First and Last Rifle - New Hunter

[ResearchinStuff]

We truly are blessed to have rokslide. The amount of knowledge that you gain from so many people has helped me a bunch. With that said, everyone here has given you some great information.

I bought a rifle that I knew has very good reviews as far as how accurate and well made it is made. I ended up with the Bergara B-14 in .308. I believe I bought the cheapest version of it because I knew I would throw everything away and just keep the barrel of course. Buying a more expensive version this rifle wouldn't have given me a better quality barrel. It would only have given me a better stock and it would come with a scope. Out of the box this thing shot better than I thought it would. I am guilty of being skeptic of reviews no matter how good until I try things myself.

I bought the folding HNT26 chassis from MDT. You can get this chassis for a Tikka as well if you have made your mind about a Tikka. I have never owned one but with everything you read about them I don't doubt that they are excellent. I then bought the best scope I could afford, and one that I more than likely will never be able to need a more expensive version of. So I went with the Leupold VX-5HD. That thing is incredibly amazing. I have only shot it at 300 yards so far but in reality I don't think I would shoot an animal at over 400 yards if that.

Next up was the trigger. I went with a trigger tech Remington 700 diamond. Super premium feel which you could expect to be as crisp and smooth for the price you pay, which is definitely expensive.

Which brings me to my next point. I really, really like how the Bergara is a remington 700 clone. In case you don't know what that is, it just means that all of the holes for a scope and trigger and everything are an exact match of a remington 700. Meaning that you will be able to find tons of different parts for it since the R700 is one of the most popular rifles in the world.

Last but most importantly, is how ridiculously light this rifle is. Definitely built for a hunter! I was truly shocked at the amount of recoil you get too. It feels like the most gentle shove lol. You really could shoot this thing for hours and never feel like you've had enough as far as recoil goes. On top of that, one never stops to think about how cold a rifle is in the winter because it's normal for things to be cold. With the HNT26, the rifle is never cold. Which my hands are thankful for .

Sorry for the long post

You have literally the most un-rokslide combo imaginable. There are multi page threads arguing against every single piece of that setup.

 

[Jon_G]

You have literally the most un-rokslide combo imaginable. There are multi page threads arguing against every single piece of that setup.

Lol OK. So my chassis, scope and trigger are all shit then Hu? It's a good thing we all have our own opinion. Not everyone will find every setup perfect. I haven't found an issue with mine. You must have built the perfect rifle then since you read every post.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I would say functionally compromised in all respects. I'm glad you like your stuff, but promoting it as consensus recommendations from rokslide writ large is just false. That's where most of us started, not where we end up.

 

[Jon_G]

I would say functionally compromised in all respects. I'm glad you like your stuff, but promoting it as consensus recommendations from rokslide writ large is just false. That's where most of us started, not where we end up.

You literally called out even the scope and trigger. You said every single piece. There are some things that some roksliders have said they would modify here. I didn't find anyone saying it's complete trash. I guess I'll have to write to Leupold and triggertech to tell them that their products must be shit because you said they are.

 

[270quest]

Some version of the tikka easy button...I own many tikkas, killed a lot of game with them - IMHO as good as it gets off the factory shelf under $12-1500....

For the OP - Go buy a tikka superlite from sportsmans - 6.5, 7/08, or even a 270. Put a good pic base on it, some low profile pic rings (SWFA makes really good lower cost option) and top it with a solid optic - my vote would be a Zeiss V4 - 3-12X44 if your not dialing, 4-16x if he want to dial. Setup like that would cover a lifetime of hunting the lower 48.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

You literally called out even the scope and trigger. You said every single piece. There are some things that some roksliders have said they would modify here. I didn't find anyone saying it's complete trash. I guess I'll have to write to Leupold and triggertech to tell them that their products must be shit because you said they are.

there are multiple threads here talking about the failures of leupold scopes, in rigorous testing and normal use. most of us who've used leupold scopes have experienced it, and it seems normal until you use a scope that actually works. feel free to write them, but i doubt they'll listen.

