6.5CM, $2k budget

[FlyGuy]

There are probably 1000 threads on this already, but we’ve got nothing else to do for 7 more months, so...

I’m in the market for a 6.5CM to compliment my 300WSM (CA Ridgeline). I’m not a range guy, this is a hunting rig. Want it light and short. 600 would be the longest I could ever imagine shooting at an animal, but 450 is more likely. I just got an unexpected commission and I’m using on a rifle. $2000 is my budget for the gun w/o glass.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Kimber mountain ascent and the CA Ridgeline (with the 20” barrel).

Opinions please between the two? I’m no expert on the details so would love to get thoughts from the experts.

Are there any other models I’m missing that fit in my parameters?





You can’t cheat the mountain

 

[Desk Jockey]

Sako fin light 2 or carbon light.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

A mountain ascent in 6.5 would be awesome.

 

[archp625]

There are probably 1000 threads on this already, but we’ve got nothing else to do for 7 more months, so...

I’m in the market for a 6.5CM to compliment my 300WSM (CA Ridgeline). I’m not a range guy, this is a hunting rig. Want it light and short. 600 would be the longest I could ever imagine shooting at an animal, but 450 is more likely. I just got an unexpected commission and I’m using on a rifle. $2000 is my budget for the gun w/o glass.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Kimber mountain ascent and the CA Ridgeline (with the 20” barrel).

Opinions please between the two? I’m no expert on the details so would love to get thoughts from the experts.

Are there any other models I’m missing that fit in my parameters?





You can’t cheat the mountain

I would get another Ridgeline and get the same optics. That way you have a cheaper to shoot rifle that’s very similar to your WSM.

 

[HuntnPack]

I would get another Ridgeline and get the same optics. That way you have a cheaper to shoot rifle that’s very similar to your WSM.

Good plan.

 

[Indyal]

FWIW, I recently handled a scoped Kimber MA in 6.5CM and a scoped CA in 6.5PRC and for me, the MA went to my shoulder very well.
I also handled a Bergara Hunter and Browning Hells Canyon speed without scopes. The Bergara felt ok and the Hells canyon seemed the worst fit for me.
My MA should be here end of this week.

 

[FlyGuy]

I would get another Ridgeline and get the same optics. That way you have a cheaper to shoot rifle that’s very similar to your WSM.

That’s a really good idea


You can’t cheat the mountain

 

[Brightwhite]

I agree with getting the ridgeline twin. I have the 20” ridgeline 6.5cm. I dropped mine in an EH1 because I was not a fan of the sporter stock on the ridgeline, but accuracy and function of my rifle has been great.

I’ve put a few hundred rounds of the Hornady precision hunter 143gr eldx through mine so far and it’s very accurate with that factory ammo, also shoots the 147 match, hated the 140 match. I will be starting load development this summer to get some more speed and consistency. I’m leaning towards those 127 LRX bullets.

 

[FlyGuy]

Sako fin light 2 or carbon light.

Thanks. I looked at Tikka but forgot about the sako. I’ll consider that finlight 2 as well. It is a few hundred over my budget, but maybe the adjustable cheek comb could justify the overage. I like that the new model is cerakoted, which is a requirement for me as I am Hell on equipment; and it’s got the 20” barrel that I need. My biggest hang up is that it appears the barrel does not come pre-threaded for a break/suppressor? I’m honestly surprised that a rifle in this price range would not have this as a standard feature? I’ll have to get some estimates from local smiths, but I have to assume That is going to add another couple hundred (minimum) to the price tag. So, now I’m $5-600 over which is starting to seriously cut into my scope budget... but, I’ve always heard great things about the sakos, so I’ll keep it as 3rd on the short list until I can handle one and learn a little more.

The carbon lite is way out of my price range...




You can’t cheat the mountain

 

[16Bore]

T3, Sportmatch, SWFA. Problem is it’s not cool, doesn’t impress anyone, doesn’t get ooohs and aaahs, boringly accurate and you’d be stuck with $1,000.

More phuggin white people problems.

