New Member, New Rifle

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Hello, my name is John S. And I am brand new to this forum - I look forward to learning about purchasing, setting up my rifle. I’m relatively inexperienced in shooting, but I have hunted when I was younger (mostly shotgun in New York - I used a Remington 11-87). I also own a nice Ruger M77 30-06 (probably 30 years old) with a newer Leupold scope, but I haven’t shot it in 4-5 years. I pheasant hunt occasionally. Some of the posts here are very similar to my subject, but it’s clear that folks on this forum are way more experienced/technical than me. For example, it’s unlikely that I will get into hand loading, etc.

I’m looking to buy an new rifle for an elk hunt next September in Idaho. After the hunt, the gun will stay with my son in Utah.

The Backfire videos have been fantastic, but to be honest, I’m less clear on what rifle I should purchase the more I learn. I was set on the Tikka Tx3 Roughneck in 7MM PCR, but then Jim released the video that this gun is probably too light for that caliber, too much recoil, etc. And many folks I’ve talked to say the 300 Win Mag is a great elk gun, but there is the recoil to deal with. After joining, I read a post here about the 6.5 PCR ( and watched the cool video of Jim’s kid hitting the lilly pad) …

Realistically, I won’t be shooting hundreds and hundreds of rounds to reach “perfection”, nor do I see myself buying 5 or 6 brands to test them out as is done in the videos. I live in New England, so long-range shooting isn’t really as accessible here as it seems to be for folks in the West. However, I am committed to joining a nearby club that does have a 100-yard rifle range - I do want to shoot more and get comfortable and confident with the rifle. Based on my limited experience deer hunting, I would think I will be capable of a 250 yard shot, after a season of prep and practice.

With that all said, I would greatly appreciate any advice. For a new rifle, the Tikka / Bergara is within my budget. I am willing to spend about the same amount on the scope. I would also consider an older Ruger or Remington 700, but the forums don’t really address these older rifles as much, so I don’t know if I would be at a disadvantage (in terms of accuracy and weight) compared to a new rifle. Finally, I could just stick with my 30-06, which I know is capable for my limits (but that wouldn’t be as fun :)).

Finally, Jim got me spooked on the accuracy/weight issue, but all things being equal, I’d probably prefer a gun on the lighter side (but not too light). I elk hunted a few years ago with my son. We weren’t successful, but we hiked our tails off trying! I’m not interested in carrying a 12 lb gun…

Many thanks in advance to anybody that takes the time to read this and respond. Regardless, I’m looking forward to being a part of this forum and learning a ton!

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  1. Welcome!
  2. Yes your 30-06 is an absolute proven elk killer. So if you wanted to stay with that you certainly would be well within the norms.
  3. For Tikkas, the Roughtech lite is the middle ground in terms of weight, a little over 7 lb. Once you put a scope and everything on it you’ll probably be having a 10 lb plus rifle, although the specifics obviously matter with that. That would be shootable with 7prc in my opinion. Now the super light is only about six and a half pounds and that is probably too light for that big hitting of a cartridge. You could also go even heavier with the ace game which is somewhere around 9 lb, but based upon what you said that might actually be pushing the amount of weight you’d be willing to carry once you fit it out.
  4. The big thing you need to decide though is what range do you want to be able to kill the animal out to. If you’re talking just 300 yards or so, that opens up a vast amount of other perfectly capable cartridges including simple things as the 308, 7 mm-08, 6.5 prc, Etc.
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Thank you Carter. I’m definitely not looking to shoot beyond 250-300 yards. A man has to know his limitations :slight_smile:

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You might have fun just giving your 30-06 a face lift, like buy a light weight bi-pod, new light weight stock, get the barrel threaded, buy a suppressor (make sure to put your son on the trust too so he can use/have it etc)and up grade the trigger.. as there’s a lot of aftermarket m77 options out there. Because as you said your looking at<300 yard gun etc, your 06 is great medicine for that.

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Welcome! Carter pretty much nailed it, per usual. I think the tikka is an excellent option. Maybe look at a .270 or .308. Plenty of rifle for elk, out to 400 yards. Less recoil and ammo is cheap, so practicing wont cost as much. I personally love the 6.5prc, but ammo is quite a bit more costly, and it is ballistically almost identical to the .270. Let us know what you go with, sounds like you have a lot to look forward to!