"bergarbage" is a fun thing to google, that term appears on multiple forums.

rem 700 style triggers (save the giselle super) are not drop safe, and are well known to allow uncommanded discharges. They also perform very poorly in wet/dirty/dusty environments, that's an easily demonstrable fact.

metal is more thermally conductive than wood, plastic, or carbon, which is problematic when used in cold temps and noticeable even when wearing gloves.

308 ballistics are inferior to 6.5 creed, which is itself inferior to 6 creed and 22 creed. in exchange for the poorer ballistics, the larger diameter bullets also reward you with more recoil, and a reduced lethal range.

guess i skipped the scope mounts, are they by chance talley lightweights or warne vertical split? those issues (cracking, damaging scopes) are also well known and documented around here.

we all like what we like, i singled your post out because you claim to be representing the community, yet your set up does not reflect that at all.

 

[bojangles808]

we all like what we like, i singled your post out because you claim to be representing the community, yet your set up does not reflect that at all.

I didn't read his posts that way at all. I took it as this is a great community to share and learn from and this is what I like. Now those that have been on here a while have a good idea for what works and what doesn't based on testing and feedback shared but I think we can be a little more civil and respectful in conveying that knowledge to newer members. Maybe share some links to educate instead of what feels like a personal attack.

 

[Jon_G]

I would say functionally compromised in all respects. I'm glad you like your stuff, but promoting it as consensus recommendations from rokslide writ large is just false. That's where most of us started, not where we end up.

I was giving my opinion and talked about my setup. I never said other setups were shit and mine was the

I didn't read his posts that way at all. I took it as this is a great community to share and learn from and this is what I like. Now those that have been on here a while have a good idea for what works and what doesn't based on testing and feedback shared but I think we can be a little more civil and respectful in conveying that knowledge to newer members. Maybe share some links to educate instead of what feels like a personal attack.

Thank you man!!! I never claimed to represent the rokslide community. Nor that 308 was superior to 6.5 creed. This dude does nothing but put words in my mouth. I was just giving my opinion on the route that I took. I never said my setup was superior or that it was the best route to take. And you're absolutely right, when someone chooses a setup with issues or makes a mistake, we're all on here to learn and be educated respectfully. Not to be called out and damn literally call my products shit. I'm super respectful and plenty of times I've shared my opinion about why any given product may not be the correct product because it's been known to fail. But I would never call someone's choices trash like this dude has done. I'm sorry, but what an asshole honestly.

 

[Steve300xcw]

plenty of folks running around tipping animals over with gear like that, without any issues.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Since one person wants links to discuss gear:
First, leupolds:

Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm CDS-ZL Field Evaluation

This is a field evaluation of a Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm CDS-ZL scope. This scope was sent to Ryan Avery for an evaluation. The ammunition used was Hornady Black 168gr AMAX that was purchased by Ryan. The 20 round proof group was just over 1.3 MOA. The scope and weight- Turrets...

rokslide.com

2x Leupold Mark 5 Field Evaluations

This is a field evaluation of the Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18x44mm and the Leupold Mark 5 5-25x56mm. These scopes were brought to me from Ryan Avery for evaluation. The ammunition used for the 3.6-18x was Federal 168gr GMM, and for the 5-25x was Hornady ELD-M Match 168gr that was purchased by Ryan...

rokslide.com

Scope adjustment lag

New Leupold vx5hd I adjusted half down and half inch over. First shot 1.5 down, 1, 1/2 inch and last on top of that touching. I didn't tap it but I normally do, even though I know it's not needed. Any truth to recoil sets it? I read today, to go past and come back. But modern scopes...

rokslide.com

Post in thread 'Scope adjustment lag' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/scope-adjustment-lag.318434/post-3277939
Post in thread 'Leupold Drop Tests' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/leupold-drop-tests.264662/post-2681873

Bergara

Bergara or Bergarbage Challenge - Anyone near ABQ w/ a 300WM that shoots?

