Wanting a new "Everything cartridge/Rifle under $1500"...Thoughts?

[Q_Sertorius]

I myself am a Tikka guy. But it gets pretty annoying after a while

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So, we should mix it up and recommend other rifles just for the hell of it? Or to keep regulars on the forum from getting bored?

I’m all in favor of people commenting on what they have actually used and giving recommendations based upon that. And explaining the basis for their opinion.

To me, it’s only annoying when it’s “I don’t own one, but the RokSlide answer is buy [this item I have never seen, heard, touched, smelled, etc.] because [another item I have never seen, heard, touched, smelled, etc.] is reportedly inferior.” I know I have been guilty of that in the past, but it’s something on which I am trying to work. If you are going to pass off someone else’s opinion or experience, at least provide a link to the source.

It also depends on the OP’s question. If you ask, “what would you do with my budget?”, then you get my answer. If you ask, “should I buy the Scythe Ti?”, then you get “no, here’s a link to the thread.” If you ask, “which is better, Winchester or Remington?”, then I won’t comment except to say, “I think Winchesters stopped being good in 1964 and the Remington 30S was a superb rifle.” And you are free to ignore or argue with my opinion all you want.

 

[grfox92]

So, we should mix it up and recommend other rifles just for the hell of it? Or to keep regulars on the forum from getting bored?

I’m all in favor of people commenting on what they have actually used and giving recommendations based upon that. And explaining the basis for their opinion.

To me, it’s only annoying when it’s “I don’t own one, but the RokSlide answer is buy [this item I have never seen, heard, touched, smelled, etc.] because [another item I have never seen, heard, touched, smelled, etc.] is reportedly inferior.” I know I have been guilty of that in the past, but it’s something on which I am trying to work. If you are going to pass off someone else’s opinion or experience, at least provide a link to the source.

It also depends on the OP’s question. If you ask, “what would you do with my budget?”, then you get my answer. If you ask, “should I buy the Scythe Ti?”, then you get “no, here’s a link to the thread.” If you ask, “which is better, Winchester or Remington?”, then I won’t comment except to say, “I think Winchesters stopped being good in 1964 and the Remington 30S was a superb rifle.” And you are free to ignore or argue with my opinion all you want.

People will start a thread asking Seekins VS Christainsen Ridgeline. 90% of the replies will be telling them to get a Tikka. The threads are all there to go and look at. Seekins is a fine rifle.

This guy wants to spend 1500 on a factory rifle and keep it mostly stock. I would NEVER buy a $1500 Tikka because those models give me nothing for the increased price over a regular T3X. I think most here would agree.

So if he wants to spend $1500 on a rifle to keep stock, there are plenty of good options other than Tikka that would fit that bill.

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[Q_Sertorius]

People will start a thread asking Seekins VS Christainsen Ridgeline. 90% of the replies will be telling them to get a Tikka. The threads are all there to go and look at. Seekins is a fine rifle.

This guy wants to spend 1500 on a factory rifle and keep it mostly stock. I would NEVER buy a $1500 Tikka because those models give me nothing for the increased price over a regular T3X. I think most here would agree.

So if he wants to spend $1500 on a rifle to keep stock, there are plenty of good options other than Tikka that would fit that bill.

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“… under $1500.”

 

[Hnthrdr]

I mean, some of have owned/ own a bunch of different factory rifles, so to me the 1k to 1.5k price point there aren’t too many factory models that seem worth that price point. A seekins on sale, or a roughtech, maybe a waypoint on sale, xbolt in the mix. Now a 2k price point would open up a few more options, for value in a factory set up the sweet spot seems around 750-1000 dollars… after that one would probably be better off doing some customizing. The “expensive” factory options often seem to leave some to be desired… CA and fierce in my opinion

 

[grfox92]

“… under $1500.”

Doesn't really change my point.

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[cdavis0822]

been looking between the howa 1500, jp sauer 100, and the cva cascade. Any recommendations or thoughts on these? plan on mule deer and antelope hunting with it in wyoming.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

been looking between the howa 1500, jp sauer 100, and the cva cascade. Any recommendations or thoughts on these? plan on mule deer and antelope hunting with it in wyoming.

I’d get the Sauer 100. That’s based on my experience with one in 6.5 CM and one in 9.3x62. I handled a Howa 1500 at the gun store, but ultimately didn’t like it enough to try it out. I’ve never touched a CVA Cascade.

EuroOptic has some good deals on the Sauer 100.

Edit - here is my first impression post on the Sauer 100. I still like it a lot.

Post in thread 'CRAZY GOOD SAUER 100 SALE! - EUROOPTIC - AS LOW AS $499.99'

Oct 29, 2025

@EuroOptic, thank you!

