Rifle and scope recommendations

[ckaz34]

Budget is $2500 for rifle, rings and scope. This will be for elk and mule deer. I will eventually use a suppressor, so shorter threaded barrel preferred. I will be reloading ammo.

 

[WyldGoose]

An easy button would be one of the “suppressor ready” versions of the Browning X-Bolt in your caliber of choice. They come with shorter, threaded, fast twist, fluted barrels with a rep for accuracy.

 

[pharmfisher]

Sako S20, trijicon creedo 2.5-15.

 

[eric1115]

T3x SS .243, get it cut and threaded, add Rokstok. Hand load 108 ELDM's.

Sportsmatch or UM rings

Maven RS1.2

Edit: realize this is not a "run to Scheels and pick it up for this hunting season" option. Should be very doable to have it together before spring though.

 

[BjornF16]

T3x SS .243, get it cut and threaded, add Rokstok. Hand load 108 ELDM's.

Sportsmatch or UM rings

Maven RS1.2

Edit: realize this is not a "run to Scheels and pick it up for this hunting season" option. Should be very doable to have it together before spring though.

^^^^ This

But you could run to Scheels and pickup a T3X in 1:8” twist .243 Win, buy UM Tikka rings, Trijicon Credo, and Winchester 95 gr Silvertip (95 NBT) or hand load 108 ELD-Murders and you’re off to the races.

Then order RokStok, have barrel cut and threaded, buy your suppressor and you’ll be setup for next year.

 

[B23]

New Tikka 6.5 PRC, 270 Win, 7PRC, 7 Rem mag, 300 WSM, 300 Win mag then look for a good clean used NF NXS or NX8. Often, you'll see them being sold with rings. Depending on the model Tikka you should be able to buy a new rifle and a good clean used NF all in and done for 2500 bucks.

Also, Tikka's like many others have a low comb height stock so budget in some kind of cheek riser. I like the Kydex adjustable type myself. You'll have to drill a couple holes to mount them but they're a super easy peasy install. My daughter installed one on her Tikka herself they are that easy, and, they're inexpensive, weigh next to nothing, and are rock solid.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

^^^^ This

But you could run to Scheels and pickup a T3X in 1:8” twist .243 Win, buy UM Tikka rings, Trijicon Credo, and Winchester 95 gr Silvertip (95 NBT) or hand load 108 ELD-Murders and you’re off to the races.

Then order RokStok, have barrel cut and threaded, buy your suppressor and you’ll be setup for next year.

They sell Tikka models now that come in 1:8 twist and are already threaded 5/8 24 with a 20” barrel.

Thats what the grey stock gun is below…

 

[Northern Safari]

Model 70 or Browning X-Bolt in 6.8 Western with a Leupold VX3 scope.

 

[Marbles]

T3x SS .243, get it cut and threaded, add Rokstok. Hand load 108 ELDM's.

Sportsmatch or UM rings

Maven RS1.2

Edit: realize this is not a "run to Scheels and pick it up for this hunting season" option. Should be very doable to have it together before spring though.

Cannot argue against this. I'm really happy with my 243 Tikka.

For within 600 yards, the S&B Klassik 3-12x52 with P3L reticle is also worth considering. https://www.eurooptic.com/Schmidt-B...3L-BDC-H-Riflescope-645-811-882-40-05A02.aspx

A Tikka, even if having to pay for a cut and thread and wanting stainless, should not be running over $1000 if someone shops around. If stainless is not needed, $650 https://www.eurooptic.com/Like-New-...t-243-Win-SYN-20-1-8-Bbl-Rifle-JRTXE315C.aspx

Stainless for $730 https://www.eurooptic.com/JRTXB315-Tikka-Tikka-T3x-Lite-243-Win-S-S-SYN-224--barrel-MP.aspx (minus $75 rebate).

Figure a $50 transfer fee on the rifle (though $20 is what I usually pay). $150-250 to cut and thread. $145 for UM rings (or $50 for Sportsmatch). An at worst scope budget is left at $1500.

 

[SloppyJ]

What's the gun for? I'd say you get a Tikka in whatever flavor, a nice used trijicon, UM rings, and a different stock.

Or you MIGHT be able to piece together something on an origin action if you wait for good deals but that'd eat up the 2500 on the rifle.