west-south
FNG
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2024
- Messages
- 26
Hello All,
First, want to say how appreciative I am of all the information on here. Been reading for the last month or two and it's really incredible how much one can learn about optics, firearm calibers, etc., just from information shared on this forum. So, huge thank you to Rokslide!
This will be my first rifle. I am still pretty new to hunting (I have harvested an animal, so not completely new) and so far have gotten away with shooting my neighbor's or my brother-in-law's rifles. However, as I find myself getting more into hunting and wanting to get out more regularly, the time has come for my own. Trying to prioritize versatility and shootability, while balancing quality vs. price considerations.
I really like the Sako S20 Hunter, which in 6.5 PRC runs on Eurooptic for $1k. Hard to beat at that price for what you get. Also, my family has a history of hearing loss, so I will be running suppressed. I will very likely chop the barrel from 24 to 20 once the suppressor arrives.
We live in Georgia, so 6.5 PRC is admittedly a bit overkill for what I need here (whitetail and hogs, maybe a black bear, at close ranges). Realistically, shots beyond 150ish yards are pretty rare in the southeast, as y'all know. However, reasons for 6.5 PRC are as follows: (1) I am shortening the barrel; (2) I would like to get out west periodically, I grew up in Oregon and briefly lived in Montana in my mid-20s (pre-wife and kids); (3) the scope I am looking at has limitations for longer ranges, and the prc bullet helps mitigate that for any western hunting I might do.
Which brings us to optics (big thanks to Formidilosus, definitely changed my outlook). I am leaning toward a Trijicon 3-9x40, with a green dot mil reticle. Mil reticle for holds, as there is really no need to dial in the southeast as far as I can tell. Plan to eventually put a custom elevation turret on it for dialing at any longer ranges (300+, max range probably 500 yards), which would be for periodic western hunting. In summary: holds for home hunting, custom turret to dial for western trips.
This scope is also very light, and the Sako S20 is 8.25 pounds (plus I will have a suppressor on it). While you're not backcountry hunting in the south, I do really enjoy still hunting, and I'd rather not lug a 12 pound rifle through the woods. Also, again, for western trips would be nice to keep the weight at 10 pounds or less.
If I want a true mountain rifle (and I might one day), I'll buy another one more suited to the task. I want this one to be "good enough" to take out west if/when the need arises, but be easy to shoot at home in Georgia, but at the range and in the field.
So there it is: Sako S20 Hunter in 6.5 PRC, 20 in. barrel with suppressor (likely a diligent defense or Otter Creek Labs S-ti), Trijicon 3-9x40 green dot mil reticle scope. Mostly close range southeast hunting with ability to shoot to 500 yards on western trips.
Fire away. And thanks!
First, want to say how appreciative I am of all the information on here. Been reading for the last month or two and it's really incredible how much one can learn about optics, firearm calibers, etc., just from information shared on this forum. So, huge thank you to Rokslide!
This will be my first rifle. I am still pretty new to hunting (I have harvested an animal, so not completely new) and so far have gotten away with shooting my neighbor's or my brother-in-law's rifles. However, as I find myself getting more into hunting and wanting to get out more regularly, the time has come for my own. Trying to prioritize versatility and shootability, while balancing quality vs. price considerations.
I really like the Sako S20 Hunter, which in 6.5 PRC runs on Eurooptic for $1k. Hard to beat at that price for what you get. Also, my family has a history of hearing loss, so I will be running suppressed. I will very likely chop the barrel from 24 to 20 once the suppressor arrives.
We live in Georgia, so 6.5 PRC is admittedly a bit overkill for what I need here (whitetail and hogs, maybe a black bear, at close ranges). Realistically, shots beyond 150ish yards are pretty rare in the southeast, as y'all know. However, reasons for 6.5 PRC are as follows: (1) I am shortening the barrel; (2) I would like to get out west periodically, I grew up in Oregon and briefly lived in Montana in my mid-20s (pre-wife and kids); (3) the scope I am looking at has limitations for longer ranges, and the prc bullet helps mitigate that for any western hunting I might do.
Which brings us to optics (big thanks to Formidilosus, definitely changed my outlook). I am leaning toward a Trijicon 3-9x40, with a green dot mil reticle. Mil reticle for holds, as there is really no need to dial in the southeast as far as I can tell. Plan to eventually put a custom elevation turret on it for dialing at any longer ranges (300+, max range probably 500 yards), which would be for periodic western hunting. In summary: holds for home hunting, custom turret to dial for western trips.
This scope is also very light, and the Sako S20 is 8.25 pounds (plus I will have a suppressor on it). While you're not backcountry hunting in the south, I do really enjoy still hunting, and I'd rather not lug a 12 pound rifle through the woods. Also, again, for western trips would be nice to keep the weight at 10 pounds or less.
If I want a true mountain rifle (and I might one day), I'll buy another one more suited to the task. I want this one to be "good enough" to take out west if/when the need arises, but be easy to shoot at home in Georgia, but at the range and in the field.
So there it is: Sako S20 Hunter in 6.5 PRC, 20 in. barrel with suppressor (likely a diligent defense or Otter Creek Labs S-ti), Trijicon 3-9x40 green dot mil reticle scope. Mostly close range southeast hunting with ability to shoot to 500 yards on western trips.
Fire away. And thanks!
