Ideal Western Hunting Rifle

[TheViking]

Also, cut the barrel and suppress it.

Even better!

 

[Ajsomp]

Okay - I’ll run you down my journey of hunting rifles over the years so you don’t make the mistakes I did-
Savage 110 in 308 with free 3-9 scope/ rings
Ruger American 6.5 creed w/nikon fx scope
Custom r700 6.5 creed/308 (switch barrel system)
Christensen MPR 6.5 PRC w/ S&B scope
Christensen MPR 300wm /leupold mk5
Tikka 6.5 ctr
Custom 300 PRC/nightforce NX8
Bergara 7PRC
Howa mini 6arc

Current guns - tikka t3x stainless in 6.5 PRC and t3x stainless 223. Both in rokstoks with SWFA scopes (6x and 3-9). Both cut and threaded for suppressors. I can train and hunt with the 223 and hunt with the 6.5PRC.

My point to the long post - I’ve had a lot of hunting rigs and I was not any more effective the more I spent. I broke scopes, had scopes lose zero on big hunts (Leupold), and finally have figured out what works. You could get two rifles completely outfitted and ready to go for under 3k and never need to upgrade. If you order through unknown munitions, they will cut and thread your rifle without having to send it elsewhere. I’ve taken the money elsewhere spent on gear and invested in bullets, range time, and tags. By far the best set up I’ve had.

Good luck

 

[DangerRanger]

Rokslide special variation

 

[JAC8504]

that ruger M77 30-06 with the threaded barrel and walnut stock is awesome.

 

[Shaverba]

I appreciate everyone’s suggestions and insights on finding a good gun to take out west with me. I definitely have some additional research and thinking to do on the best way to achieve my goals here.

This was my first time posting here and really enjoy the conversation and wisdom that has been shared.


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[mj23polaris]

A sub 11lb with a bipod and mag hnt26 folding chassis in a 6.5 prc and a reputable mil based ffp scope

I built that setup with a aero solus barreled action. I don’t see myself changing it kills everything it’s handy as hell, almost no recoil, and I think with 147s I’m expanding out to 900ish.

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[JAC8504]

A sub 11lb with a bipod and mag hnt26 folding chassis in a 6.5 prc and a reputable mil based ffp scope

I built that setup with a aero solus barreled action. I don’t see myself changing it kills everything it’s handy as hell, almost no recoil, and I think with 147s I’m expanding out to 900ish.

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but do you add in the weight of the shooting bag and tripod? I mean... it is apart of the shooting / rifle kit. either way it looks good

 

[mj23polaris]

but do you add in the weight of the shooting bag and tripod? I mean... it is apart of the shooting / rifle kit. either way it looks good

The bag weighs nothing, it’s a pillow, a glassing pad, a rear bag, a front bag, I use a carabiner and hook it to my pants pocket or pack depending on the situation. It’s an Armageddon gear shmedium git lite.


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[JAC8504]

The bag weighs nothing, it’s a pillow, a glassing pad, a rear bag, a front bag, I use a carabiner and hook it to my pants pocket or pack depending on the situation. It’s an Armageddon gear shmedium git lite.


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that's still 1.2 lbs. All I am saying, is a lot of people buy/ build uber light weight rifles now days but RELY on bag or tripods because they are so light. So, in a way that lightweight build is slightly negated by all of the other gadgets / accessories that go along with the rifle.

I'm not trying to pick on you at all. I am just saying... sometimes it's not about building the best rifle SUB (certain weight) because if you have to add a tripod and a bag.... you're now where you were weight wise with a traditional bolt gun if not heavier.

 

[IChaseCoues]

Some people carry tripods and bags no matter what weight the rifle is.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Some people carry tripods and bags no matter what weight the rifle is.

That always amazed me.

 

[Scoutfan]

My view is a little different. Focus on your other gear first. #1 good boots. #2 good sleep system. Unless you have a very large budget or most of your other gear already. Just about any rifle made from 6.5 and up is adequate to 400 yards, so pick what feels right to you that leaves plenty for the other necessary gear.
I would Much rather hunt with my Savage Axis 308 and good gear and glass than with a custom rifle and inadequate gear and glass.

 

[deerhunter628]

I bought a custom Tikka from UM. Its a 7 PRC. Im thinking that will be my do all rifle.

 

[rookieforever33]

First time posting and but I’ve been lurking the threads for a while and this year am going to be hunting for Elk in Idaho and am jumping in feet first.

I plan to attempt to buy once cry once on gear and invest in long range shooting courses. I’ve been shooting my whole life but never at long ranges and not with the proper equipment.

With that said and knowing that opinions will vary but are there typical rules of thumb surrounding overall recommendations on total gun weight, total gun length, minimum level of accuracy at 400 yards, etc.

I appreciate any feedback related to this search I’m on.

Take some shots with other peoples rifles if you can. Ive even seen some beginner schools that supply the rifles. Find out if you like a tang safety or on the side. Check the specs and find out if the bolt locks when the safety is on. If you are really getting a tag in under a year I suggest a ton of trigger time. You didnt state your current level of experience. If you haven't shot a lot of high recoiling rifles limit yourself to a cartridge without much recoil. Decide the type of bullet construction you want. I love my x bolt in 308 for a 400 yard gun with accubonds. But it might not be for you.

 

[ElPollo]

First time posting and but I’ve been lurking the threads for a while and this year am going to be hunting for Elk in Idaho and am jumping in feet first.

I plan to attempt to buy once cry once on gear and invest in long range shooting courses. I’ve been shooting my whole life but never at long ranges and not with the proper equipment.

With that said and knowing that opinions will vary but are there typical rules of thumb surrounding overall recommendations on total gun weight, total gun length, minimum level of accuracy at 400 yards, etc.

I appreciate any feedback related to this search I’m on.

You’ll see a lot of people recommend Tikkas here. It’s because they work when a lot of other guns don’t. They’re also reasonably priced, have good triggers and magazines, and are generally pretty accurate.

Rifle ice/snow freeze eval 2025

2025’s ice and snow comparison/reliability eval between rifles/actions/triggers. As last year, this 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 in Rokstok 2)...

rokslide.com

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

 

[Mangata]

I suggest the Tikka route as well. I picked up t3x superlights last summer for my wife in 223 & 6.5cm and absolutely love them!!
Set them up as RSS with SWFA 3-9 on 223 & 3-15 on the CM, lightened the trigger springs, and put suppressors on them.
Inexpensive, accurate, a joy to shoot. With a safe full of hunting rifles I carried the Tikka CM the majority of the time this fall.
The 223 got a stock upgrade to the KRG Echo most recently & consistently rang steel @ 500 yds last week.

I don’t think that you go wrong getting a Tikka 6.5 RSS which is inexpensive and super functional to begin your western hunting rifle journey. Then decide after some experience if future you requires 6mm, 7mm, 308, 338, etc, and then spend more focused budget on that firearm…