New Barrel or New rifle

Hunting
1

Hi Jim and Backfire community,

So here is my issue. I have a Savage Axis 7mm-08. I love the caliber don’t care for the brand. I purchased this rifle 8 years ago. It was a quick purchase so I could go hunting that year. If I knew then what I know now about guns and all there components, I would never have bought the Savage Axis. The quality just isn’t there compared to others that I have looked up. The cycling isn’t smooth and I hope that I don’t need more than one shot cause it usually jams on the reload. I have changed the stock for a Boyd laminated stock and there has been some improvement on the accuracy. It has a 20" barrel that I would like to change to a 22" threaded barrel for a muzzle break. I have called a few places and they all tell me that for the cost of a new barrel I should just get a new rifle. None of them have a 7mm-08 with a 22" threaded barrel. They can sell me another 20" barrel but they would have off cut off 2" so they can thread it, still being a 20" barrel counting the break. (Not really any help)

So the new rifle I’m looking at is a Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor. Has any body shot this rifle and if so what do you think?

Do I get a new barrel or get the new rifle?

Sorry for the rant and thanks for your time.

2

Welcome aboard!

If you are unhappy with the cycling and the feeding, a new barrel, probably isn’t gonna fix anything and make you any happier with the rifle.

Bergara makes a Ridge model in 7mm-08 with a 22 inch threaded barrel.

No experience with that particular, Tika, but they’re known to make great guns and everyone that I have purchased has been a great rifle.

I’m a big 7mm-08 fan myself

3

Thanks I will look into that.

4

TT3x TAC A1 is excellent. Hard to beat off the shelf for accuracy, action, trigger, and stock. I do not own, but shoot regularly with a friend that has one. If you just look at all the reviews on youtube, it is hard to find a negative comment. They do have some weight so not a running around the woods weapon.
Good luck

6

Check https://northlandshooterssupply.com/ or https://www.getoutlier.com/ I’ve seen several folks use the Outlier barrels on Youtube and give them good reviews…

7

If it was me, I’d get a new rifle. Just ask my wife, any excuse to buy a new rifle and I’m right there in line for it. Personally, I would stick with the 7mm-08. Great cartridge and I think you will have better success in the field with the 7 vs the 6.5, but as they say “dead is dead”. Shot placement is key, but that little bit of extra sectional diameter and bullet energy within the 300 to 400 yard range and the 7mm, to me is just better. Better yet, trade in your Savage for a new 7mm-08, and then pick up the 6.5 so you can “compare” them. Plus you should always have a backup rifle in the field, just in case you fall and bump your scope.