Which Rifle? Entry Level PRS Gun in 6.5
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Open to suggestions from you guys who I know have way more time behind a rifle at distance than I do.
Looking to shoot a few matches and shoot recreational.
A few of the Entry Level options that seem to be available (Sub $2000, maybe a hair more but it hurts my optics budget then):
- Ruger RPR
- Savage Evo Stealth
- Howa 1500 Barreled Action & Chassis
- Tikka T3X TAC A1
- Bergara B14 BMP
Open to any and all suggestions. Of these I imagine the Tikka or Bergara to be the most refined. Savage cheapest but still shoot well (but reliability is questionable). Honestly I would expect the biggest groups out of the Ruger just from past experience with Ruger rifles. I like Ruger, dont get me wrong. But before I get a Ruger and slap a Bartlien on it or some other expense, I'd just as soon go custom build.
Someone point me in the right direction here.
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If your looking to do PRS production class I don’t believe you can swap out stocks and barrels.
So no Howa Action + stock combo, you would have to go with the Howa HCR or Howa Bravo.
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I don’t have any experience with it but the Tikka usually gets a lot of praise. I have a RPR 223 that is a good shooter.
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I don't care very much about production class. Figure in 2 years or less, I'd likely be ready for a new barrel anyways. And even with a RPR or something that comes in under $2k, I am sure there are some things I would be changing (stock, for example, or trigger).
So Production Class is no big deal to me. I'd just as soon go bang in Open Bolt Gun.
Being honest, I don't have the extra time, money, or skills to compete in the top tier anyways. I want to do it because it seems fun. So I don't care if something puts me out of Production Class, this class, that class, etc.
I believe Production also limit you on $2k Optics as well. And most of the FFP Scopes worth having MSRP over $2k.
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@carnagez28
For $2550 we can build you a 6.5 Creedmoor on a nitrided Lone Peak Arms Razor, Benchmark barrel in your choice of contour, threaded muzzle with a self timing muzzle, KRG Bravo chassis, and TriggerTech trigger.
You're going to be leagues ahead of going with a production type rifle in terms of accuracy potential and ergonomics. None of the production rifles you mentioned will have an action with desirable bolt manipulation ergonomics. The Razor has an integral recoil lug and pinned 8-40 20moa scope base. It is also available through us in a nitrided finish which aids greatly in keeping it running slick in crap conditions. Also, being a full custom receiver with integral recoil lug, we will save the headspace and thread dimensions when we install the barrel and can build you another barrel down the road without having the receiver back. You won't need headspace gauges, just a barrel vise and action wrench.
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I would listen to this mans advice (TS Customs)..Wisdom
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@tscustoms said:
@carnagez28
For $2550 we can build you a 6.5 Creedmoor on a nitrided Lone Peak Arms Razor, Benchmark barrel in your choice of contour, threaded muzzle with a self timing muzzle, KRG Bravo chassis, and TriggerTech trigger.
You're going to be leagues ahead of going with a production type rifle in terms of accuracy potential and ergonomics. None of the production rifles you mentioned will have an action with desirable bolt manipulation ergonomics. The Razor has an integral recoil lug and pinned 8-40 20moa scope base. It is also available through us in a nitrided finish which aids greatly in keeping it running slick in crap conditions. Also, being a full custom receiver with integral recoil lug, we will save the headspace and thread dimensions when we install the barrel and can build you another barrel down the road without having the receiver back. You won't need headspace gauges, just a barrel vise and action wrench.That sounds like an awesome deal!
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@carnagez28 you may not know why you should listen to that post by @tscustoms right now, and that's OK. At some point you WILL know why, and you'll be happy you did the right thing FIRST, instead of ignoring the advice and wasting money on something inferior.
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If your not concerned with production class, then I would definitely go the route of a custom. I don’t have any first hand experience with TC customs but everything I’ve seen post performance wise, from their builds has been unbelievable.
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@bull81 said:
unbelievable
It is, until you own one. Then the unbelievable becomes the new standard.
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Wow...$2550 is unbeatable for a full custom! I have a couple of rifles that travis has worked on. He does great work. Just go ahead and spend a little bit extra now and you will not have to learn the frustrations of dealing with a factory rifle.
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@orkan said:
It is, until you own one. Then the unbelievable becomes the new standard.
So very true. I've played with a few factory rifles that have been regarded as "best bang for buck" and "most accurate and reliable factory rifle" and they can't even hold a candle to the blinding light that is a TS Customs. The price he gave you almost has me picking up the phone, and I have two 6.5 Creedmoor conversions he spun up for my Desert Tech.
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Wow and wow.
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Travis,
New to GunHive but used to be around on the old Primal Rights (and dare I say it, Bohica) message boards quite a bit. I certainly recognize the name and the reputation.
Truthfully, I considered having you build me a rifle before this. Looked at your website. But just assumed a custom build would be out of my price range.
All the KRG Chassis use AICS mags right? My only concern, possibly, would be wanting a chassis with adjustable LOP (The wife likes to shoot and she is always comfortable with a good bit shorter LOP than I so occasionally being able to shorten it up would be nice). I am not sure if their lowest end model is adjustable. But either way, I think we have options with different chassis models by KRG.
