Help Me Scope a New 6.5-06 AI Mountain Rifle

[Justin Crossley]

Some of you may have read my old article about my first 6.5-06 AI that I had built a few years back. Tikka 6.5-06 AI Build

Well, the barrel on that rifle is shot out now so I had Matt Whaley put a new one on. Since I like shooting that rifle in the Sportsmans Challange and for long range practice so much I decided it would be best to build another one strictly for hunting. Here are some photos of that one.

This new one has a 20" long, McGowen lightweight sporter barrel which is very similar to a factory Tikka barrel. Matt had it fluted for me and installed a gen 1 Micro Bastard brake from APA. After the machine work was finished up, it was sent to Matt Sowa for Ceracoat. The only thing I need now is the stock which is being built by my friend John at Mesa Precision. John is just starting to produce stocks so this will be one of the first. Right now the rifle weighs just over six pounds in a factory stock and I expect it will be a couple ounces under with the new one.

For a scope, I'm really leaning toward the Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 Compact. What do you guys think?

 

[elkguide]

I think that the fun is about to begin!
The NF is a great scope and a perfect choice for your new rifle.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Fluted bolt with Ti and Carbon handle and a factory bolt.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Here are a couple photos John sent me of what the stock will look like for the mountian rifle.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Mountain Rifle weight with factory stock

Heavy target rifle weight

 

[Wapiti1]

To stay ultralight, check out the new Super Sniper that SWFA offers. 2-10X32 at a ridiculous 9.5oz. If it is anywhere near the quality of their other offerings it is a heck of a scope.

If you want dials etc, I'd take a look at the Swarovski 4-12 Z3 BT 4W.

Jeremy

 

[wind gypsy]

Be hard pressed to beat the NXS Compact you're eyeing IMO.

 

[2five7]

Yep, that 42mm NXS is perfect for that gun. Anything larger would look out of place, and ruin the balance IMO.

 

[duckhunter175]

VX5HD 3-15x44 -- Lighter, greater magnification, field of view per mag range is similar, more elevation available than the Swaro and the windplex reticle is pretty nice-- or have the shop drop a TMOA in there!

 

[cowboy300]

Will the Mesa Precision stock use the factory mag and bottom plastic configuration?

 

[crazyhunter]

Wow, this is an excellent mountain rifle. Mountain rifle is very needed for deer hunting and long-range shooting.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Will the Mesa Precision stock use the factory mag and bottom plastic configuration?

It will fit the factory bottom plastic.

 

[TexasOutfitter]

You might consider the Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42.....more magnification, lighter at 16.5 oz, and great glass. My Cooper Backcountry weighs under 7lbs with this scope......I have them on 3 rifles and that wouldn’t be the case if they hadn’t worked out well for me. Good Luck with your search!