Buy or build?

[hunter8793]

Hi, guys I'm new here. I need help deciding what to do.

I'd like a new bolt action 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting and shooting steel/paper at 1000 yards.

I'm interested in the Bergara B14 HMR and HMR Pro rifles. I really like the stock, and they seem like great rifles for the money. Especially the non Pro version.

If I buy the Bergara HMR, I'd like to flute the barrel. $900 ish plus fluting
If I buy the HMR Pro, I'd like to flute the barrel. $1600 ish plus fluting

I like the Pro more because it has a Stainless barrel and action.


Should I buy one of those, or can I build a better rifle for the around the same price point? Max would be $2k. I already have a scope.

Thanks for the help.

 

[TimeWillTell]

What's your reasoning for wanting to flute the barrel?

I'm no expert but given the discussions regarding barrel stress points and the like I'm not sure if fluting a factory barrel like that would be wise. Someone else will hopefully come along and answer but I suspect this may warrant more research.

For $2k the PVA John Hancock is a killer deal but you'll likely be waiting several months.

 

[hunter8793]

What's your reasoning for wanting to flute the barrel?

I'm no expert but given the discussions regarding barrel stress points and the like I'm not sure if fluting a factory barrel like that would be wise. Someone else will hopefully come along and answer but I suspect this may warrant more research.

For $2k the PVA John Hancock is a killer deal but you'll likely be waiting several months.

To save weight. I will be elk hunting with this thing. I'll look into that rifle. Thanks.

 

[Ledzep]

Bighorn Origin- $850
Trigger tech- $145
KRG Bravo- $375
Savage Prefit- $350
Nut or Barloc- $20+tools (wrench, vise, etc.) or $150

Would be about as close as you could get to that price range building. Price after shipping/FFL transfer is probably going to be right in line with a PVA John Hancock +/-.

Things to consider, if you do a build like listed above you can pick barrel contour and potentially skip fluting. If you buy a B14 or PVA JH, you're stuck with their barrel profile. The PVA JH is standardized to meet specific PRS qualifications for match class. Outstanding value and all assumptions are towards an outstanding precision rifle. A hunting rifle, though... May be a bit of a pig. Also, nobody that flutes your barrel is going to guarantee accuracy afterwards. Probably will be okay but not a certainty...

But that's the tradeoff you're going to fight regardless. Weight vs. accuracy/comfort vs. price.

 

[Another Casual]

I was in a somewhat similar predicament. I have a nucleus on order with the barloc. First barrel will be a target weight 6.5 barrel. By fall 2019 I'll be picking up a second barrel in one of the short mags for elk hunting in a much lighter contour. Food for thought.

Also, I'd have a look at long rifles Inc fluting calculator to see how much weight you'd actually be saving by fluting. For me the cost per ounce doesn't really make much sense. The lighter the contour is the less that comes off from fluting, so the big savings are only seen on really heavy contours.

 

[AFController]

I don't what fluting runs, but when I started piecing everything together to build a light rifle, I decided on a Proof Research barrel from Ranier. $827, but accurate and very light.
I'm building a 24" gas gun, but was also considering the long treks through the woods.

 

[trob_205]

Sounds like Seekins Havok PH1 fits your bill to a T

 

[patriot07]

Tikka CTR stainless 20" weighs 7.5 lbs and comes in at half your budget and is plenty accurate for any of your uses.