Hello everyone! Looking at maybe buying a new deer rifle this weekend at the gun show. It will be pretty dedicated to deer, but might play with some long range target shooting. Looking for suggestions on brand, don’t want to spend $2k, but don’t want to go super cheap either. Would like to have a good gun out of the box but be able to really make it a nicer one with future improvements… basically what Jim was saying in the mancast. I like the idea of a threaded barrel for future suppressor maybe.
That said, should I go for the T3x? B14? X-bolt? Something else?
As far as caliber I’m considering the 6.5cm since it’s probably all I need, and I like the idea of lower recoil. Also interested in the 6.5prc, but given the close tolerances I’ve heard about and ammo feed issues I’m leary. I’ll most likely reload.
Tikka T3X if you want something on the lighter side that just shoots. Bergara B14 Ridge if you think you may want a suppressor some day. Not too cheap but not super expensive for either. They can both be found for under $800 new. A $500-1000 scope on top will complete the set.
You probably won’t need over 12-15x magifivation on the long end with a 6.5CM. There’s a lot of great options in that price from Swaro, Leupold, Element, Leica close outs, Tract, Vortex, etc. just try to look through some on the highest mag to see what the view looks like for you. Hawkins, Warne, or Talley lightweight rings and you’ll be set IMO.
I too have been looking at both cartridges for target and hunting.
As well as something that my wife can use for hunting.
I really like the looks and design of the Sig Cross.
It has good reviews.
But the Springfield Waypoint is also one I am looking at.
The Weatherby Vanguard is a rock solid rifle.
There is also the Antler Arms rifle that is a great value and the have a 1/2 MOA guarantee.
And there build quality in my opinion is second to none. And they say they have no issues with chamber sticking.
As far as calibre the 6.5 cm is great for both hunting and target. And ammunition is extremely available. And affordable.
The 6.5 PRC would be my choice if I could get a rifle that the chamber wasn’t sticking.
I heard that Christensen had fixed the issue.
But there are reamers available to help fix the issue as well.
Also as a hand loader I can load down so recoil doesn’t bother my wife and I can load it up for me.
Problem is ammunition and brass is hard to find.
I know what it is like being on a budget.
But I have learned that if you buy cheap you end up buying twice or three times.
I hope this helps you.
Good luck choosing.
Cheers.
So, went to the show, btw this was Reeds gun fair in Minnesota, found the Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech Ember, but wasn’t in love with the color in person, nor the feel. They had a rifle range and so I was able to shoot the Bergara B-14 cm. That said, I ended up snagging a B-14 Terrain from their Wilderness line chambered in 6.5cm for $1034. Adjustable cp, fluted boot, gray cerakote steel threaded barrel and 5rd mag. Got a Leupold 4.5-14x40 for it as well. Hoping this fills my need. Thanks for the ideas!
Have you looked at the Bergara B14 Squared Crest? Saw one in a store yesterday for the first time. I expect that gun to dominate the $1500 price point. Sig cross is also good but very a totally different style and few cartridge options.
I actually also shot the crest. Sweet gun for sure! Nice and light. I agree, pretty much the perfect setup for that price. I just decided to settle for the terrain for now and save $500. Weight isn’t a big issue for my uses, and the terrain feels great imo.
From the ones you mentioned, here are some of my notes:
X-bolt = overpriced, for little to no value gain; arguably they have some “better looking” rifles so they might win on aesthetics but that’s it
T3x Lite = ideal deer rifle, but if you want to use for targets as well you may want to check out the CTR or varmint models, which feature a medium-heavy barrel contour, which won’t heat up as quickly; I haven’t played with the Roughtech yet so unsure how that is compared to regular Lite models or the CTR
B-14 = I have this in the “Ridge” model which does feature a medium heavy contour barrel that is also threaded–similar in weight to the CTR or varmint models I mentioned above from Tikka; it is a great rifle. The only complaint I have (and this could be more personal preference), is that the bolt nearly touches the scope since it has that classic Remington 700 / 90 degree lift. The Tikka bolt has better clearance of the scope and also runs a bit smoother. I have never experienced a feeding issue on either one, but Tikka still is smoother overall. Another plus for the Bergara–they offer this in a “short barrel” (18") version if you want to add a supressor it is nice to save a couple inches. For targets this just means you may have to dial up a few extra MOA at long distances, and you lose a bit of velocity. But for me it was worth it.
I wanted to go up there this year but it conflicted with work; that’s such a great event (I used to live in MN but now I live in Missouri so it’s a jaunt to get up there)
I have a browning xbolt hells canyon in 270 win it is a great rifle. Very accurate, light, smooth action with 70 degree throw, I changed trigger spring out and is set at 2”, however not great for upgrading, new ones do come suppressor ready. Everyone seems to love Tikka I have never owned one. I have been eying the new negates b2 crest rifle I would go with that.
