All around backcountry rifle set up for under 3000?

Joined
Oct 10, 2024
I'm looking to set up a rifle that could do any hunt in North America for around $3000. I want it to be relatively light (carbon stock/Barrel), and I want reliable glass that can handle some abuse. I'm thinking of a Bergara b14 hmr wilderness carbon in 7PRC. For glass, I'm thinking of a Leupold mark 4 4-18x50". Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
 
$1200 to a scope

$200 to rings/mount


$800 to rifle




$800 to ammo
 
300 Win Mag, 2.5-10x42 Nightforce MOAR, in accurate and reliable rifle would be my choice for backcountry rifle. Total weight between 7 and 8 lbs.
 
I think a 34mm tube on hunting scope is overkill.

I think I’d consider, from factory rifles, something you could cut or comes at usable length in 20” range. Would also consider the stock and if you’re upgrading that, which would drive what kind of factory rifles to consider.

Agree on 6.5CM or a PRC - depending on if you’re running braked or suppressed. 7 PRC and 300 WM would really suck in a 7lb gun. 7 PRC for an all arounder isn’t bad, but hard to get good shooting/practice volume. If you have a trainer rifle, moot point.
 
A big consideration from what you are saying is caliber for all species vs lightweight. Probably the best all species cartridge is .300 WM in my opinion, but I sure as hell wouldn’t want to shoot it in a lightweight rifle. If you are looking for a balance, I love .308 and will kill anything with manageable recoil in even light rifles. The Leupold Mark 4 is a great option as are a lot of the Vortex scopes (I love my Razor LHT). Rifle thoughts: Ruger American, Christensen Mesa, and Tikka T3X. All options with decent quality scope should keep you under 3K.
 
Tikka Action - $700 (+/- a few bucks)
Pure Precision Stock - $600 (+/- a few bucks)
Preferred Barrel Prefit (Black Friday deal) - $565
Trijicon Credo HX or Tenmile HX Scope - $800 (+/- a few bucks)
-swap out to Leupold VX-5 if you want for similar price.
Unknown Munitions Tikka Scope Mounts - $130
Unknown Munitions Pro Brakes (optional) - $150
Total - $2945

Should weigh around 8.5#s
 
Carbon barrels are cool, but they make zero sense from a weight or price perspective.

What do you shoot now? If this your first rifle, the suggestions will be very different if this is rifle No. 12.

I also think building a single rifle for everything in N. America is a fool’s errand. A selection of cartridges and rifles — say .22LR, .223, 6mm Creedmoor — is infinitely more useful than one .300 Win. Mag.

If I were just starting today, I’d likely get a Zermatt TL3 action, a few bolt faces, and add barrels as needed. That would cover everything.
 
I also think building a single rifle for everything in N. America is a fool’s errand. A selection of cartridges and rifles — say .22LR, .223, 6mm Creedmoor — is infinitely more useful than one .300 Win. Mag.
This.

I’d pick what you’ll use it for first/the most and start with a cartridge that’s good for that.

Obviously if you’re hunting brown bear you’re going to want something a little bigger. But if you’re thinking more along the lines of antelope/deer/elk you can keep your selection a little smaller.

I went down your same path years back and ended up with a trim 300 Win Mag. Problem was, I hated shooting it. And it really wasn’t necessary for the deer, antelope, and black bear that I used it for. Recently I bought a 6.5 that is still just as deadly on those same animals, but much more enjoyable to shoot in a lightweight package.
 
My boring old REM 700 in 30-06, with an upgraded stock and trigger has gotten it done for me. No issues either with my older model Leupold VX 3 4.5 - 14 CDS on top
 
RS1.2 =1200+tax
Tikka T3X Light stainless =750+tax
Rings, lighter trigger spring, scope caps +cheek raiser + recoil pad =130+10+100+45+45 = 320+tax
+ srs or mountain tech arca rail if you want = 40-100 +tax

Well under 3k even after tax.

Only question is what caliber and there jt really depends -- despite what a lot of people on rokslide here are saying 223 isn't all American because many states won't let you use it on big game. So 6.5cm might be the easiest option. Or 243 and mod to 6cm ..

Oh I went with 7rm because I want to shoot copper monos fast.
 
My go to rifle for that exact purpose is a Barrett Fieldcraft .270 Win with Talley Ultralight mounts, Trijicon Accupoint 3-9X40 green mil-dot reticle, butler creek mountain sling.
With 140-150 grain Accubonds or Partitions there’s very little in the world you can’t take with this setup. IMG_8329.jpegIMG_8497.jpeg

Call or email Barrett. They’re considering bringing back the Fieldcraft line. The more inquiries they get, the more likely it is to happen.IMG_1839.jpegIMG_1616.jpegIMG_7307.jpeg
 
My go to rifle for that exact purpose is a Barrett Fieldcraft .270 Win with Talley Ultralight mounts, Trijicon Accupoint 3-9X40 green mil-dot reticle, butler creek mountain sling.
With 140-150 grain Accubonds or Partitions there’s very little in the world you can’t take with this setup. View attachment 783043View attachment 783044

Call or email Barrett. They’re considering bringing back the Fieldcraft line. The more inquiries they get, the more likely it is to happen.View attachment 783039View attachment 783040View attachment 783042

Do you think the field craft is being withheld due to demand or because they have other more lucrative DOD contracts?


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That Bergara HMR is the opposite of what you want. My choice is my current all-rounder. Winchester 70 Extreme Weather in 300WM with a Leupold 3-18x44 CDS. I could be just as happy with the same scope on a Tikka in 270.

I have three Bergaras myself, and of their offerings I would choose the premier divide, but you'll have problems staying under $3,000.
 
I tend to agree with buying a terminus or senate action, Grayboe rifle stock, Triggertech and just swap out barrels as needed. Vortex scopes are great, their Viper line is probably best for your needs/budget but I have a Diamondback as well that was $400 off opticplanet and it gets the job done just fine for budget class and functional needs. Caliber would be 6.5MM Creedmoor/7MM-08 personally but those are short action and you’ll need long action so find a .270 or something caliber.
 
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