I'm just getting started in precision rifle again after mostly using ars. I've had bolt guns in the past but nothing to crazy. Been looking at some rifles in the $3000 price range and one that sticks out is the surgeon scalpel. Was wondering if these are still good options for the money. Thanks for any other recommendations or guidance.
Looking for a bolt action.
- Thread starter precisionshooter413
- Start date
To clarify, you're looking for a factory built bolt action for around the $3000 mark? Or that's your budget you can spend up to?
To help we'd need to know the use case for this rifle (hunting, target shooting, etc.), what distances, what kind of chamber you are looking at, ammo you will use, etc. then folks can try and help you from there.
If you are remotely handy, I would suggest assembling your own. Pre-fit barrels can be excellent. It is quite simple and you will end up with exactly what you want.
This is what I was going to suggest.
For modularity re: bolt faces and overall value for the $$ I'd say go with a Zermatt Origin action and pre-fit from bugholes, patriot valley arms (can get it as a barreled action), or other preferred gunsmith.
If the OP goes with a barreled action all he has to do is drop it into his choice of stock/chassis (KRG, MDT, etc.) and off he goes after mounting an optic.
See here for thread on gunsmiths:
Quality Chamber Job - Smith Recommendations
I've been living in the land of prefits for my Zermatt actions. I have access to a reamer and a barrel that I'd like to get chambered and threaded. Don't mind sending my action in if it makes it that much better. Looking for recommendations on someone trustworthy that would do a good job...
www.snipershide.com
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Sorry my bad. It's for target shooting out to at thousand. And yea a factory rifle for 3000. It's gonna be in 308 as that's what I shoot most of and what I'm most confident in.
In addition to the options previously mentioned, if you are possibly going to compete in PRS matches with this rifle, I highly suggest joining PRS with a membership. It will unlock coupon codes that can be used with a long list of manufacturers which will save you more money than your PRS membership fee. For instance, a complete rifle can be ordered from MPA and use that coupon code for a pretty sweet deal on great shooting rifles.
https://masterpiecearms.com/shop/matrix-pro-pmr-rifle/
You didnt mention caliber so I highly recommend starting at 6.5 creedmoor no matter which route you take.
Prebuilt guns: mpa, or seekins.
Build your own:
Action: Zermatt origin
Barrel: proof prefit steel
Stock: manners (with mini chassis) or a Chassis: mdt acc
Trigger: Triggertech
Brake: area 419
Scope mount: area 419 ring or single
Scope: leupold mark 4, leupold mark 5, vortex razor
Prebuilt guns: mpa, or seekins.
Build your own:
Action: Zermatt origin
Barrel: proof prefit steel
Stock: manners (with mini chassis) or a Chassis: mdt acc
Trigger: Triggertech
Brake: area 419
Scope mount: area 419 ring or single
Scope: leupold mark 4, leupold mark 5, vortex razor
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Origin and 26" steel Proof prefit is a good combo. I have the same in 6.5cm and it shoots excellent. I don't think you would be disappointed.
I would be curious what brand of barrel blanks they use. Might be worth reaching out to EuroOptic and/or Surgeon about.
If it's a quality cut rifled barrel, that's a good deal. You could always sell the chassis and buy a stock/chassis of your choice.
That's the plan is to eventually sell the magpul and put it in a mcmillan or a chassis
This would be my play if you are wanting to go .308...
Origin action - $900
northlandshooterssupply.com
Proof 26" .308 - $580
MDT ACC Elite - $1150
Triggertech Diamond - $250
$2880.
Origin action - $900
ZERMATT ARMS/BIGHORN ARMS ORIGIN SHORT ACTION | Northland Shooters Supply
Northland Shooters Supply (NSS) offers the Zermatt Arms Origin short action along with the TL3, SR3, and Origin actions from Zermatt Arms/Bighorn Arms.
northlandshooterssupply.com
Proof 26" .308 - $580
MDT ACC Elite - $1150
Triggertech Diamond - $250
$2880.
There is not a single component of the Scalpel that is better than the above "custom". Action, barrel, chassis, and trigger are all better if you "build".
This would be my play if you are wanting to go .308...
Origin action - $900
ZERMATT ARMS/BIGHORN ARMS ORIGIN SHORT ACTION | Northland Shooters Supply
Northland Shooters Supply (NSS) offers the Zermatt Arms Origin short action along with the TL3, SR3, and Origin actions from Zermatt Arms/Bighorn Arms.
Proof 26" .308 - $580
MDT ACC Elite - $1150
Triggertech Diamond - $250
$2880.
I’d go the origin action with shouldered prefit route. You have access to tons of prefit barrels for that action. I have no idea what prefit barrels are available for the surgeon action or maybe that’s not really a concern for you?
If you go the origin action route all youd need to install and remove your own barrels is some c-clamps, a $75 barrel vice, torque wrench, and a $80-$100 action wrench
It's not really on concern. I've never built a bolt action before. I've built ar's so if i can go with a factory rifle with a warranty that would probably be better for me.
I’d go the origin action with shouldered prefit route. You have access to tons of prefit barrels for that action. I have no idea what prefit barrels are available for the surgeon action or maybe that’s not really a concern for you?
If you go the origin action route all youd need to install and remove your own barrels is some c-clamps, a $75 barrel vice, torque wrench, and a $80-$100 action wrench
If you have "built" an AR...assembling a bolty will be walk in the park.
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Yea just got done building a mk12 mod 1 last year. Still haven't shot it unfortunately.
Just seems like alot of the custom actions are more prs concentrated over hard use. I could be wrong please correct me if I am
Bolts are childs play compared to a full AR build. Literally torquing barrel to spec, two pins and two screws.
