Like shown above get the Aero barreled action and maybe a used MDT XRS or KRG Bravo. Wait for the barreled action to come back in stock on sale:
https://www.primaryarms.com/aero-precision-solus-short-action-6-5-creedmoor-sendero-22in
A good deal is a MDT LSS-XL that MDT makes for Faxon. I picked one up from PA for under $700 not too long ago. Here's some different chassis for some of my TL3s:
Faxon/MDT:
MDT ACC Gen 1:
MDT ACC Elite:
MPA ESR:
MPA Matrix:
MPA Matrix Pro:
Matrix Pro 2:
XLR Element:
Yup, best to take the scope off since it's so easy to do and scopes tend to be expensive. And you'll have to rezero anyway with a different barrel even if you leave the scope on.
I have a S3 and a Theos. The glass quality seems very similar and very close to my G3s to my eyes anyway. I like the S3 reticle more but the Theos has nicer turrets with the tool less zero stop adjustment.
1-10x LPVO with a bit larger 28mm objective and adjustable parallax:
https://3stepsolutions.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/assets/custom/003036/documents/factsheet-stryker-hd-1-10x28-en-20230809-0734.pdf
I had three GEs. They were very nice scopes but I wanted a little larger center dot so I swapped them to Sightron SVs that has a bit larger center dot and 2 speed parallax adjustment which really helps. Never used the S3 but the GE and SV probably have better glass...
It's easy once you do it. I just put the barrel in a barrel vise, put some anti seize on the barrel threads and screw a shouldered barrel on with an action wrench. Get go/no gauges and a barrel nut wrench for barrel nut style barrels. Only takes a few minutes longer with a barrel nut.
Here's...
These are usually over $3.5k but are heavily discounted now but still a bit over $2k:
https://www.eurooptic.com/March-FX-Tactical-45x-28x52-FML-3-Reticle-01MIL-Illuminated-Riflescope-D28HV52WF.aspx...
I have a Theos, a Zeiss S3, and a couple of G3s and I like all of them. The no tool needed turrets on the Theos is convenient but I still prefer the locking turrets on the G3 and how precise you can adjust the zero. The glass quality among the three is very close according to my eyes anyway but...