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If you’re considering buying a new rifle but not considering buying multiple different types of ammo to figure out what it likes best then we may want to reassess priorities. Our goal is the out the bullet in the right spot, so if you don’t choose an ammo that your gun likes and you put the bullet in the guts then the whole 7prc vs 300win vs whatever discussion is quite irrelevant.

Whatever you choose, please practice well beyond the range you plan to shoot, a lot of people wound elk and I see some common factors that lead to this in your scenario (not choosing ammo that is accurate in their rifle, not training to shoot accurately well beyond their expected shot distance).

Welcome and glad you’re reaching out here looking for advice!

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In your situation, I’d go with a Tikka T3x Lite (or Roughtech if you have a bit more to spend) in 6.5 PRC.

I consider 6.5 PRC to be absolutely elk capable in the barrel lengths that Tikka sells them, but on the lighter side.

You said you don’t see yourself buying five loads and testing them all. That’s why I’d stick to the Tikka. Proven reliability and not as hard to work with. A 6.5 PRC should shoot well in that platform.

My guess is Sako 6.5 PRC Powerhead Blade ammo would be the ticket.

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Thanks! Great advice. I’ll keep you all posted!

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The Tikka is a great option but I have the Bergara Carbon Crest in 6.5 PRC and it is a dream to shoot. I put a Leupold Mark 4HD scope on top and it almost gets boring to shoot at the 600 yard target at the range. The carbon fiber stick fits me perfectly and the recoil impulse is actually less than my son’s 243. Just my $.02…

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Excellent. Assuming I go with the tikka, what would be a good suppressor to match to that rifle. Again, so many options. Looking at the Bannish 30 V2 (again based on recommendation on Backfire videos, etc.). It seems the content on supressors is as much as what’s out there for rifles. A lot….

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For a hunting rifle, whatever you can find that is available, has attachment method appropriate for your rifle, and is in your price range.

The differences between multiple different suppressor companies and models is almost impossible for just a regular person to notice. That is until someone invents something brand new and revolutionary.

Now if you’re looking to use a suppressor for something else like an ar, where you may be doing full auto or close to it, then you definitely need to pay attention to what you’re purchasing as some models will allow that and some will not. But for hunting rifle they all work

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Carter, I might pull the trigger this weekend, pun intended :slight_smile:

What Tikka T3x Roughtech Cerca 6.5 PRC 24" 1:8" 5/8x24 Bbl FirstLite Cerca Camo Rifle JRTXRFLC319

$099 at Euro Optic.

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correction, $999

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No Brainer - fabulous rifle for under a grand, slap a Leupold VX5 3-15x44 and you will have an awesome set up - look for a Gen 1 VX5, the Gen 2’s are wicked expensive.

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Agree w this answer. Fantastic rifle. And regarding the Leupolds, buy a Gen 1. I don’t like my Gen 2 any better, and they’re double the price.

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And you won’t find a better deal then this $799 on a VX 5 either, Also if your looking on where you can shave some $$ go to www.lockedloaded.com and ask them to email you a special price on the Tikkas. This Stainless version I got quoted today

“Product: Tikka JRTXB31922MT T3 Lite Full Size 6.5 PRC 3+1 24.30 Stainless Threaded Barrel, Drilled & Tapped Stainless Steel Receiver, Fixed Black Synthetic Stock, Right Hand
SKU: JRTXB31922MT
UPC: 082442017679

Our special price for you is 728.16.”

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Looks like euro optic is showing the same.

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That’s good as Cabelas/Ass Pro will beat Euro Optic price by 5% and if it’s a Monday card menders get extra 10%

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I didn’t know that about cabela’s. I’ll call tomorrow.

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Okay, I’m locked and loaded! I have purchased the Leupold VX 5HD (1st gen) and the Tikka rifle. I plan on following Jim’s video and mount the scope myself, but would appreciate guidance on what other accessories I need before I bore site (I’ve never done that before) and head to the range to site in (probably start at 50 yards - range is only 50 and 100 yards).

  1. I see UM scope rings. Bass Pro near me sells Warne. So many options….
  2. Backfire recoil pad?
  3. Ear protection?
  4. I plan on using basic safety glasses/

What else should I consider/need?

Many thanks to all that have replied thus far. The forum has been great - super helpful!