Non-Tikka Hunting Rifle Recommendations

[fmyth]

I actually had the 30-06 threaded which did help with the recoil. The magazine issue ultimately made me get rid of the rifle. I would prefer to not need the MB though. As much as I know I need to put in ear pro every time, I have often found myself leaving them out when something walks out in front of me.

A Tikka T3x in 6.5C will have much less recoil than your old .30-06 did. I bought a T3X in 6.5C after a serious shoulder injury and reconstructive surgery made it too painful to shoot my .300WM. I can shoot 4 boxes of ammo at the range with no soreness. My flinch is gone and I can spot my own shots. I have now killed 2 elk and 3 mule deer with it out to 400 yards. I just had it cut down to 18" and threaded for a suppressor. and I'm still under your budget.

 

[Skydog]

For what it is worth, the Tikka is super accurate and has a great action and trigger. I just do not like recoil. I have to work really hard to keep away a flinch I developed years ago shooting 3.5 inch magnums out of a 870. You may tolerate better than I did.

I'm being forced to go to a lighter recoiling cartridge due to medical issues with my neck and shoulder. Giving the .243 a try.

I've never liked shooting 3.5 inch magnums out of a 12 gauge, even when I was younger and healthier.

 

[Slick8]

Of that list my personal pick would be a Savage with many options in their line up. You could upgrade the stock on most of them and still fall in budget.

I'd be very curious about the 307 Bee although I don't know much about it. I do believe it's built on a 700 clone action so bonus for unlimited aftermarket goodies.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Hmm, may be worth leaving the copper or just running the LR model from Barnes. I considered 6cm pretty heavily due to the low recoil side of it, but there do not seem to be many rifles available in it. Main offerings I have seen are Ruger American, CZ 600, and a few rifles out of my price range.

You could probably find a seekins ph2 in 6cm if you bumped your budget a smidge and I think that is a fantastic company to deal with. I don’t know if I have ever come across someone with a seekins that doesn’t shoot…

 

[NSI]

Sauer 100.

Or put a tikka in a proper stock that mitigates recoil (we can help you set that up).

-J

 

[z987k]

You make some good points. Truthfully, I would not be likely to shoot past 400 at anything besides steel unless I was prone and had almost zero wind since I never get to practice on a pack or tripod. I do have a bit of FOMO though when it comes to cutting velocity. May just have to get over it. I would like to suppress one day so the 18" is appealing.

In that case the x-bolt SR is what you should look for. Everything is ready to go out of the box. Nothing to change.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

With the added information Rebarrel the Tikka 3006 to 6cm

 

[z987k]

Well, this is all a bit of a bummer considering I just ordered a Tikka (my first Tikka) earlier today. However, I did order the wood stocked Hunter version, which should be denser and heavier than the Lite plastic models. And switching the recoil pad should be easy enough. Also, mine is in .243, so the recoil shouldn't be too bad anyway. I'm figuring mine will likely be just a little over 8 lbs. with scope and rings.

It won't be bad in 243. A new stock with a proper recoil pad will fix it completely.

 

[z987k]

With the added information Rebarrel the Tikka 3006 to 6cm

And put in in a rokstock or an echelon versa.

 

[Skydog]

It won't be bad in 243. A new stock with a proper recoil pad will fix it completely.

I'm hoping I can keep the stock and just replace the recoil pad. I prefer wood and traditional style stocks. But just out of curiosity, which stock are you referring to?

 

[NSI]

I'm hoping I can keep the stock and just replace the recoil pad. I prefer wood and traditional style stocks. But just out of curiosity, which stock are you referring to?

Rokstok, Echelon Versa, Peak44 Bastion, KRG Bravo, KRG Echo...

-J

 

[DisplacedHusky]

I was in a similar boat. Went from a 30-06 T3X in a factory stock to a 6.5 PRC T3X with a Stocky’s VG stock and a suppressor. The difference was night and day. The new rifle is very easy to shoot well.

 

[hereinaz]

You make some good points. Truthfully, I would not be likely to shoot past 400 at anything besides steel unless I was prone and had almost zero wind since I never get to practice on a pack or tripod. I do have a bit of FOMO though when it comes to cutting velocity. May just have to get over it. I would like to suppress one day so the 18" is appealing.

Sit in a chair. Close your eyes.

Picture yourself in the rare situation of shooting "long range" and feel the FOMO (even though an 18" barrel can do everything you need out to 400 yards.)

Now, picture yourself going out all season long in the timber happily carrying an 18" barrel.

Because negative emotions are usually stronger than positive emotions, now picture yourself with a 22" barrel catching it on crap all season long in the timber wishing for a 16" barrel...

 

[hereinaz]

You could probably find a seekins ph2 in 6cm if you bumped your budget a smidge and I think that is a fantastic company to deal with. I don’t know if I have ever come across someone with a seekins that doesn’t shoot…

Truth! I've only shot a couple, but both were fantastic. Handled several.

Besides the warranty is awesome for a rifle.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Sit in a chair. Close your eyes.

Picture yourself in the rare situation of shooting "long range" and feel the FOMO (even though an 18" barrel can do everything you need out to 400 yards.)

Now, picture yourself going out all season long in the timber happily carrying an 18" barrel.

Because negative emotions are usually stronger than positive emotions, now picture yourself with a 22" barrel catching it on crap all season long in the timber wishing for a 16" barrel...

Put a 20” 6cm barrel on a tikka… the next barrel that goes on it won’t be over 17” inches I can tell you that…

 

[rickyw]

My choices
Model 70 (New Haven)
Ruger Hawkeye

 

[sndmn11]

Weatherby Vanguard in a different stock.

 

[prm]

Ok, I’ll go a different route. How about a Kimber Montana? Perhaps find a used one in your price range. Once you get used to the smaller size and lighter weight, ‘full size’ rifles feel cumbersome.

 

[2buffalo]

I had one of these in a wsm and it was great. Sold it to a friend and is still hammering.

Kimber 84M Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 3000793

Kimber 84M Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 3000793 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[ETtikka]

Sauer 100