See my thread here about my toubles getting anywhere near MOA with my Bergara B14 300WM. Is there anyone near ABQ willing to get to the bottom of this? My plan is to find out if I am, in fact, a magnum weenie and recoil sensitive, or if this rifle just won't shoot. I'm going to mount up a new...

rokslide.com

Post in thread 'UK gunsmiths and custom rifle builders refusing to work on Bergara rifles because of their poor quality' https://www.longrangehunting.com/th...use-of-their-poor-quality.333793/post-2846707

Rem 700 style triggers

Post in thread 'Fire on bolt closing' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/fire-on-bolt-closing.317672/post-3170904
Post in thread 'Fire on bolt closing' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/fire-on-bolt-closing.317672/post-3171022

Ice/snow comparison between rifles

I have been asked by multiple people to do an ice and snow reliability eval between rifles/actions/triggers. Tthis is not a “test”, it is just a view at what generally happens. Doing a legitimate test requires more rifles and consistent conditions than I have. So… The rifles: 1). Tikka T3...

rokslide.com

Chassis for cold weather hunting

Stock vs Chassis for Field Shooting

This definitely isn't a new topic. There have been several threads vaguely covering preferences for hunting in different types of rifles, plus countless more on other forums. Most of those threads cover preferences, but I think there's more to the debate than mere opinion. My hope for this...

rokslide.com

Why do Metals Feel Colder than Wood on a Cold Winter Morning?

Roles of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal effusivity

www.cantorsparadise.com

308 vs 6.5 creed

16” max length barrel. What caliber are you going with?

What does everyone like for a heavier caliber in a short barrel? Couple of qualifications: I don’t reload, so must run factory ammo Must be a proven load. No wildcats or crazy stuff Effective on elk size game out to 600yds or so Edit to add this will be a suppressed rifle, thus the preferred...

rokslide.com

Kill thread just for fun

6.5 Creedmoor/260 for Deer, Elk, and whatever else.....

Seeing that the 223 thread is such a success, I thought maybe I would start one for the Creedmoor/260. Seems like people are asking a lot about using them and various bullets, especially for elk. I've used mine for the last few years almost exclusively. I have some pics of bullet damage, albeit...

rokslide.com

The rokslide special and related threads about popular rifles around here:

Tikka "Rokslide Special", let's see 'em

Alright guys let's see those tikka "rokslide special's" EDIT: defining a RSS aka Rokslide Special Rokslide Special- mostly unaltered Tikkas in 223/6/6.5, SWFA, sportsmatch rings, standard barrel length or cut with can, factory or aftermarket stock. Edit to add that the new UM rings and level...

rokslide.com

Let's See Your Semi-Custom Tikka Builds

I've been lugging my Tikka Whitetail Hunter 300 WM around for the last 15 years or so, and I'm ready to upgrade to something a little lighter. Am I better off buying a new Tikka t3x lite in SS, or just making upgrades to my current gun? If I kept the current gun, a new stock would cost almost as...

rokslide.com

Show your Tikka ten round groups

With a couple of recent threads regarding the accuracy of Tikka rifles and a couple of people working through issues with them, I thought it would be interesting to have a thread with peoples' groups from their Tikkas. Of particular interest, is ten round groups and what people do to their...

rokslide.com

 

[Novashooter]

would the fixed 6x be limiting in any way for northeast deer?

Yes. You can probably make a 50 yard shot if they stand still, but anything closer is going to be a lot harder. I would never put a fixed 6x on anything. I tried a 4-12x for a while and even 4x is limiting on the closer shots. 2-7 or 3-9 is my choice. The $500 Leupold VX3 2.5-8X is as good as it gets unless you spend a ton of money.

 

[Novashooter]

Lol OK. So my chassis, scope and trigger are all shit then Hu? It's a good thing we all have our own opinion. Not everyone will find every setup perfect. I haven't found an issue with mine. You must have built the perfect rifle then since you read every post.

Who cares what they think? Its a forum, not a cult. The idea that there is some unified consensus is absurd. I'm sitting out in the middle of nowhere right now hunting antelope with my aperture sight Springfield M1A. I can only imagine the problems people on this board would find with my setup.

