Budget rifle suggestions.

[HandgunHTR]

You are going to have a much easier time finding a shooter if it has a steel barrel on it vs a carbon wrapped barrel. Not saying that carbon wrapped barrels are not capable of outstanding accuracy, just that your chances of getting one that is finicky is much higher. They really aren't that much lighter either.

You also didn't say if your budget was just for the rifle, or if that was "all-in". If just the rifle, then there are some really good options (not just the Tikka). A used Seekins is even in that budget. I would stay away from Christensen as you are paying an extra $300+ just for the name and their quality went way down hill when they went "mainstream". Bergaras are not bad rifles, but they do tend to be heavy and honestly for the same money, you could get a used Remington, yank the barrel, get a Remage prefit built to your specs, and a CF stock and only be a couple hundred over what you paid for the Bergara.
I am a Tikka rifle guy. I have 8 of them now, 2 which are bone stock (except for having the barrels threaded) and the rest in varying degrees of customization. I love the triggers on them and the actions just work. I also like the fact that I can get shouldered prefits for them so I can swap barrels out myself. That being said, there are a lot of good options available in your price range. Heck, a Ruger American Gen 2 with a rock solid scope would still leave you with a couple hundred dollars to spend on ammo to practice with (the actual best place to spend your money, BTW).

Now, to your M7. I wouldn't necessarily blame the barrel contour for it not being where you want it to be accuracy-wise. Do you handload? That is a relevant question to your ask as well because some rifles have a reputation for shooting factory ammo better than others, but for your M7, I would bet that a load with a 120 grain Nosler BT using a medium burn rate ball powder, with a middle-of-the-road powder charge will yield a load that works in that rifle. Also, the older M7s are very sensitive to where the front rest is. I found that if you rest the rifle right on the front action screw, it behaves better. Of course that is for rifles that are not bedded. If you test that and find that it works, get the rifle bedded and that will help with consistency. Obviously not trying to talk you out of buying a new rifle, but the M7 chambered in 7-08 is a classic and I would hate for it to not get used if it something that can be cured with a little work.

 

[BooneHunter]

I just posted some thoughts on the Christensen Evoke, may be worth taking a look at.

B

Thread 'Christensen Evoke 6.5CM - Initial Thoughts'

Jun 22, 2025

Posting this because I haven’t seen much out there on the Christensen Evoke yet. Hopefully this helps anyone considering one.

Specs:

• 6.5 Creedmoor
• 20” barrel, threaded 5/8-24
• Leupold VX5 scope
• Omega 36M suppressor
• Weighs 10 lb 3 oz as configured

Out of the box:

Fit and finish is really nice. The action cycles pretty smoothly, though the bolt lift is a bit stiff when cocking — not terrible, but something I noticed right away. The stock is solid for a polymer stock. There’s a little flex in the forend, but not excessive. It comes pillar bedded with aluminum inserts...

• BooneHunter
• Replies: 10
• Forum: Firearms

• 

 

[Matt5266]

I had 2 bergara rifles now I dont have either. Both had problems, I'd never buy another. Not a fan of the christianson rifles either.

My opinion is while carbon looks cool it's kinda a gimmick. I'd pass on that and get a good stainless or even cerakote covered barrel.

Definalty I would say go with a tikka or since it sounds like you like some "flash" on your rifle a Seekins PH3. They are a little more dressed up.

To put it in perspective though I was recently looking for another rifle. I have a nightforce scoope already for it. My rifle budget was $2000. I went back and forth between the Seekins and another Tikka. I ended up spending $700 on a used tikka. My 2 cents

 

[nm.otter]

I kinda want a carbon barrel.

Post in thread '6mm prc'

Nov 27, 2024

What is the experience or opinions on a CF barrel vs aggressive fluted steel barrel in the same length , in a this cartridge.

I understand CF vs Steel overall but curious if anyone had specific experience with both from the same barrel manufacturer.

I'm leaning steel with fluting due to its ability to cool down better when you want to go out and shoot more then 3 rounds in 30 minutes at some steel.

Generel numbers here, but with all the load development we have done, I am close. Carbon barrels are fussier than steel barrels when seen in large numbers. If we took one hundred...

• Ryan Avery

• 

I think these are a heck of a deal.

 

[Pulleye16]

Crap…I’m also looking for a budget west rifle and really hoping it’s not $1500! Damn,

That said, a “real” budget rifle would be the Ruger American gen2.

 

[blackwood]

I have a Weatherby Vauguard Sporter model .25-06. Very reliable, shoots good groups, at point of aim, hot or cold and in the caliber I choose, is a certified whitetail killer.

The Weatherby Vauguard Sporter is also available in .270 as well as .30-06, 300 Win Mag and 300.

 

[tony]

I like my G2 Ruger American. I have a ranch in 6 arc.
Ruger is running 6 arc, 6 & 6.5 cm, 22 arc.
It’s not perfect but for the money, I plan to grab a 7mm-08 soon.
Money saved you can get good optics or a suppressor, or maybe both

 

[CascadeHunter180]

Crap…I’m also looking for a budget west rifle and really hoping it’s not $1500! Damn,

That said, a “real” budget rifle would be the Ruger American gen2.

Hahaha I feel you. I just said $1600 to here the things I can’t afford. I’m likely going to spend around $800-$1000

 

[Pilsner]

My .02 - tikka makes a great rifle I had a stainless CTR and a TAC A1. I still have a t1x in .17 hmr. Do your research - if anything ever goes wrong with a Tikka Beretta's CS is a nightmare more commonly than not.

