland.

I like the idea of aftermarket upgrade availability. I want a rifle that will shoot sub moa immediately but I like having the option of upgrading down the road.

For the record, I'm not entirely against lower end firearms, I just think they have a specific purpose. For instance, I expect my 9 year old to beat the hell out of his Savage Axis II and it won't bother me at all.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: highside74 on December 21, 2022, 10:59:16 AM: Tikka T3x, Savage 110 Ultralight or Browning Hells Canyon in 6.5prc. The PRC is better than the Creedmoor in every way and has barely anymore recoil.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: jjhunter on December 21, 2022, 11:00:28 AM: My CA Ridgeline 6.5 PRC is very accurate. I’ve lost track of how many of my buddies have bought them and shoot them as primary hunting rifles; a couple of these guys have high end customs sitting in the safe (including me).
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: bustedoldman on December 21, 2022, 11:13:49 AM: Quote from: adamR on December 21, 2022, 10:52:35 AM
For those of you that have Tikkas, have you ever had to send your rifle in for work? I'm hesitant on Tikkas only because they are in Finland.

I like the idea of aftermarket upgrade availability. I want a rifle that will shoot sub moa immediately but I like having the option of upgrading down the road.

For the record, I'm not entirely against lower end firearms, I just think they have a specific purpose. For instance, I expect my 9 year old to beat the hell out of his Savage Axis II and it won't bother me at all.

OMR, HCA plus others do Tikka rebuilds ( proof barrel, mesa/manners stocks etc) for around $1500 and up.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: jrebel on December 21, 2022, 11:20:14 AM: Savage ultralite for the win. Lightweight good looking and stupid accurate. I own the one in 6.5 creedmoor and it is a fantastic rifle.

I have owned a Christensen and won’t buy another. I have also owned a kimber and lived it, but the pencil barrel heated up too fast. It made for very long range days. With hand loads it shot great. Never owned a tikka but know friends who love them.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: adamR on December 21, 2022, 11:24:42 AM: The 6.5 PRC doesn't interest me as my elk rifle is a 300 Win Mag. I'm tired of spending $120 a box on ammo and want something I can shoot for cheaper. I know the PRC is a better round if you want larger game, I don't. The win for the Creedmore comes from looking at ammo shelves and seeing a dozen options as opposed to one or two at best for the PRC. I want it for coyote to deer and nothing more.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: bigdub257 on December 21, 2022, 11:25:06 AM: Quote from: jrebel on December 21, 2022, 11:20:14 AM
Savage ultralite for the win. Lightweight good looking and stupid accurate. I own the one in 6.5 creedmoor and it is a fantastic rifle.

I have the 110 UL in 6.5 PRC and it shoots lights out with factory ammo. Very comfortable to carry also!]
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 21, 2022, 11:29:45 AM: I have a Tikka in 6.5 creed that I'd be happy to let you shoot if you're ever in the Selah area...
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: highside74 on December 21, 2022, 12:15:59 PM: Quote from: adamR on December 21, 2022, 11:24:42 AM
The 6.5 PRC doesn't interest me as my elk rifle is a 300 Win Mag. I'm tired of spending $120 a box on ammo and want something I can shoot for cheaper. I know the PRC is a better round if you want larger game, I don't. The win for the Creedmore comes from looking at ammo shelves and seeing a dozen options as opposed to one or two at best for the PRC. I want it for coyote to deer and nothing more.

The PRC isn't really an elk rifle in my opinion. Ammo is readily available now. Hornady 143 eldx is $48 almost everywhere. But the Creedmoor is a great round so you do you.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: birddogdad on December 21, 2022, 12:23:35 PM: so everyone has an opinion for sure on this. mine would be to STOP! Save your money and get the rifle of your dreams, the one you have always wanted rather than settling for "another" rifle. Something you would pass to a child that they would not have to save to purchase in the next lifetime! If you have a rifle, it will do for now. The price point you discuss would not be a great entering base for the scope on something i am talking about.. ie. Custom, carbon, lite, accurate, spendy in the caliber you want for ranges and game you want to reach. just throwing a different postion at you :twocents:
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: 30.06 on December 21, 2022, 12:51:12 PM: Thoughts on Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather?

Have the .308, liked it so much I got the .30-06 as well. The stock is too thick (wide) but got used to it.

Not a 700 fan but I do have a Seven in .308. Don't like flavor of the week calibers or using the metric system.

Not a fan of detachable mag on a hunting rifle or two position safety. Or $$$ ammo. Good luck on your hunt!
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: fowl smacker on December 21, 2022, 04:24:56 PM: Quote from: adamR on December 21, 2022, 10:52:35 AM
For those of you that have Tikkas, have you ever had to send your rifle in for work? I'm hesitant on Tikkas only because they are in Finland.

I like the idea of aftermarket upgrade availability. I want a rifle that will shoot sub moa immediately but I like having the option of upgrading down the road.

For the record, I'm not entirely against lower end firearms, I just think they have a specific purpose. For instance, I expect my 9 year old to beat the hell out of his Savage Axis II and it won't bother me at all.
I own 4, never had to send them in for anything.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: actionshooter on December 21, 2022, 04:30:31 PM: Don't overlook the Seekins either...
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: kselkhunter on December 21, 2022, 05:28:37 PM: Not much I can add here beyond what the other folks have already said: Kimber, Browning, Tikka are probably top 3 options.

