So I've done a bit of soul searching and it has led me to this: I can't justify the expense of a custom bolt action rifle. Maybe in a year or two, but right now the cost is just not palatable to me. I had a builder that I was speaking to about having a rifle built but the numbers simply don't work for me at this time. So, I've switched gears. I'm gonna go box-stock.

 

I'm betwixt and between 3 rifles, the new and much anticipated, internet melting Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5C, the Savage LRP in either 6.5C or, more likely 260Rem and the Tikka CTR in 260Rem.

 

Rifles will be paper punchers. Hopefully I'll be able to shoot a small, local match or two with it. If not, it's just a fun hobby. It'll be shooting regularly to 300 and hopefully to 1k if I can get to a semi-local range next year.

 

Any thoughts on these? I think the Ruger may be to new to really judge but the platform is VERY appealing. The Savage is a proven shooter but will need some tweaks to make it "perfect" to me. The Tikka is supposedly awesome but I worry about magazine costs and if I decide to upgrade the stock, manufacturers compatability. Initial purchase price is roughly the same for all 3 rifles.

 

Thanks in advance.

That ruger is appealing to me too -- I just don't know where I'd shoot it over 100 yards and that kinda makes it no fun

 

 I sure would like to se one up close and personal -- 

Topher, I've been looking at it sort of the same way. Have been interested, but the entry cost was looking like $5k plus.

 

Because of how it's reported to shoot and how I will be able to tweak it, the Ruger PR is at the top of my list right now. I don't see any significant downside yet. So my entry into the sport has new life.

 

On where to shoot Heavyopp, you can do 200 yds at ft. Dix Range-14 for $60/ year and $4/ hour. After that, high power matches at ranges around the state like CJRPC ...300 yds... and Cumberland down in Millville.....600 yds.

If you want to keep cost down buy all the parts over a year or two, then ship to builder. this is what i did and i just sent it off to smith and his fee isnt really that bad when youre not paying for all the parts at the same time. He also said the turn around time would be quicker as most of the time in building a custom is waiting for parts. I know my manners stock alone took 16 weeks to come in. Just food for thought. Even doing it this way im only at about 3500-3800, not bad over 2.5 years. And before everyone chimes in that thats too cheap its a very well known reputable smith, I believe even tier one defense lists $1000 bucks to put a rifle together if all the parts are there.

If i was choosing between those 3 id get the tikka, my father in law has one in 308and ive never shot a factory rifle that good, i have all remingtons and weatherbys but after shooting his ill be looking into the tikka as well

If you want to keep cost down buy all the parts over a year or two, then ship to builder. this is what i did and i just sent it off to smith and his fee isnt really that bad when youre not paying for all the parts at the same time. He also said the turn around time would be quicker as most of the time in building a custom is waiting for parts. I know my manners stock alone took 16 weeks to come in. Just food for thought. Even doing it this way im only at about 3500-3800, not bad over 2.5 years. And before everyone chimes in that thats too cheap its a very well known reputable smith, I believe even tier one defense lists $1000 bucks to put a rifle together if all the parts are there.

It was a thought however I know myself pretty well and gathering parts would be difficult at best. I'm easily distracted and rather impatient.

 

 

If i was choosing between those 3 id get the tikka, my father in law has one in 308and ive never shot a factory rifle that good, i have all remingtons and weatherbys but after shooting his ill be looking into the tikka as well

I've heard really good things about the Tikka. Biggest complaint is the $220ish dollar mags for it. Why they put a mag on there that retails for a quarter of the rifle price is beyond me. They feed really well apparently though.

Find a lightly used Remington LTR. Solid rifle and can be the basis for turning into a mild or wild custom in the future.

i enjoy beautiful things and that goes for techno-guns as well.

But, (and you know there was a but coming) I shoot against those $6k rifles routinely and have come to one conclusion.

Rifle / ammo preparation and "It's not the arrow, It's the Indian"

Out of the three listed I would go with a savage. Not familiar with tikka and the ruger is too new to tell. I have a few custom rifles where no expense was spared and they shoot great as would be expected. I just sold a rem 700p barreled action and that would shoot just as accurate as the custom jobs: 1/2 Moa with match grade ammo. I also have a couple savage lrpv single shot rifles. One in 223 rem and one in 6mmbr. They will outshoot some of my custom rifles with no mods done to them whatsoever.

 

IF you want a rifle you will be happy with out of the box get a savage. If you want a rifle you want to grow with then get a rem 700 based action. I saw on gb that one company was selling brand new rem 700 ltr in 223 for $650. That's a great price.