 

[coues32]

If go kimber route, I d go Montana, buy ti fluted tactical handle, better muzzle break, have bolt fluted if u want the look.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Thanks. I looked at Tikka but forgot about the sako. I’ll consider that finlight 2 as well. It is a few hundred over my budget, but maybe the adjustable cheek comb could justify the overage. I like that the new model is cerakoted, which is a requirement for me as I am Hell on equipment; and it’s got the 20” barrel that I need. My biggest hang up is that it appears the barrel does not come pre-threaded for a break/suppressor? I’m honestly surprised that a rifle in this price range would not have this as a standard feature? I’ll have to get some estimates from local smiths, but I have to assume That is going to add another couple hundred (minimum) to the price tag. So, now I’m $5-600 over which is starting to seriously cut into my scope budget... but, I’ve always heard great things about the sakos, so I’ll keep it as 3rd on the short list until I can handle one and learn a little more.

The carbon lite is way out of my price range...




You can’t cheat the mountain

Fair enough. Tikka seems to be upgrading the t3x to including threading. Not released yet but I bet street price is around $1000. More money for glass and ammo

Upgraded features include

- Enhanced Recoil Pad
- Oversized Bolt Handle
- Metallic Bolt Shroud
- Fluted Bolt
- Steel Recoil Lug
- cerakoted, Fluted, 5/8x24 Threaded Barrel
- Cerakoted Muzzle Brake
- Integral 17mm Rail, drilled & tapped to receive standard (Weaver) scope mount bases or Picatinny rail

 

[jaredg]

My smith threads for $60. He will do it while I wait if needed. So threads to me are neither here nor there. As for the lightweight and short 6.5, try a Barrett 18" Fieldcraft. And +1 on the Sako Carbonlight

 

[MidGAHunter]

I would get another Ridgeline and get the same optics. That way you have a cheaper to shoot rifle that’s very similar to your WSM.

^^^ This.

 

[Steve O]

I would get another Ridgeline and get the same optics. That way you have a cheaper to shoot rifle that’s very similar to your WSM.

Yep. That’s the best plan.

 

[cmahoney]

Fair enough. Tikka seems to be upgrading the t3x to including threading. Not released yet but I bet street price is around $1000. More money for glass and ammo

Upgraded features include

- Enhanced Recoil Pad
- Oversized Bolt Handle
- Metallic Bolt Shroud
- Fluted Bolt
- Steel Recoil Lug
- cerakoted, Fluted, 5/8x24 Threaded Barrel
- Cerakoted Muzzle Brake
- Integral 17mm Rail, drilled & tapped to receive standard (Weaver) scope mount bases or Picatinny rail

Are they sticking with the plastic stock?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Sako 85 Finnlight 2. No question.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Thanks. I looked at Tikka but forgot about the sako. I’ll consider that finlight 2 as well. It is a few hundred over my budget, but maybe the adjustable cheek comb could justify the overage. I like that the new model is cerakoted, which is a requirement for me as I am Hell on equipment; and it’s got the 20” barrel that I need. My biggest hang up is that it appears the barrel does not come pre-threaded for a break/suppressor? I’m honestly surprised that a rifle in this price range would not have this as a standard feature? I’ll have to get some estimates from local smiths, but I have to assume That is going to add another couple hundred (minimum) to the price tag. So, now I’m $5-600 over which is starting to seriously cut into my scope budget... but, I’ve always heard great things about the sakos, so I’ll keep it as 3rd on the short list until I can handle one and learn a little more.

The carbon lite is way out of my price range...




You can’t cheat the mountain

You can order them threaded for a brake or suppressor. I totally get a supressor, but why in the word would you put a brake on this rig?My .260 Sako 85 Carbonlight is 7.5 lbs scoped and full of ammo. It doesn’t kick at all.

 

[FlyGuy]

You can order them threaded for a brake or suppressor. I totally get a supressor, but why in the word would you put a brake on this rig?My .260 Sako 85 Carbonlight is 7.5 lbs scoped and full of ammo. It doesn’t kick at all.

Purely for the suppressor, which is why I want the short 20” barrel.




You can’t cheat the mountain

 

[FlyGuy]

Fair enough. Tikka seems to be upgrading the t3x to including threading. Not released yet but I bet street price is around $1000. More money for glass and ammo

Upgraded features include

- Enhanced Recoil Pad
- Oversized Bolt Handle
- Metallic Bolt Shroud
- Fluted Bolt
- Steel Recoil Lug
- cerakoted, Fluted, 5/8x24 Threaded Barrel
- Cerakoted Muzzle Brake
- Integral 17mm Rail, drilled & tapped to receive standard (Weaver) scope mount bases or Picatinny rail

I wasn’t aware of that, looks like they might be back on the list then...


You can’t cheat the mountain