I went with the Browning myself, and love it. Have thought many times about one of the lighter model Kimber rifles as well, but haven't pulled the trigger on that purchase.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Sakko300wsm on December 21, 2022, 06:38:21 PM: Own and have owned quite a few Tikka’s - great shooters , but the stocks suck! Be prepared to spend money on a new stock if you really want a good comfortable/ not noisy stock
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Ingwe on December 21, 2022, 08:25:51 PM: I have never had a 6.5 creedmore. But as far as rifles , I have a couple winchester model 70, Remington 700, browning x-bolt, browning a-bolt and several tikka. The tikka are 30-06 and .338 winchester mag. The tikka are super accurate out of the box and both weigh 7.75 lbs loaded with leupold 3.5-10 x40 scopes. I like all my rifles but mostly hunt with tikka now because of the weight and accuracy
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Okanagan on December 21, 2022, 08:41:10 PM: My sons and grandsons have 6 SS lite Tikkas and we all love them. I was going to buy one but discovered the Mauser M18. Mighty fine rifle: light weight, detachable mag (which I prefer), smooth to operate and sweet to handle, hovering around MOA out of the box with factory loads. It has an adjustable trigger but it is my first rifle in 50 years that came with a trigger good enough that i have not replaced nor adjusted it. 'Nother option...
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: longtrails on December 21, 2022, 10:53:32 PM: I agree with the other guys/gals. Go and put the rifle in your hands like i did. See what fits you and your budget. Also look at what options you want and what rifle has the most things on it that you want. Like a threaded barrel (future shush can), flush magazine, muzzle brake or no muzzle brake or able to even take the damn thing off, a stock that you like and fits you. I narrowed my likings down to tikka, bergarra and browning x bolt hells canyon speed. I handled them all and the Browning in 300wm won the toss up. Just be honest with yourself and what you need the rifle to do for you out there for you to be successful. Personally id go with a 308 which has been my go to for over 30 years and would match nicely with your 300wm for reloading purposes. But thats my setup and if your set on a 6.5creed then go for it. My hunting partner uses it and he likes it due to it doing less damage then the 30cal class cartridges. Though if all your hunting is mule deer, coyote and smaller it is more than enough for those animals.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: cjc23 on December 22, 2022, 10:12:02 AM: I would definitely be another vote for Tikka, they just flat out shoot. Another option though if you are looking for something a little different is if you already have a Remington 700, send it to oregon mountain rifles and they offer a rifle upgrade kit where they will put a carbon fiber stock and barrel on to it and a couple other optional things that they can do.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: AlpineBeard on December 22, 2022, 07:47:00 PM: I’d also lean toward a Tikka, unless you’re going with a custom build in which case us do a Tikka based rifle for the build. The only downside to Tikka is when trying to use long action cartridges with long bullets… the mags are on the short side.

I love my custom Tikka.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: MADMAX on December 22, 2022, 08:03:06 PM: Kimber mountain ascent
Christensen Ridgeline

You’ll appreciate either
Light
Feels good in your hands and both are shooters
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on December 22, 2022, 08:08:19 PM: Quote from: MADMAX on December 22, 2022, 08:03:06 PM
Kimber mountain ascent
Christensen Ridgeline

You’ll appreciate either
Light
Feels good in your hands and both are shooters

Christensen Ridgeline, I'm a big fan of mine.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Sakko300wsm on December 23, 2022, 04:34:26 PM: Quote from: Wetwoodshunter on December 22, 2022, 08:08:19 PM
Quote from: MADMAX on December 22, 2022, 08:03:06 PM
Kimber mountain ascent
Christensen Ridgeline

You’ll appreciate either
Light
Feels good in your hands and both are shooters

Christensen Ridgeline, I'm a big fan of mine.

Yep same here!!
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: adamR on December 23, 2022, 06:18:16 PM: Well I pulled the trigger on a Tikka T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor today. Thanks for the advice!
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: fowl smacker on December 23, 2022, 07:38:28 PM: Quote from: adamR on December 23, 2022, 06:18:16 PM
Well I pulled the trigger on a Tikka T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor today. Thanks for the advice!
You'll be pleased.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: elkrack on December 23, 2022, 10:57:37 PM: Quote from: fowl smacker on December 23, 2022, 07:38:28 PM
Quote from: adamR on December 23, 2022, 06:18:16 PM
Well I pulled the trigger on a Tikka T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor today. Thanks for the advice!
You'll be pleased.

:yeah:
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Mossy on December 24, 2022, 07:00:16 AM: Tikka :tup:
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: C-Money on December 24, 2022, 07:36:47 AM: Ruger M77 Hawkeye...Made in USA, proven rifle.
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 24, 2022, 09:34:55 AM: Quote from: adamR on December 23, 2022, 06:18:16 PM
Well I pulled the trigger on a Tikka T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor today. Thanks for the advice!

I've been impressed. Buddy's shoots 3" groups at 500 with factory ammo and a $54 scope !
Title: Re: Advice on a New Rifle
Post by: MountainWalk on December 24, 2022, 11:38:35 AM: @C Money

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who stresses American made. You can talk about America or you can be about America!!