Budget Rifle Dilemma (Another vs thread)

[Coyote-6]

Alright folks. I know vs threads can get redundant, but I'm beginning to have an internal crisis and I NEED input!

Problem: Looking for a 6.5CM 1000yd rifle for $800-$1000. Wanting something that will shoot out of the box and little to nothing to HAVE to upgrade quickly.

Solution: So far, I'm torn between a Howa Bravo and Bergara HMR. The Bravo is kinda hard to find at a decent price at the moment, and the HMR worries me because I'm forever stuck with sending the rifle to Bergara for any rebarrels (not that bergara barrels are bad by any means). Additionally I prefer the two-stage trigger in the Bravo, since I've always used two-stage.

I had considered a Tikka T3x CTR, but I have a few issues with that, which I'm having a hard time getting around. First, I'm not paying for a proprietary mag (AICS or die!). Second, the flimsy stock (from what I read, it's the primary/only complaint) would need immediately replaced, driving my price past my budget. At a bare minimum, I would have to figure out a cheek rest and bed everything...

Disclaimer: I know I'm asking a lot for my budget, but I would prefer to spend $1k on a rifle and another large sum on classes and ammo, rather than go with a $2k gun with the training that I've already got...

 

[b6graham]

CTR. sell stock and mags which shouldnt be hard. get KRG Bravo and aics mags

/thread

 

[Coyote-6]

CTR. sell stock and mags which shouldnt be hard. get KRG Bravo and aics mags

/thread

Very interesting, I hadn't thought of that option. I do find it difficult to believe it would be easy to sell that stock though. Mags I certainly see as an option.

 

[Abbotm2]

I have the same want, though I've set my budget around $1700, but I am planning on getting a Tikka CTR and dropping it in a XLR or MDT chassis. I have seen similar setups come up for sale around $1500. There are a couple of KRGs available on here right now, I think I saw a used CTR 20" not too long ago.

Selling Tikka mags shouldn't be a problem, but not sure about the stock. you would prob only get $150 for it anyway.

I was planning on keeping the original stock in case I wanted to take the rifle to deer camp without looking so flashy.

 

[Tyrich88]

I have not shot the Howa, but i wouldnt hesitate to buy a bergara.
My Father in law has an HMR and its a fantastic rifle. The trigger is great, its very accurate and repeatable, and the stock/minichassis is pretty awesome as well.
For sub-$1k its one heck of a gun.

As for the barrels, i wouldn't doubt that with their quickly growing popularity, that bergara prefits will begin to be offered soon.

 

[Coyote-6]

As for the barrels, i wouldn't doubt that with their quickly growing popularity, that bergara prefits will begin to be offered soon.

That's a good point. By the time I would need a referral, it's likely this is the case.

 

[JC0352]

You could also get the Howa in the Oryx chassis.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

HMR worries me because I'm forever stuck with sending the rifle to Bergara for any rebarrels

That's not at all the case. You can't use a Remington 700 prefit, but any competent gunsmith that cuts barrels for 700s can spin you up a barrel on the B14 action.

I'd go Bergara for the 700 footprint, and therefore much better trigger and chassis/stock options.

 

[Coyote-6]

You could also get the Howa in the Oryx chassis.

You know, I thought about it, but vainly, I'm not a big fan of the full chassis look. I do have it on my short list still though since I do still consider looks secondary.

 

[JC0352]

I have a friend that had a local ‘smith rebarrel his bergara, then he dropped it into a Manners stock with mini chassis for Remington. Like it was said above, it doesn’t have to go back to the factory for rebarrel.

FWIW, his gunsmith also said the action didn’t need any truing.

 

[spife7980]

You know, I thought about it, but vainly, I'm not a big fan of the full chassis look. I do have it on my short list still though since I do still consider looks secondary.

I liked shooting the oryx more than the bravo

 

[Coyote-6]

I liked shooting the oryx more than the bravo

Would you be able to elaborate as to why?

 

[spife7980]

Would you be able to elaborate as to why?

Just comfort I guess. I sold the oryx (as a full rifle) and still have the bravo but the more time I find the bravo uncomfortable, I’ve since borrowed an xlr element that I like. Probably in the minority but it just doesn’t fit me right I guess.

 

[Coyote-6]

@spife7980 Think it's LoP or the vertical palm rest? Weird meld from stock to rear bag? Just trying to think what other human interaction areas could make for comfort issues.

 

[wade2big]

The Tikka CTR factory stock is not flimsy. It’s a good stock. They are nothing like the cheap plastic stuff that comes on most rifles.

 

[spife7980]

@spife7980 Think it's LoP or the vertical palm rest? Weird meld from stock to rear bag? Just trying to think what other human interaction areas could make for comfort issues.

Idk, it’s not vertical, I like the mdt vert and had no problem with the X-ray both large and small panels. I had no problem with the X-ray length of pull set up the same way.
Rear bag maybe but the oryx has much less real estate down there but it didn’t bother me. They are both good stocks, I just wanted to say not to count one out prematurely.