 

[Mike D Texas]

I haven’t bought a factory rifle in years so I can’t make a recommendation there but a .308 will be more versatile for a various range of animals than a 6.5CM will be.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[LongWayAround]

Who cares what they think? Its a forum, not a cult. The idea that there is some unified consensus is absurd. I'm sitting out in the middle of nowhere right now hunting antelope with my aperture sight Springfield M1A. I can only imagine the problems people on this board would find with my setup.

The only problem with that, is the ergonomics of the M1A are dogshit. Like shouldering a fence post.

 

[Steve300xcw]

The only problem with that, is the ergonomics of the M1A are dogshit. Like shouldering a fence post.

I feel the same way about hunting with an AR. It just doesnt work for me

 

[ElPollo]

Since one person wants links to discuss gear:
First, leupolds:

Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm CDS-ZL Field Evaluation

This is a field evaluation of a Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm CDS-ZL scope. This scope was sent to Ryan Avery for an evaluation. The ammunition used was Hornady Black 168gr AMAX that was purchased by Ryan. The 20 round proof group was just over 1.3 MOA. The scope and weight- Turrets...

rokslide.com

2x Leupold Mark 5 Field Evaluations

This is a field evaluation of the Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18x44mm and the Leupold Mark 5 5-25x56mm. These scopes were brought to me from Ryan Avery for evaluation. The ammunition used for the 3.6-18x was Federal 168gr GMM, and for the 5-25x was Hornady ELD-M Match 168gr that was purchased by Ryan...

rokslide.com

Scope adjustment lag

New Leupold vx5hd I adjusted half down and half inch over. First shot 1.5 down, 1, 1/2 inch and last on top of that touching. I didn't tap it but I normally do, even though I know it's not needed. Any truth to recoil sets it? I read today, to go past and come back. But modern scopes...

rokslide.com

Post in thread 'Scope adjustment lag' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/scope-adjustment-lag.318434/post-3277939
Post in thread 'Leupold Drop Tests' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/leupold-drop-tests.264662/post-2681873

Bergara

Bergara or Bergarbage Challenge - Anyone near ABQ w/ a 300WM that shoots?

See my thread here about my toubles getting anywhere near MOA with my Bergara B14 300WM. Is there anyone near ABQ willing to get to the bottom of this? My plan is to find out if I am, in fact, a magnum weenie and recoil sensitive, or if this rifle just won't shoot. I'm going to mount up a new...

rokslide.com

Post in thread 'UK gunsmiths and custom rifle builders refusing to work on Bergara rifles because of their poor quality' https://www.longrangehunting.com/th...use-of-their-poor-quality.333793/post-2846707

Rem 700 style triggers

Post in thread 'Fire on bolt closing' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/fire-on-bolt-closing.317672/post-3170904
Post in thread 'Fire on bolt closing' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/fire-on-bolt-closing.317672/post-3171022

Ice/snow comparison between rifles

I have been asked by multiple people to do an ice and snow reliability eval between rifles/actions/triggers. Tthis is not a “test”, it is just a view at what generally happens. Doing a legitimate test requires more rifles and consistent conditions than I have. So… The rifles: 1). Tikka T3...

rokslide.com

Chassis for cold weather hunting

Stock vs Chassis for Field Shooting

This definitely isn't a new topic. There have been several threads vaguely covering preferences for hunting in different types of rifles, plus countless more on other forums. Most of those threads cover preferences, but I think there's more to the debate than mere opinion. My hope for this...

rokslide.com

Why do Metals Feel Colder than Wood on a Cold Winter Morning?

Roles of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal effusivity

www.cantorsparadise.com

308 vs 6.5 creed

16” max length barrel. What caliber are you going with?

