Build or Buy with $2000?

[Flat Range]

If you had $2000 to build a rifle chambered in 7 PRC, including scope, what would you build? Or with this lower budget, would you buy off the shelf and upgrade specific parts? If so, which shelf gun and which parts?

 

[elsb0048]

Does that budget include scope and suppressor?

 

[Flat Range]

Does that budget include scope and suppressor?

It includes scope. Does not include suppressor.

 

[ccsumner78]

hard to beat seekins ph3 7 prc
get a customizable factory gun with semi custom ability to change barrels nice adjustable trigger adjustable stock and threaded barrel 60 degree bolt throw
if I had 3100 I would go for element hunter all day

 

[ccsumner78]

spend the other on a arken if you have a 2k limit or swva scope

 

[112Savage]

Option 1: “building”: tikka 7PRC with aftermarket stock
Option 2: buying: weatherby 307 Alpine ST or CT
Option 3: factory magnum action with new barrel buy keeping the factory stock or scouring classifieds for a really good deal.

 

[sdupontjr]

- Rifle : Tikka 7prc at sportsman warehouse $909, but maybe able to find cheaper. Keep original stock contrary to what most may say and want to swap out stocks. With a few simple modifications (free float barrel, cheek riser, pillars but not needed, small washers to shim bottom metal) it makes a difference with what you already have.

- Optic : look for a Trijicon Tenmile in the classifieds. be patient and you will find one pop up from time to time for under $1000. I found mine at Euro optics (new) when they were running a sale and got it for $900.

- rings : I picked up UM tikka rings but others use sportmatch, talley or a rail and ring combo (which I have that as well)

Will put you right at 2k, maybe slightly more. Then spent the rest of the time worrying about when you can get a chance to go shoot.

 

[Tanner]

I’d snag the first T3x in 7 PRC off the classifieds I saw here for under 900 bucks, then the first Stockys VG, for $450ish or less, and spend the remaining 700-800 on a set of Sportsmatch rings and a 3-15 SWFA.

Then I’d probably put it all together, shoot it, and wish it was a 6mm Creed.

 

[SteveCNJ]

- Rifle : Tikka 7prc at sportsman warehouse $909, but maybe able to find cheaper. Keep original stock contrary to what most may say and want to swap out stocks. With a few simple modifications (free float barrel, cheek riser, pillars but not needed, small washers to shim bottom metal) it makes a difference with what you already have.

- Optic : look for a Trijicon Tenmile in the classifieds. be patient and you will find one pop up from time to time for under $1000. I found mine at Euro optics (new) when they were running a sale and got it for $900.

- rings : I picked up UM tikka rings but others use sportmatch, talley or a rail and ring combo (which I have that as well)

Will put you right at 2k, maybe slightly more. Then spent the rest of the time worrying about when you can get a chance to go shoot.

I recently picked up a Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-10x56 from Opticsplanet for under $850. Use their app for extra savings.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

 

[grfox92]

For a 7 PRC I would do a Seekins. Any other cartridge if Tikka offered it id do a Tikka with a Stockys VG2.

I have seen way to many accuracy complaints about 7 PRC Tikkas. At first I assume it was shooter error for a heavy recoiling rifle in a lightweight set up, but there are way too many 300WM and WSMs shooting just fine.

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

 

[coyotekilla]

If you had $2000 to build a rifle chambered in 7 PRC, including scope, what would you build? Or with this lower budget, would you buy off the shelf and upgrade specific parts? If so, which shelf gun and which parts?

1 thing that I haven't seen asked is what's the intended purpose of this rifle. I configure target rifles differently than hunting rifles, slight overlap in a beanfield / stand rifle but ill build a pack rifle almost opposite of what I want outa a bench rig.

 

[Flat Range]

1 thing that I haven't seen asked is what's the intended purpose of this rifle. I configure target rifles differently than hunting rifles, slight overlap in a beanfield / stand rifle but ill build a pack rifle almost opposite of what I want outa a bench rig.

Good question. Lighter weight pack rifle for hunting.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Good question. Lighter weight pack rifle for hunting.

I would not pick 7 PRC as my first choice for this role. How far do you plan to shoot?

But, if that’s the cartridge you want, then I would buy the off-the-shelf rifle you best think fits that role.

 

[Tonopah]

You can get a Tikka Ace Game from Eurooptic (https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x-ace-game-rifles) for $1600 -- $1700 in a number of calibers including 7 PRC.

Or, a Tikka Roughtech in 7 PRC for $1100 (https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x...ns-243-fluted-bbl-1-1-8-5-8x24-tpi-rh-3rd-syn) and if you wanted to replace the stock for some reason you could go Bell and Carlson for about $500 (https://www.bellandcarlson.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1155). If you chose the Tikka Roughtech you'd have dollars left over for any number of good scopes.

The Trijicon Credo line is thought of highly and is considered particularly durable -- which should be a consideration if you are intent on shooting a 7 PRC.

