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$2.2K and first rifle.

loveha

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  • Jul 31, 2018
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    NW Lower Michigan
    Rifle Purchased-See post #22

    Not my first rifle, but this would be my first entry into precision bolt action rifles.
    I had a $4k budget to build one. Then this asshole called life came along and took my money. New winter beater truck and a knee surgery later ruined that plan.

    So with $2,200 I am looking at the following.
    Christensen MPR 20" 308 Win. Can get for $2,100.
    BadRock in 308 Win. After scope base and a mag, it's roughly the same price of $2,100.
    MPA BA PMR in 308 Win. I'll need a new grip so it's more money towards $2,100. Also the barrel is longer than I would like. Would prefer to keep it under 24" because of my suppressor.

    What it really comes down to, is quality of the action, and customer service. Which should I go with? Not worried about barrels and their accuracy, I'm sure all three will do fine in that department. I'm looking at tolerances, bolt lift, and smoothness of the action. All three have a Triggertech. Which is great to me because I own 2 Triggertechs in my AR's and will be buying an AR Diamond next month.

    If there is anything else in this price range, please let me know, and your thoughts.
    Thanks.
     
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    Take a good look at the different Tikka models .
    Went and looked, it's borrowing to much AR, and it looks like one minus the bolt handle. I am not looking for something that confuses snowflakes. I'm nitpicking, I know.

    Thanks for the links, but none of those looked like they had threaded muzzles. Want something for my can, so that is added cost at the gunsmith. Also I am looking for new.

    I dont know what the current lead time is but you should look at PVA's John Hancock rifle. Just under 2k for a full custom.
    It's long....

    How are the Seekins Havoks doing? I know they are around that price range but I haven't gave them a close look.
    I like it, but would want to get behind it to see how I liked the grip. The rifles I listed, take AR grips which I would prefer.

    I know I asked for other suggestions, but does anybody have input on the three I listed?
    Out of the three I have been behind an MPA, with a way higher price tag, and the action felt good.
     
    If you look, and ask the right people, I've seen the mpa (not the production model) sell for $2.2k, that would be where I'd start. The production model would be second, badrock 3rd, maybe even check the bergara in the PDC or XLR chassis.
     
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    Went and looked, it's borrowing to much AR, and it looks like one minus the bolt handle. I am not looking for something that confuses snowflakes. I'm nitpicking, I know.


    Thanks for the links, but none of those looked like they had threaded muzzles. Want something for my can, so that is added cost at the gunsmith. Also I am looking for new.


    It's long....


    I like it, but would want to get behind it to see how I liked the grip. The rifles I listed, take AR grips which I would prefer.

    I know I asked for other suggestions, but does anybody have input on the three I listed?
    Out of the three I have been behind an MPA, with a way higher price tag, and the action felt good.


    One of them is threaded.
    New is nice but a 308 never wears out, just sayin
     
    Take a look at the APO Snipers Hide edition rifle thread. You might find that it fits a lot of your criteria for a little less than your budget. Might look at one of the Origin barreled actions at PVA paired with KRG bravo/X-ray and triggertech Special (maybe good deal on diamond) and you might be right around budget as well as another member suggested. Also you can find great deals on chassis in px
     
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    This is unsolicited advise and I apologize in advance if unwanted.

    Unless it’s going to take you many months to save back up to 4k, do that, and in the meantime, try as many rifles as you can.

    I only say this because you likely had your eyes on something for the 4k budget. You’ll still want to scratch this itch. It’s a sickness.

    You can get a new AI-AT around 4k and a good shape used GAP, or many, many other options.
     
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    I have the MPR and like it a lot for my uses. And that is for an accurate rifle that will be carried a lot but not shot that often. It sounds like you want more of a general range use and weight as not a concern, in which case I would recommend something else.
     
    This is unsolicited advise and I apologize in advance if unwanted.

    Unless it’s going to take you many months to save back up to 4k, do that, and in the meantime, try as many rifles as you can.

    I only say this because you likely had your eyes on something for the 4k budget. You’ll still want to scratch this itch. It’s a sickness.

    You can get a new AI-AT around 4k and a good shape used GAP, or many, many other options.

    Was going to build this.

    DLC Coated Defiance Deviant Tactical
    MDT ESS Chassis
    Proof Carbon Barrel
    TriggerTech Diamond
    Ares ETR Scope

    That was the plan before funds were spent on other important matters.
    I'm leaning towards the Badrock. It is made up mostly of the brands I was looking at, just cheaper. Probably buy the higher magnification Ares BTR, have the 2.5-15x50 on another rifle that I am happy with.

    Otherwise I'll most likely not have the build started till after this years deer season after saving again.
     
    Was going to build this.

    DLC Coated Defiance Deviant Tactical
    MDT ESS Chassis
    Proof Carbon Barrel
    TriggerTech Diamond
    Ares ETR Scope

    That was the plan before funds were spent on other important matters.
    I'm leaning towards the Badrock. It is made up mostly of the brands I was looking at, just cheaper. Probably buy the higher magnification Ares BTR, have the 2.5-15x50 on another rifle that I am happy with.

    Otherwise I'll most likely not have the build started till after this years deer season after saving again.

    I’d go badrock then for sure
     
    Update.
    Local shop I use had some MPA rifles in 6.5 and 338. They had them priced at $3,175. Talked them down to $2,500 cash.
    I had some low Nightforce rings and took off an Ares BTR 2.5-15x50. Just enough scope clearance to see some daylight. Down the road I'll get a better scope. Thinking Ares ETR.


    20190322_174259.jpg
     
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    Update.
    Local shop I use had some MPA rifles in 6.5 and 338. They had them priced at $3,175. Talked them down to $2,500 cash.
    I had some low Nightforce rings and took off an Ares BTR 2.5x15-50. Just enough scope clearance to see some daylight. Down the road I'll get a better scope. Thinking Ares ETR.

    View attachment 7047544


    That was a great choice on rifles! Glad you found a good deal.
     
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    Good price. What's the difference between that rifle and the "production" rifle at 2K?

    Here is the link to it, can compare to what I received.

    My rifle.
     
    For the price window your at I would go with a custom action and barrel of your choosing.
    I built a 65 Creedmoor on a Kelbly Atlas Tac action, Bartlien M24 barrel chambered by Kelblys put it in a Greyboe Renegade with MPA bottom metal and used a TT Special trigger and came in just under your price.
    I allready had the tools for installing the barrel and did the bedding and stock work myself so that obviously saved me some money.
     
    Check the Hide exchange here. Honestly the only place I look because I cannot afford a new build price and don’t want to wait a year plus for a build. Take advantage of someone else who has that luxury and is changing gears.

    Buy a lightly used one here. Or... Buy a barreled action off the Hide and drop it in a stock you like. A little over your budget, but I bought a custom SAC build in a manners folding stock for $2,600 total with load development provided and only a couple hundred rounds fired.
     
    Geee whiz, Id think buying an Ashbuy Precision Ordinance Sniper's Hide model would be the way to go. Match ready out of the box, just slap some glass on it.

    /But nice looking rig you got.