Seeking info on new rifle

Mr. Mike · March 6, 2018, 07:24 AM

Plan on buying my 'last' rifle as I am getting rather old. Decided on the 6.5 Creedmoor and a bolt gun under $1000.00. I have selected 12 rifles I wish to handle before I make my final decision. I am looking for a weight of 6-7 pounds, and will be adding optics. Normal hunting ranges for the north country and target shooting. Partial to wood stocks, but not a deal killer!
Anybody want to offer their choices of rifle using the criteria from above?

jmr40 · March 6, 2018, 08:02 AM

Does the $1000 include optics?

Most accuracy for the money would be Tikka. The Weatherby Vanguard is a nice rifle, but doesn't make your weight limit. I'm a big fan of the Winchester EW, but I'm not sure street price will be under $1000. It'll be close. They still don't show it available in 6.5 Creedmoor on their website, but announced at Shot Show that it would be. The Winchester Featherweight should be in the $800 range and meets all of your criteria.

I think you'll like the Creedmoor. I have several "nice" rifles, but wanted to test the 6.5 Creedmoor waters with a less expensive rifle. I picked up one of the Ruger Predators for $350 and have come to like the round a lot. My Ruger is as accurate as anything, but I think you want a "nicer" rifle. I may get something a little nicer later and my personal pick would be the Tikka in that cartridge.

taylorce1 · March 6, 2018, 08:16 AM

I'm going to guess the $1000 is just for the rifle. Tikka T3x and Kimber 84M Hunter in synthetic stock rifle, a Winchester M70 FWT for a wood stocked rifle. The Tikka and Kimber will come in well under 7 lbs with optics. The Winchester will come in about 7.5-8 lbs depending on optics chosen, and they brought back the Stainless version for 2018 as well!

I'd also recommend the Tikka T3x Hunter in a 6.5X55 Swede for a wood stocked rifle if you would consider it. Tikka doesn't list the 6.5 Creedmoor in that configuration, but there is really no real world difference for hunting between the two cartridges. The main issue will be ammunition availability, with the Swede you'll have to reload or get most of your ammunition online or at gun shops that carry it.

Mr. Mike · March 8, 2018, 02:31 PM

Thanks for the input. Four names have risen to the top of the pile. Sauer 100 xt, Kimber Mod. 84, Tikka T3x, and the Bergara B-14 series. I am sure one of these will be left for final pick but I will have to find a place, or places, who have a model of each in place for me to compare.

taylorce1 · March 8, 2018, 08:00 PM

Bergara B14 rifles are nice, but they'll be around 7.5 lbs without a scope. That makes it a little heavy for what you are wanting. The Sauer 100xt just didn't balance in my hands the way I'd like when I handled one at Sportsman's Warehouse. If you have a Sportsman's Warehouse nearby it'll have all four rifles for you to handle.

std7mag · March 9, 2018, 05:16 AM

The Bergara was nice, but was a little hefty for your criteria.

I like the original Tikka T3 Lite. Haven't handled the new T3X.
Wendyj just got one in the Creed and has posted some nice cloverleaf groups with it.

I really like the handling of Kimbers Hunter. I was looking at one in 257 Roberts.

All of this is really subjective though as it is up to you to pick the one that feels best for you.

Mr. Mike · March 15, 2018, 06:32 AM

Thanks for all the input. Finally got to a place where I could handle 'most' of the rifles in the short list. Selected the Bergara 'Hunter', liked the synthetic stock (a first) and will live with the slightly heavier weight. But, thanks again for all your ideas.

Nathan · February 1, 2020, 07:23 AM

Mr. Mike.....

How is it a year later in your opinion?

kilotanker22 · February 1, 2020, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan

Mr. Mike.....

How is it a year later in your opinion?

You mean "2 years later"?

March 6, 2018, 07:24 AM	#1
Mr. Mike Member Join Date: November 27, 2011 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 26	Seeking info on new rifle Plan on buying my 'last' rifle as I am getting rather old. Decided on the 6.5 Creedmoor and a bolt gun under $1000.00. I have selected 12 rifles I wish to handle before I make my final decision. I am looking for a weight of 6-7 pounds, and will be adding optics. Normal hunting ranges for the north country and target shooting. Partial to wood stocks, but not a deal killer! Anybody want to offer their choices of rifle using the criteria from above? __________________ All behavior is chosen!

March 6, 2018, 08:02 AM	#2
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	Does the $1000 include optics? Most accuracy for the money would be Tikka. The Weatherby Vanguard is a nice rifle, but doesn't make your weight limit. I'm a big fan of the Winchester EW, but I'm not sure street price will be under $1000. It'll be close. They still don't show it available in 6.5 Creedmoor on their website, but announced at Shot Show that it would be. The Winchester Featherweight should be in the $800 range and meets all of your criteria. I think you'll like the Creedmoor. I have several "nice" rifles, but wanted to test the 6.5 Creedmoor waters with a less expensive rifle. I picked up one of the Ruger Predators for $350 and have come to like the round a lot. My Ruger is as accurate as anything, but I think you want a "nicer" rifle. I may get something a little nicer later and my personal pick would be the Tikka in that cartridge. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

March 6, 2018, 08:16 AM	#3
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,248	I'm going to guess the $1000 is just for the rifle. Tikka T3x and Kimber 84M Hunter in synthetic stock rifle, a Winchester M70 FWT for a wood stocked rifle. The Tikka and Kimber will come in well under 7 lbs with optics. The Winchester will come in about 7.5-8 lbs depending on optics chosen, and they brought back the Stainless version for 2018 as well! I'd also recommend the Tikka T3x Hunter in a 6.5X55 Swede for a wood stocked rifle if you would consider it. Tikka doesn't list the 6.5 Creedmoor in that configuration, but there is really no real world difference for hunting between the two cartridges. The main issue will be ammunition availability, with the Swede you'll have to reload or get most of your ammunition online or at gun shops that carry it. __________________ NRA Life Member

March 8, 2018, 02:31 PM	#4
Mr. Mike Member Join Date: November 27, 2011 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 26	Thanks for the input. Four names have risen to the top of the pile. Sauer 100 xt, Kimber Mod. 84, Tikka T3x, and the Bergara B-14 series. I am sure one of these will be left for final pick but I will have to find a place, or places, who have a model of each in place for me to compare. __________________ All behavior is chosen!

March 8, 2018, 08:00 PM	#5
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,248	Bergara B14 rifles are nice, but they'll be around 7.5 lbs without a scope. That makes it a little heavy for what you are wanting. The Sauer 100xt just didn't balance in my hands the way I'd like when I handled one at Sportsman's Warehouse. If you have a Sportsman's Warehouse nearby it'll have all four rifles for you to handle. __________________ NRA Life Member

March 9, 2018, 05:16 AM	#6
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	The Bergara was nice, but was a little hefty for your criteria. I like the original Tikka T3 Lite. Haven't handled the new T3X. Wendyj just got one in the Creed and has posted some nice cloverleaf groups with it. I really like the handling of Kimbers Hunter. I was looking at one in 257 Roberts. All of this is really subjective though as it is up to you to pick the one that feels best for you.

March 15, 2018, 06:32 AM	#7
Mr. Mike Member Join Date: November 27, 2011 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 26	Thanks for all the input. Finally got to a place where I could handle 'most' of the rifles in the short list. Selected the Bergara 'Hunter', liked the synthetic stock (a first) and will live with the slightly heavier weight. But, thanks again for all your ideas. __________________ All behavior is chosen!

February 1, 2020, 07:23 AM	#8
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Mr. Mike..... How is it a year later in your opinion?