I do question your interest in the 7 PRC though. A simple 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 should handle all needs just fine and be easier to live with. I wouldn't rule out choosing a 7mm-08 either. The 7mm-08 is an often overlooked but excellent do it all cartridge.

 

[Flat Range]

I would not pick 7 PRC as my first choice for this role. How far do you plan to shoot?

I do question your interest in the 7 PRC though. A simple 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 should handle all needs just fine and be easier to live with. I wouldn't rule out choosing a 7mm-08 either. The 7mm-08 is an often overlooked but excellent do it all cartridge.

Again, good questions. Here is the scenario:

My brother-in-law asked a smithy friend of ours to build him a rifle. He would like to stay at $2000 or under for the entire build. I question the ability to build a complete rifle at this price point verses just buying a shelf gun and upgrading a few components. I am not saying you cannot 100% build a rifle for $2000, but would you be further ahead by going the shelf gun route? That is the basis for my question. Seeing if I put it to the public, would you all try to build a rifle or buy a shelf gun and upgrade items.

As for caliber, that is just what he chose.

 

[satchamo]

I’ll echo others and say id give serious consideration to selecting a slightly lighter recoiling cartridge. If you’re set on a magnum, maybe bump down to the 6.5 PRC.

Tikka T3x Lite Stainless 6.5 PRC 24.3" 1:8" Bbl Rifle JRTXB319 For Sale - EuroOptic

Tikka T3x Lite Stainless 6.5 PRC 24.3" 1:8" Bbl Rifle JRTXB319 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

Spend the rest of your budget on optics and a stock and you’ll be golden.

 

[flyfisher117]

Again, good questions. Here is the scenario:

My brother-in-law asked a smithy friend of ours to build him a rifle. He would like to stay at $2000 or under for the entire build. I question the ability to build a complete rifle at this price point verses just buying a shelf gun and upgrading a few components. I am not saying you cannot 100% build a rifle for $2000, but would you be further ahead by going the shelf gun route? That is the basis for my question. Seeing if I put it to the public, would you all try to build a rifle or buy a shelf gun and upgrade items.

As for caliber, that is just what he chose.

I don’t think you will build anything with that budget that would be better than an off the shelf rifle. Unless you already had at least one of the major components already laying around optic,action,barrel,stock.

Even if you buy a used SWFA 10x off the classifieds that leaves like 1700-1800 to build the rifle which will go fast. You may be able to scrounge up some used parts. Maybe a barrel certificate etc etc to make it happen but I’m not positive.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Again, good questions. Here is the scenario:

My brother-in-law asked a smithy friend of ours to build him a rifle. He would like to stay at $2000 or under for the entire build. I question the ability to build a complete rifle at this price point verses just buying a shelf gun and upgrading a few components. I am not saying you cannot 100% build a rifle for $2000, but would you be further ahead by going the shelf gun route? That is the basis for my question. Seeing if I put it to the public, would you all try to build a rifle or buy a shelf gun and upgrade items.

As for caliber, that is just what he chose.

Apart from cartridge considerations, which I consider fundamental, but ultimately the shooter’s business, it is possible to build a complete rifle or buy for one under $2000.

Tikka T3X stainless in 6.5 PRC - $750 from EuroOptic
Rokstok Lite - $545
SWFA 10x scope - $350
UM rings - $140
Taxes - the rest of the budget

Now, whether that build satisfies the requirements is another matter.

I personally would not purchase one of the higher model off-the-shelf Tikkas. Since they aren’t exactly what I wanted, I don’t think they offer enough to be worth the extra price. But, if it was exactly what I wanted, that would be another matter.

The most important part of the process is setting the design parameters. If you don’t have an intended role, weight range, etc., it is hard to help.

 

[Tonopah]

Flat Range said that his brother-in-law is looking for a lighter weight pack rifle for hunting.

People in this thread have been generally pointing in the direction of Tikka -- which is a solid choice at reasonable prices. I suspect (but don't know for sure) that the various Tikka T3x rifles all use the same barreled actions but are just dressed up differently, resulting in different prices.

Buying a less expensive Tikka and dropping it into one of many available after market stocks or chassis is a good option. That's assuming that he does not care for the Tikka factory stock. But the factory stock is probably just fine for a pack it in hunting rifle and putting more money into a better optic might be money better spent.

I see that you don’t really want to discuss caliber as your brother-in-law simply wants a 7 PRC. But I am curious as to why. Very few north American hunting scenarios really call for that kind of power, so, what does he have in mind?

 

[Flat Range]

I see that you don’t really want to discuss caliber as your brother-in-law simply wants a 7 PRC. But I am curious as to why. Very few north American hunting scenarios really call for that kind of power, so, what does he have in mind?

I am assuming the decision to go 7 PRC was because I have one as does the smithy friend (who does my hand loads for it as well). However, this is an assumption. His use case for this rifle is strictly elk out west. Yes, he's got .308's and a Tikka 6.5 CM but I think it's a want to get a new rifle/caliber. An Internal justification if you will.

I will talk with him this evening and see if caliber is open for discussion.