Entry-level 6.5 CM 1000m build with a DD214

[SplashOver]

Putting together my wishlist, looking at the 6.5mm Creedmore to build a platform around. This will be my first build, previously only had government owned rifles. With a DD214, it seems like some brands offer very generous discounts to vets - so it would push more toward brands like Vortex. Mostly just for shooting on my own, but I may veer toward PRS at some point in the future if I find myself with more time.

Looking at the Razer HD in 3-18 or 4.5-27 -- going MRAD as that's what I know. It doesn't seem like I'd need a 20MOA base or

For the gun I am thinking:
Buy one of the "regular" Tikkas like the light/superlight/varmint and add the KRG Bravo
Tikka TAC A1 - seems pretty turn key out the box
Sako S20 Precision - seems like it has some very positive feedback now.
Something else?

Concerns: are 20MOA bases still a thing? If so I'd either be swapping rails or buying a scope mount-which would make the A1 less turnkey. Also happy to save some money somewhere, but I'd rather get a good action and good scope, and worry about barrels and chassis down the line.

 

[Maveroid]

If you aren’t in a hurry watch the PX. I built a rifle from a Tikka barred action purchased from the PX. Also purchased a MDT ACC 50% off code. For not much more than the price of a Tikka TAC A1 I got the chassis I wanted, aftermarket barrel, fluted bolt with sterk bolt knob, and was able to build it the way I wanted. I was deployed and patient while finding components though so maybe you don’t have that time to wait.

 

[kwlazycarr]

Tikka is the way to go in my opinion. Great guns out of the box and can go pretty far with making them yours. Most of the ones I have experience with are tack drivers with factory ammo. Vortex is great glass. I’d also look at nf shv 4-14 f1. You can pick them up second hand for $700-$900. They’ve become my go to.

 

[DeadZeppelin]

My recommendation is get a tikka as cheap as you can find, used even. Then take off the barrel and stock and sell them to re-coup some of your cost.

I'd rebarrel with proof (mil discount) and put it in a KRG Bravo. Vortex does offer a good mil discount, but if you could find a NF SHV f1 for the above price I'd jump all over that.

Generally when you are going with a mil discount you will have to wait longer. Proof has close to a 6 month lead time. Vortex took a couple months when i ordered through their mil discount program too.

Another option is to get a tikka CTR or Varmint and throw some glass on it, use that until you want to upgrade the stock and barrel. Tikka's are awesome out of the box.

 

[SplashOver]

Well, looking to finally getting into this thanks to spending some more time overseas. Things look even more confusing. Anything changed RE: tikka being the choice here? S85?

Otherwise looking at a Tikka in 6.5 CM, Proof 22”, some sort of brake?, and some chassis - those look to have evolved a little as well.

Are the models with rails and/or UPR which finally gets 20MOA rail worth the extra?
What chassis makes the most sense - haven’t found a good place in WA/OR/ID to sample them all?
Any “con” to stainless actions? Likely taking this near saltwater plenty so it is perhaps appealing to me.
Looking toward varmint/ctr/etc… for 10rd magazine - or does that no longer matter when I get new chassis?

Sorry for the repeated questions - only ever shot what was issued or bought off the shelf.