Looking for good old interwebs input from experienced folks who have built and/or used some of these rifles - would really appreciate some insights.
Caveats based on all the threads I have read:
This isn’t a be all end all thing: I don’t reload so we’re talking good factory ammo, and I have a 300 WM in a regular Christensen Ridgeline, so I’ve got the .30 cal situation covered if I need to go big. Rifle purpose is getting into a more compact platform for backpack hunts here in MT. I’m a 400 yard and in guy right now, and looking to start working out my effective range. (Read: I don’t own a kestrel yet, look at ballistics on my phone, so decidedly not a “long range” guy, but interested in getting much more proficient). Looking at taking an in-person shooting course to tune-up my proficiency.
So the gun: I’ve spent a couple weeks reading up on the various forums talking about these platforms, the 6.5 PRC cartridge I’d like to start using, and custom builds. So with that - what I feel like I am looking for is a something between a regular Ridgeline and a $6.5K proof model....specifics:
- chambered in 6.5 PRC
- Will use for most of my range practice and hunting up to elk-sized critters.
- want 20- 22” carbon barrel, will have side baffle brake.
- what weight of gun under 6.5lb mark, would like to be 7.5-8 lb full up with glass, which will be mid 20’s on ounces.
- lightweight carbon stock (or composite) with good design, which I read is negative comb, raised check area, and more vertical grip,
-I think I want a titanium action for weight
- I don’t really want mag fed, prefer bottom metal.
Models I’m considering (none of these are “bad” but I’d like to hear opinions on quality differences.)
- (current leader) Fierce CT Rival
- APR Altitude
- Proof Elevation MTR
- Christensen Ridgeline Ti (I don’t care for the Ridgeline stocks though).
- I really like the gwerks clymr but from what I can see I could do composite stock with grb ss action and carbon barrel, gun only, for about $4500 after mil discount, which is beyond my comfort zone. I think there’s better options for the money, or is their design worth the compromises in lighter components? Their builder doesn’t always give you all the options it seems, sometimes the above budget build isn’t available for some reason.
Should I put more stock in companies that make their own stuff like Gunwerks, Fierce and Christensen? Other good options in this range I should really consider? Seems like if I’m getting .5 MOA guarantees at $3k level than there’s really not a reason to spend more....my comfort ceiling is that 3.5-4K range for the rifle itself.
Thanks in advance to anyone who drops in and gives me their insight!
Caveats based on all the threads I have read:
This isn’t a be all end all thing: I don’t reload so we’re talking good factory ammo, and I have a 300 WM in a regular Christensen Ridgeline, so I’ve got the .30 cal situation covered if I need to go big. Rifle purpose is getting into a more compact platform for backpack hunts here in MT. I’m a 400 yard and in guy right now, and looking to start working out my effective range. (Read: I don’t own a kestrel yet, look at ballistics on my phone, so decidedly not a “long range” guy, but interested in getting much more proficient). Looking at taking an in-person shooting course to tune-up my proficiency.
So the gun: I’ve spent a couple weeks reading up on the various forums talking about these platforms, the 6.5 PRC cartridge I’d like to start using, and custom builds. So with that - what I feel like I am looking for is a something between a regular Ridgeline and a $6.5K proof model....specifics:
- chambered in 6.5 PRC
- Will use for most of my range practice and hunting up to elk-sized critters.
- want 20- 22” carbon barrel, will have side baffle brake.
- what weight of gun under 6.5lb mark, would like to be 7.5-8 lb full up with glass, which will be mid 20’s on ounces.
- lightweight carbon stock (or composite) with good design, which I read is negative comb, raised check area, and more vertical grip,
-I think I want a titanium action for weight
- I don’t really want mag fed, prefer bottom metal.
Models I’m considering (none of these are “bad” but I’d like to hear opinions on quality differences.)
- (current leader) Fierce CT Rival
- APR Altitude
- Proof Elevation MTR
- Christensen Ridgeline Ti (I don’t care for the Ridgeline stocks though).
- I really like the gwerks clymr but from what I can see I could do composite stock with grb ss action and carbon barrel, gun only, for about $4500 after mil discount, which is beyond my comfort zone. I think there’s better options for the money, or is their design worth the compromises in lighter components? Their builder doesn’t always give you all the options it seems, sometimes the above budget build isn’t available for some reason.
Should I put more stock in companies that make their own stuff like Gunwerks, Fierce and Christensen? Other good options in this range I should really consider? Seems like if I’m getting .5 MOA guarantees at $3k level than there’s really not a reason to spend more....my comfort ceiling is that 3.5-4K range for the rifle itself.
Thanks in advance to anyone who drops in and gives me their insight!