Which Trigger Tech model do you use?
It may not be for a couple weeks here, but knowing I can have you build me a rifle for that price, I am going to take you up on it. When I am ready, what is the best number to contact you at? The one listed on your website?
Lastly, how does one go about a custom build with me being out-of-state, actually, halfway across the country lol. You build it, and ship to my FFL who does the transfer?
*** EDIT *** - Do you have any idea how many Tabs and Windows that one post just closed on my computer lol. I had so many different guns and reviews and specs and this that and the other all pulled up for comparison.
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Going to one of the best in the business really makes decisions easy doesn't it?
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@carnagez28 said:
Travis,
New to GunHive but used to be around on the old Primal Rights (and dare I say it, Bohica) message boards quite a bit. I certainly recognize the name and the reputation.
Truthfully, I considered having you build me a rifle before this. Looked at your website. But just assumed a custom build would be out of my price range.
All the KRG Chassis use AICS mags right? My only concern, possibly, would be wanting a chassis with adjustable LOP (The wife likes to shoot and she is always comfortable with a good bit shorter LOP than I so occasionally being able to shorten it up would be nice). I am not sure if their lowest end model is adjustable. But either way, I think we have options with different chassis models by KRG.
Yes, all the KRG chassis, use AICS magazines. The Bravo comes with a number of spacers for adjussting the length of pull. As it sits without spacers it is pretty short - I will measure.
Which Trigger Tech model do you use?
We like to use the TriggerTech Special for most builds. They're super crisp, time right in a LPA, and are externally adjustable for pull weight.
It may not be for a couple weeks here, but knowing I can have you build me a rifle for that price, I am going to take you up on it. When I am ready, what is the best number to contact you at? The one listed on your website?
Yes, that is a good number and you can email me directly from the site as well.
Lastly, how does one go about a custom build with me being out-of-state, actually, halfway across the country lol. You build it, and ship to my FFL who does the transfer?
That is correct. You just line up an FFL on your end to do the transfer.
*** EDIT *** - Do you have any idea how many Tabs and Windows that one post just closed on my computer lol. I had so many different guns and reviews and specs and this that and the other all pulled up for comparison.
I'm glad to be of service!!
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Awesome, yea let me know what length it goes down to.
Am I paying you up front or when the rifle is completed?
What's your current wait/build time look like? Just curious.
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@carnagez28 said:
Awesome, yea let me know what length it goes down to.
Measures about 12.75" with no spacers and comes with 1" worth of spacers.
Am I paying you up front or when the rifle is completed?
We require a down payment to start, you'd be looking at about 50% down.
What's your current wait/build time look like? Just curious.
Short action 308 Razors from Lone Peak are out until the end of February then we'll be back in full supply of them. Once the action lands, it will only take a couple weeks to wrap this build up.
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Very well, I will give you a call sometime in the next week or two to hash out the details and figure out down payment. I assume Visa is no problem over phone.
Need to talk about Length, Twist, Taper, 5 Grove if available, if I can get one of Trigger Tech's flat profile black triggers, which self-timing brake you had in mind (or if you think it would be an accuracy disadvantage to use a YHM QD Brake so I can throw the Ti 7.62 can on it sometimes), and possibly other Chassis options and price differences among other KRG chassis (X-Ray vs Bravo). And additional expenses for Nitriding it as I know you said you offer the service.
Big thanks to you taking the time to read and reply. As I said, I thought about you as I know how particular Greg is about his rifles and if he suggests you, you do NOT cut corners. But I just assumed you were out of my budget for a "toy" that I likely will never hunt with or have a practical need for.
I really appreciate all your help.
Joe
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Just a suggestion...when discussing details ask for Travis’ advice and listen to him. He likely knows more about what you need that you do.
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Just a thought, you might also discuss and consider a suppressor. I had my barrels set up with brakes that work with a unit I have coming.
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@martino1 said:
Just a thought, you might also discuss and consider a suppressor. I had my barrels set up with brakes that work with a unit I have coming.
Did you read his post? He already talked about suppressor.
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@carnagez28 said:
Very well, I will give you a call sometime in the next week or two to hash out the details and figure out down payment. I assume Visa is no problem over phone.
Sounds good. We only accept cash/check/money order for down payments. Card is fine for the remainder upon completion.
Need to talk about Length, Twist, Taper, 5 Grove if available, if I can get one of Trigger Tech's flat profile black triggers, which self-timing brake you had in mind (or if you think it would be an accuracy disadvantage to use a YHM QD Brake so I can throw the Ti 7.62 can on it sometimes), and possibly other Chassis options and price differences among other KRG chassis (X-Ray vs Bravo). And additional expenses for Nitriding it as I know you said you offer the service.
We've got a pretty good lock on the barrel configuration - just need you to pick a length and contour. No problem on the TriggerTech flat, I don't stock them in black though as they're $10 more and most people don't care. No problem on the YHM brake, that's probably the way to go since you have that suppressor. We don't do nitriding, the receiver itself is available in a nitrided finish from Lone Peak Arms. I don't recommend nitriding a barrel.
