Need some input...
I've been shooting Swede mausers (amongst other milsurp bolties) for years and love the 6.5x55 (though also partial to 243 and 308 on paper). I am planning on getting a modern bolt stick soon, which would actually be my first one (have plenty of milsurps, modern levers, shot guns, AR's, etc, etc, but not a single modern bolt).
My primary concern is reliability as measured by jams and broken parts in all weather conditions. Desired accuracy is at least 1 MOA (or less).
Bearing in mind that it must be available in 6.5x55 (I have enough components for these to fill... well, a lot) I have narrowed it down to a few selections.
1. Winchester Featherlight M70
I love the cone breech, controlled feed mauser style action. It's something that I'm familiar with and is eminently reliable. It has been around for a long time and has solid aftermarket support, though production has been discontinued (correct me if I'm wrong on that last one). I'm also keen on the 5 round capacity and 3 position safety.
2. Tikka T3 Lite
I really don't know much at all about the action from a technical perspective. I've handled them quite a bit at the store and of course I'm enthusiastic about the silky bolt, 60 degree turn. I'm also enthusiastic about the out of the box accuracy, stiff action, etc. Finally, it's nice to see the aftermarket start to support these. But with all of those facts, I still am not fond of the closed top and I still know next to nothing about the bolt/action (push feed? etc).
3. Sako (75, 85)
It's a Sako.
4. Remington 700
Does the model really matter that much? With the aftermarket support these things have you can dress it anyway you want. That said, I'm not keen on the action or factory barrels. Despite the aftermarket, and noting the 4 round capacity amongst numerous other factors, these guys are probably last of my finalists.
I've been shooting Swede mausers (amongst other milsurp bolties) for years and love the 6.5x55 (though also partial to 243 and 308 on paper). I am planning on getting a modern bolt stick soon, which would actually be my first one (have plenty of milsurps, modern levers, shot guns, AR's, etc, etc, but not a single modern bolt).
My primary concern is reliability as measured by jams and broken parts in all weather conditions. Desired accuracy is at least 1 MOA (or less).
Bearing in mind that it must be available in 6.5x55 (I have enough components for these to fill... well, a lot) I have narrowed it down to a few selections.
1. Winchester Featherlight M70
I love the cone breech, controlled feed mauser style action. It's something that I'm familiar with and is eminently reliable. It has been around for a long time and has solid aftermarket support, though production has been discontinued (correct me if I'm wrong on that last one). I'm also keen on the 5 round capacity and 3 position safety.
2. Tikka T3 Lite
I really don't know much at all about the action from a technical perspective. I've handled them quite a bit at the store and of course I'm enthusiastic about the silky bolt, 60 degree turn. I'm also enthusiastic about the out of the box accuracy, stiff action, etc. Finally, it's nice to see the aftermarket start to support these. But with all of those facts, I still am not fond of the closed top and I still know next to nothing about the bolt/action (push feed? etc).
3. Sako (75, 85)
It's a Sako.
4. Remington 700
Does the model really matter that much? With the aftermarket support these things have you can dress it anyway you want. That said, I'm not keen on the action or factory barrels. Despite the aftermarket, and noting the 4 round capacity amongst numerous other factors, these guys are probably last of my finalists.
