Hey Jim,
I am looking at getting a new rifle and scope for under or around $2,000ish. If I can go lower than that all the better. I currently have a Browning A bolt in 6.5 creedmore and it has worked well for deer but, I am looking for something that I can hunt elk and bigger with in Utah, Wyoming, and hopefully Alaska one day. I may try to hit a 1,000 yard steel target but not the biggest deal. Mostly just need to be able to get a clean shot on an animal from 500 to 600 yards (worst case scenario)
Based off that and not getting into what I have looked into, what would be your recommendation be on caliber, rifle, and scope.
This is what I have been looking at based off my research.
Cartridge
I was thinking of going with 300 win mag. Versatel and powerful enough to take down any game up to brown bear but not as crazy recoil as the 300 PRC or rum mag. Also seems it would be easier to find ammo for it and reloading information.
Rifles
CVA cascade xt; seems like a pretty good rifle, good value for the price. Comes with muzzle and stiff enough stock to handle recoil if big calibers. But nervous about the action. I tried one at the store and the rifle fit me but the action was super gritty and sticky.
Tikka 3x: looks like a pretty decent rifle with a good action but I don’t know about the stock with the heavy caliber and does not come threaded.
Sako S20; looks awesome. Felt one in the store and feels good. Action is great, apparently has really good accuracy, great fit. Maybe a little heavy but still think it is packable for a hunt. I found a pretty good deal on eurooptics for 1,100-1,300. I think it would be great, just don’t know if it is worth the extra 600. I can make the money work but don’t want to spend money just to spend it.
Scopes
Vortex viper HD 5-25: seems like a pretty good one. Around $700. Tried it in the store and seemed pretty light and great clarity and has all the bells and whistles I would want.
Athlon Helos BTR Gen II 4-20×50: pretty good magnification, has the bells and whistles I would like. I have not researched this as much but comes recommended by you so I assume it is a good option.
Love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks again!
There are Tikkas available in 300WM which come with threaded barrels. However expect to pay another 200 to $300 over the standard non-threaded Tikka.
Yeah, their stocks are really nothing to write home about. However, there are a ton of aftermarket stocks available so you can upgrade in the future if you want. Also, you can do something like the backstop. I’ve got a Tikka in 300 WSM, and the backstop made a significant Improvement. And to be honest, it wasn’t absolutely miserable or unshootable before that.
But that’s where the additional weight of the s20 comes in handy.
Cartridge: 7 Mag or 300 Win Mag. Either will accomplish what you’re looking for. Pick whichever you find more readily.
Rifle: Sako S20. The cheaper Tikka is good but you’ll be looking at upgrading stock and threaded muzzle, so buy once cry once.
Scope: Athlon Helos 4-20x50 and use coupon code plus for your discount. We also have the good MDT medium 30mm rings you’ll need to attach the scope. Don’t cheap out on rings with a nice setup like this.
Ammo: Sako Powerhead Blade. Sako guns like Sako ammo. Will save you money on testing different loads, but you’ll likely need to order it online.
All in, you’re at $1,750 and you’ll have an OUTSTANDING rifle that is accurate, has good quality control, and has a good shooting experience.
Thanks for the quick response. I agree on going with the Sako and the 300. Just wondering how the helios 4-20 glass clarity compares to the vortex viper hd.
Thanks again
I know in the past they used to run some specials with the s20 where you would get a significant discount or even a free second stock. Be sure you check, ask to see if that’s still something they’re doing. That was some time ago.
One downside of the S20 is that if it doesn’t fit your LoP, you SOL. Its 14". So a really big person will be shooting a smallish rifle for them or if you’re short armed like me, it will be too big to be square. No aftermarket stocks fit the S20 (to date). Outside of that, hard to argue against it.
I got my S20 from EuroOptic. But, I had to pay for the second stock and foreend. I bought the ‘hunting’ set up and added the ‘precision’ stock and foreend. and just recently switched the two.
But that being said, if you email the sales team at EuroOptic and inquire, you might be able to either get a discount or some other deals with it.
I’ve always had good deals with them. Overall, I think it is great value for the money.
I vouch for my Cascade in 300 Win mag, bolt is great once you take it out and clean it, i clean my barrel, action and bolt on any new rifle mfg coat them with something.