I would definitely check the Seekins out - I love the ph2 I handled in a store and their reputation for support is stellar.

Another factory rifle worth exploring is the new Browning Xbolt 2. The all purpose model looks really good. I handled an xbolt 2 at a local Academy and it feels fantastic. Everything about it is head and shoulders above anything else on the rack.

There is also the Springfield Waypoint 2020 and Weatherby 307 to add in the mix. I have fondled both of those and like them both.

On another website Tikka used to get recommend 99% of the time b/c you get a great action and trigger, predictable accuracy, and good quality. The barrels have a reputation for being slow but accurate.

However, that just isn't the case anymore where they are the "no-brainer". If a person's safe has multiple rifles with a 700 footprint it just makes sense to stick to that. There are so many good actions out now it really is the better route to go with a custom. You have the 307 on the lower end at little over $600, Mackbros at $775, Aero Solus, Origin, Mackbros element, Kauger Arms, etc.

Add in a triggertech or timney and it's money. In the end, get what you like b/c we are all different.

I currently own a Browning X bolt 2, a Springfield Waypoint 2020, a Weatherby Vanguard/Howa 1500, and I am happy with all of them. However, the Browning in 7PRC is for sale. All have been very well shooting rifles and I don't have a preference between them except for preferring those that have a 3 position safety,

 

[Ringbill27]

I’d buy a threaded tikka, a limbsavor recoil pad and put the rest toward glass.

 

[Ringbill27]

Crap…I’m also looking for a budget west rifle and really hoping it’s not $1500! Damn,

That said, a “real” budget rifle would be the Ruger American gen2.

This was my exact thought. Budget to me is 500-600. Semi custom is $1600. Ruger gen2 is a foot budget rifle choice.

 

[yfarm]

My first bolt rifle was a RA 308 compact all weather first hunt with it killed a Nilgai at 328 yds, one shot and down, no complaints
Son decided I needed a better elk rifle, Cooper M92 280AI entered my life, one shot elk rifle. Well out of the budget category but perfect rifle from my perspective.
Bought a used RA 243 compact all weather off this site for $400 with a no name scope, no complaints, shoots well
CZ 527 223 off GB, sweet little rifle that shoots really well, unfortunately they command a price far higher than they sold new.
Am on the list for a Tikka 223 LH, will see how it compares.
Rifle acquisition is addictive

 

[DeadSound]

I shoot a lot of NRL Hunter matches, the rifle that ends up on the podium every single weekend is the Seekins PH3. I havent bought a factory gun in awhile but I am considering buying one of those.

Also, dont get hung up on a CF barrel, I shot Proof barrels for two NRL seasons and they can be finicky.

If you are hard-pressed for a carbon barrel dont overlook the Savage. Nothing wrong with the Tikka's but there are other rifles out there.

 

[grfox92]

I’ve only ever heard great things about Bergara, not the case for Christensen though. My father has a Ridgeline and it shoots OK. Sub MOA 90% of the time. The tikkas seems sweet but I kinda want a carbon barrel.

Search Begara in this forum and see how many threads there are about guns shooting like shit from the factory. Begara has massive quality control issues. I wouldn't take one for free.

Save yourself the hassle and buy a stainless Tikka.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[Mangata]

I was hot for a CF barrel and got burned. CF Proof never shot. Will never get another CF barrel. YMMV but buyer beware….

 

[turbo406]

Hahaha I feel you. I just said $1600 to here the things I can’t afford. I’m likely going to spend around $800-$1000

The most recommended rifle is around half of your budget in the tikka at 8-900 there's something to that

 

[AntelopeEater]

Hahaha I feel you. I just said $1600 to here the things I can’t afford. I’m likely going to spend around $800-$1000

FYI, Europtic has this on sale right now: https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x-laminated-stainless-65-creedmoor-2433-1-8-rifle-jrtxg382

 

[HilltopHitman]

Seekins ph2

 

[UKwildcatfan]

I’m looking to buy a new semi budget rifle for all around western hunting. I currently have a Rem Model 7 in 7mm 08, but it just has not shot to the standards I want. It just has a super super thin barrel that provides inconsistent accuracy.

My budget is sub $1600, but I’m open to suggestions over it.

One rifle I’ve been looking at a lot is the Bergara Ridge Carbon Wilderness. It seems to get positive review and groupings, and is just about the cheapest OTC carbon barreled rifle.

Another rifle I’ve looked at is the Christensen Mesa. I’ve heard very mixed things about Christensen rifles, and am not totally sold on other steel barreled rifle.

Does anyone have any experience or insight on the Ridge Carbon Wilderness or Mesa? I would also like to hear other suggestions for budget rifles. I’m not looking for anything to crazy for range, just solid out to 500-600 yards.


EDIT:
Alright I’ve been narrowing it down and I’m down to a Tikka t3x and a CVA Cascade.

Seekins

 

[Dan Carey]

Opinions are like, well you know. So here is mine. I built most of the rifles I've owned in the last 50 years and I certainly am biased on my thought about rifles. Most rifles made in a factory are a compromise, so they appeal to, fit and work for the mass's.
If I were to need something I don't have, I would look hard at the Savage 110, its made in most calibers and configurations and pretty much as accurate as anything out there..
Tikka has a good following, just not by me. Remington's are a classic junk as are Winchesters. Most of my rifles are made using Remington actions, with massive rework. The new simi custom guys that have popped up in the last few years looking to replace Remington and others have bad reputations on YouTube by the self proclaimed expert reviewers.
Do your due diligence's.