Big thanks to you taking the time to read and reply. As I said, I thought about you as I know how particular Greg is about his rifles and if he suggests you, you do NOT cut corners. But I just assumed you were out of my budget for a "toy" that I likely will never hunt with or have a practical need for.
I really appreciate all your help.
Joe
Thanks
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Travis,
Sounds good buddy. I figure it will be used in matches casually so I may as well use as much barrel as possible for the velocity. I was thinking 26" unless you oppose it for some reason?
I personally prefer something like a Rem Varmint, Medium Palma, Heavy Palma, or maybe M24. Figure it will be carried and hauled around some, but it isn't like it is a mobile coyote rig or anything so ... What contours can you get blanks in? Or basically any profile that Benchmark offers?
What do you typically recommend for PRS style rifles?
You chamber so I can still use factory ammo (while I accumulate brass) or would I have to turn necks? Either is fine. Just want to know in case I stumble across a deal on factory loaded ammo between now and delivery of a new toy ...
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@carnagez28 said:
Travis,
Sounds good buddy. I figure it will be used in matches casually so I may as well use as much barrel as possible for the velocity. I was thinking 26" unless you oppose it for some reason?
I run 26" on pretty much everything I own.
I personally prefer something like a Rem Varmint, Medium Palma, Heavy Palma, or maybe M24. Figure it will be carried and hauled around some, but it isn't like it is a mobile coyote rig or anything so ... What contours can you get blanks in? Or basically any profile that Benchmark offers?
We stock Light Palma/#5TS, Medium Palma(same as Rem Varmint), Heavy Palma, and MTU in 6.5mm 8twist.
What do you typically recommend for PRS style rifles?
I would recommend a Heavy Palma for dual use.
You chamber so I can still use factory ammo (while I accumulate brass) or would I have to turn necks? Either is fine. Just want to know in case I stumble across a deal on factory loaded ammo between now and delivery of a new toy ...
We run VERY few neck turn reamers, none of which would be in 6.5 Creedmoor. In 6.5 Creedmoor we typically use a freebore that we've found to be desirable for factory ammo and reloading both.
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@orkan said:
@martino1 said:
Just a thought, you might also discuss and consider a suppressor. I had my barrels set up with brakes that work with a unit I have coming.
Did you read his post? He already talked about suppressor.
Sorry missed it.
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Have Travis build you a custom rifle,you will not be sorry.
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@carnagez28 said:
Open to suggestions from you guys who I know have way more time behind a rifle at distance than I do.
Looking to shoot a few matches and shoot recreational.
A few of the Entry Level options that seem to be available (Sub $2000, maybe a hair more but it hurts my optics budget then):
- Ruger RPR
- Savage Evo Stealth
- Howa 1500 Barreled Action & Chassis
- Tikka T3X TAC A1
- Bergara B14 BMP
I
Open to any and all suggestions. Of these I imagine the Tikka or Bergara to be the most refined. Savage cheapest but still shoot well (but reliability is questionable). Honestly I would expect the biggest groups out of the Ruger just from past experience with Ruger rifles. I like Ruger, dont get me wrong. But before I get a Ruger and slap a Bartlien on it or some other expense, I'd just as soon go custom build.
Someone point me in the right direction here.
I have the Howa HCR. I was going to buy a barreled action and put it in an MDT Chassis, but I decided on the HCR because I wanted to start with something that just worked and learn. I went with the heavy Varmint threaded barrel (#6 profile). I regularly shoot .4 MOA with it. It’s not super refined (like the TL3 I got next), but it’s still a rifle I like to shoot even though there’s more high-end stuff in my safe now. I think thy says a lot.
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@orkan said:
@bull81 said:
unbelievable
It is, until you own one. Then the unbelievable becomes the new standard.
Ok @orkan I just put an order in for the new standard with Travis. Couldn’t pass up the price he quoted me, and the fast turn around is unheard of. Looking forward to the new build
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You will be very happy when your build is done.What are you having built? Action,barrel,stock,trigger.
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@steelbanger
Gonna be a 223 with a big horn action, KRG chassis, and a 24 in 1:7 twist light Palma benchmark barrel. I have a jewel trigger laying around here at home I’ll use for now, but will most likely swap it out to the CG extreme down the road. Trying to keep this one fairly lightweight.
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Sounds like a sweet setup,I had Travis build me a 223AI with LP Ti Fusion action,Game scout edge stock,BM #5 barrel with micro bastard break and a jewell trigger.The rifle is a dream to shoot.
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Kind of a thread jack...but I'm trying to figure out how big (thick) of recoil fits in the Bravo chassis. @tscustoms do you know? OR can you tell me how thick the lug is on a Lone Peak since you know that fits?
Thanks
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@norcal_in_az The two I had in the shop just walked out five minutes ago but I know they'll fit a 1/4" lug
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@tscustoms Thank you very much. Thats what I have so I should be good to go.
