2020 Redline or Tikka 6.5 CM

[Subs]

Over the last several months I've been looking into getting a 6.5 CM rifle for a dedicated backcountry set up. I had pretty much settled on a Tikka with a 20" barrel because I have a bunch of parts that I can put together a lightweight set up. I've got a ZG 6.5 on the way from Airlock that I was going to pair with it. Until Federal announced the +PEAK ammo on Friday, 20" was about as short I was wanting to go. Now that the high pressure ammo is in the mix, I'm wondering if the Springfield 2020 Redline with a 16" barrel is the easy button. It's lightweight, short, and has a 700 action that I can easily find a chassis for in the future f that's a direction I want to go. I have ruled out ful custom based on budget, timeline, and the fact that I'm prone to analysis paralysis anyway (although I feel like I'm in good company on this site...). I'm trying to spend some money on a tool and get out in the field with it.

What are your thoughts on an off the shelf short barrel 6.5 now that the Federal +PEAK ammo is in the mix? Should I stick with the Tikka plan or go with the Springfield?

 

[hoooogan]

I own a 20" Redline and have done this mental gymnastics before. I love my redline, but if your goal is to get into the field, I'd go Tikka. Apples to apples, you're paying an extra ~$500+ for a shorter carbon barrel that won't shoot any better or worse. Also, something to consider for future changes is that the 2020 action's barrel threading is proprietary and you can't swap bolts. No off the shelf prefits, only custom ordered barrels in .473 BF cartridges. FWIW, I have an 18" 6GT barrel from BSF on order that costs as much as a new Tikka. The 700 footprint is nice, but stock/chassis support for Tikka is mostly equal, plus the Tikka can convert to "long action".

Another thing, the Grayboe Trekker stock on the Redline is not friendly to those who like/need bag riders. You are basically bracing the stock at the butt pad. Otherwise, I liked the stock.

On the other hand, if you were set on a shorter barrel R700 rifle that you didn't need to touch, the Redline is a solid choice.