What does everyone like for a heavier caliber in a short barrel? Couple of qualifications: I don’t reload, so must run factory ammo Must be a proven load. No wildcats or crazy stuff Effective on elk size game out to 600yds or so Edit to add this will be a suppressed rifle, thus the preferred...

rokslide.com

Kill thread just for fun

6.5 Creedmoor/260 for Deer, Elk, and whatever else.....

Seeing that the 223 thread is such a success, I thought maybe I would start one for the Creedmoor/260. Seems like people are asking a lot about using them and various bullets, especially for elk. I've used mine for the last few years almost exclusively. I have some pics of bullet damage, albeit...

rokslide.com

The rokslide special and related threads about popular rifles around here:

Tikka "Rokslide Special", let's see 'em

Alright guys let's see those tikka "rokslide special's" EDIT: defining a RSS aka Rokslide Special Rokslide Special- mostly unaltered Tikkas in 223/6/6.5, SWFA, sportsmatch rings, standard barrel length or cut with can, factory or aftermarket stock. Edit to add that the new UM rings and level...

rokslide.com

Let's See Your Semi-Custom Tikka Builds

I've been lugging my Tikka Whitetail Hunter 300 WM around for the last 15 years or so, and I'm ready to upgrade to something a little lighter. Am I better off buying a new Tikka t3x lite in SS, or just making upgrades to my current gun? If I kept the current gun, a new stock would cost almost as...

rokslide.com

Show your Tikka ten round groups

With a couple of recent threads regarding the accuracy of Tikka rifles and a couple of people working through issues with them, I thought it would be interesting to have a thread with peoples' groups from their Tikkas. Of particular interest, is ten round groups and what people do to their...

rokslide.com

RS, there is some really good info in that post, but I think Jon_G was honestly trying to be helpful and sharing the knowledge he has. Lots of people are happy with equipment that has issues because they don’t push it to the point those issues become a problem or because the evil goddess of probability hasn’t bit them in the ass yet. I wouldn’t hold either against someone.

And, while I’m a big proponent of Tikkas and SWFAs, does anyone else think it’s hilarious that people are calling this combo a Rokslide special given how much crap Ryan Avery has talked about both over the years? I know he’s now using Tikka actions for his custom rifles after having trigger issues with his custom 700 actions, but he still talks about SWFA scopes being butt-ugly. I’m okay with ugly as long as my gun is still hitting POA after riding in the back seat of my truck on washboard roads all the time.

 

[Jon_G]

Since one person wants links to discuss gear:

Just let it go bro no one is asking you for all this info you're on the wrong thread. You're just proving yourself to be a dick for the sake of being a dick by continuing to bash on my setup. Read the room. People are going to hunt with what they feel comfortable with or what they are able to afford or simply because they like the damn product that's what you're not understanding.

I joined this forum a few months ago and I've sold a lot and have bought a lot. I have also learned some great, invaluable information that I've applied to my gear, or to the way I do things. I had yet to see someone come on here just to tell someone their products are shit. But no matter what, there's always that one dude, unfortunately.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

For your uses I’d buy a Tikka CTR SS 6.5 Creedmoor 20” and never give it a second thought.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I would say functionally compromised in all respects. I'm glad you like your stuff, but promoting it as consensus recommendations from rokslide writ large is just false. That's where most of us started, not where we end up.

Please explain what’s wrong with an MDT HNT26. I can’t wait to hear this.

 

[Jon_G]

RS, there is some really good info in that post, but I think Jon_G was honestly trying to be helpful and sharing the knowledge he has. Lots of people are happy with equipment that has issues because they don’t push it to the point those issues become a problem or because the evil goddess of probability hasn’t bit them in the ass yet. I wouldn’t hold either against someone.

And, while I’m a big proponent of Tikkas and SWFAs, does anyone else think it’s hilarious that people are calling this combo a Rokslide special given how much crap Ryan Avery has talked about both over the years? I know he’s now using Tikka actions for his custom rifles after having trigger issues with his custom 700 actions, but he still talks about SWFA scopes being butt-ugly. I’m okay with ugly as long as my gun is still hitting POA after riding in the back seat of my truck on washboard roads all the time.

You couldn't have said things better man. This dude swears he's a professional or something. That's why I told him that since he knows so damn much that he must have the absolute best setup on the planet lol. Where I'm from when someone is a shit talker, offers their opinion just to shit on someone, or is nosy as all hell we say that they are everywhere but in church lol. I appreciate your comment though