Hello all, long time lurker, now FNG.
Picked up a T3X lite .300 wm, 1:10 24" stainless threaded 5/8x24 on clearance the other week. Not sure why it was on clearance but set me back less than any of the Bergara options.
My goal is a lightweight mountain rifle capable of knocking elk down out to 600 yards. On a tighter budget, hoping for advice what will end up the best route in hopes of avoiding a setup that gets trialed then resold for a loss. (I know, that's part of the game)
Optic: Maven RS 1.2, UM rings. Not purchased yet, but this seems like the consensus scope and rings for a tikka action with the intent of affordable western hunting.
Caliber - bought in 300 wm, knowing I will probably turn it into a 7prc at some point, but until 7prc takeoffs hit the market the conversion isn't in budget. Unless I'm missing something and a 7prc barrel can be found for under $300 right now. It's a t3x lite in a magnum caliber, I know it's gonna kick. Looking at selling the 24" and picking up a 22" threaded takeoff in 300wm to keep overall length down and see how tolerable it is braked or eventually canned. Cost of a takeoff is on parity with getting the 24" cut and threaded locally. If I can make the 300wm work I like the availability vs 7prc at this point.
Stock/chassis - worth trying a limbsaver, red snake AICS conversion, vertical grip and add ARCA rail to the t3x lite stock, or save the trouble and spring for an MDT field? AICS pattern would be nice for the magazine and round options it opens up. Ease of adding an ARCA rail is also a factor. I haven't fired the t3x yet, but I have an old mossberg patriot in 300wm that sucks to shoot (albeit a $200 rifle with blown out stock recoil pad, no limbsaver) and I would be happy trading an extra pound or two around to reduce felt recoil.
Bipod - MDT mountain bipod
I've done some digging on here to see what has been addressed already and got this far, but if anyone here has been down this road and could pitch in where they ended up it would be appreciated.
Picked up a T3X lite .300 wm, 1:10 24" stainless threaded 5/8x24 on clearance the other week. Not sure why it was on clearance but set me back less than any of the Bergara options.
My goal is a lightweight mountain rifle capable of knocking elk down out to 600 yards. On a tighter budget, hoping for advice what will end up the best route in hopes of avoiding a setup that gets trialed then resold for a loss. (I know, that's part of the game)
Optic: Maven RS 1.2, UM rings. Not purchased yet, but this seems like the consensus scope and rings for a tikka action with the intent of affordable western hunting.
Caliber - bought in 300 wm, knowing I will probably turn it into a 7prc at some point, but until 7prc takeoffs hit the market the conversion isn't in budget. Unless I'm missing something and a 7prc barrel can be found for under $300 right now. It's a t3x lite in a magnum caliber, I know it's gonna kick. Looking at selling the 24" and picking up a 22" threaded takeoff in 300wm to keep overall length down and see how tolerable it is braked or eventually canned. Cost of a takeoff is on parity with getting the 24" cut and threaded locally. If I can make the 300wm work I like the availability vs 7prc at this point.
Stock/chassis - worth trying a limbsaver, red snake AICS conversion, vertical grip and add ARCA rail to the t3x lite stock, or save the trouble and spring for an MDT field? AICS pattern would be nice for the magazine and round options it opens up. Ease of adding an ARCA rail is also a factor. I haven't fired the t3x yet, but I have an old mossberg patriot in 300wm that sucks to shoot (albeit a $200 rifle with blown out stock recoil pad, no limbsaver) and I would be happy trading an extra pound or two around to reduce felt recoil.
Bipod - MDT mountain bipod
I've done some digging on here to see what has been addressed already and got this far, but if anyone here has been down this road and could pitch in where they ended up it would be appreciated.