Pros:

• This rifle is a beauty.
• The bolt is very smooth right out of the gate.
• The trigger feels great.
• I like the three-position safety.
• Magazine release button is nice.
• Balances right around the magazine release button.
• Barrel is nicely floated.
• The 5-round flush magazine is nice. The 10-round magazine is not too extended.
• Points well.

Cons:

• Will not eject my two snap caps. I am not sure why. It ejects loaded ammunition and fired brass from my Tikka without any issues (I haven’t fired it yet). It is prematurely...

• Q_Sertorius

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[solarshooter]

I’d probably lean budget suppressor before snagging a new stock - t3x tikka of some flavor is a good start, and 243 or creed would be a great chambering.

Personally I’ve been really enjoying the Peak 44 Bastion for Tikka; got mine on sale from redhawk rifles.

100% get a can before replacing the factory stock. They can be made to work well for 0$ and if you shoot a mild recoiling cartridge it matters even less. 8 twist 243 if you reload, 6.5CM if you don't.

 

[JaxonLee]

I'd probably look at a Bergara B-14 wilderness in 6.5 PRC.

I came here to see this. It's hard to find sub $1500 guns that check most of the boxes, and was thinking about this gun right here

 

[Kooziehiker]

Under $1500- Ruger American, or a Savage 110 - pick your favorite model based on barrel weight - you can put a nice scope on it and be done well under $1500. I have two RA and they both shoot lights out, .75MOA or better, with several different bullets and handloads. Lightweight - Barrett Fieldcraft or a Kimber Hunter or Adirondack are both good. My Kimber Adirondack shoots great as well. All in 6.5 CM. your 7mm/08 is a great choice for what you stated, as are 300 win, 280 AI or the newer PRC. Good Luck

 

[grfox92]

Under $1500- Ruger American, or a Savage 110 - pick your favorite model based on barrel weight - you can put a nice scope on it and be done well under $1500. I have two RA and they both shoot lights out, .75MOA or better, with several different bullets and handloads. Lightweight - Barrett Fieldcraft or a Kimber Hunter or Adirondack are both good. My Kimber Adirondack shoots great as well. All in 6.5 CM. your 7mm/08 is a great choice for what you stated, as are 300 win, 280 AI or the newer PRC. Good Luck

I would put, Tikka, Browning X Bolt, and Howa as better choices than either Savage or Ruger for under $1500.

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[Huntingfarandwide]

 

[LightFoot]

Tikka T3X with stainless and threaded barrel.
30-06
270 Win
7mm PRC
300 Win

Find good cup & core load, monometal, and/or bonded bullets (factory or hand loaded).

Mount a Trijicon, Steiner, or NG.

SRS hunter’s rail.

Bipod (lots of good option).

Lightweight Hunting-type suppressor.


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[solarshooter]

Ruger American, or a Savage 110

No

30-06
270 Win
7mm PRC
300 Win

No

Tikka T3X

Yes

 

[sneaky]

Howa actions rank right down there with Savages for ME. It's your money. The 7-08 is a great choice, just know there's literally zero aftermarket support for Brownings so keep that in mind

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[UnckleBob]

Howa actions rank right down there with Savages for ME. It's your money. The 7-08 is a great choice, just know there's literally zero aftermarket support for Brownings so keep that in mind

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My Howa mini action is a factor of 10 slicker than the Savage it replaced. Both were/are very accurate.

Is the action as slick as my Tikkas? Not quite. But, it has to cycle the short stubby 6ARC cartridge. The Tikkas cycle smooth feeding 223 and 243 cases.

Using the same cartridge, I think it would give the Tikkas a serious challenge.

 

[Turkeytider]

I would put, Tikka, Browning X Bolt, and Howa as better choices than either Savage or Ruger for under $1500.

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The Savage to which you refer, is that inclusive of the actions in the new 110 Core models?

 

[grfox92]

The Savage to which you refer, is that inclusive of the actions in the new 110 Core models?

Well I am actually really entrigued by Savages new 110 models like the Trail Blazer, is that considered a core model? Looks like they enclosed the ejection port a little bit?

If the main issues of ejection and feeding have been addressed then I think they could be a good option. But until these new models have some use on them ilI be forced to assume they are the same as all the 110s that have been produced for the last 60 years.

Savages seem to be overall very accurate from the factory.

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[hunting1]

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Blem Model 2020 Boundary 308 Win 20" 4rd - Rogue Camo

www.kygunco.com

To me this is the easy button!

 

[solarshooter]

Haha did Rokslide get infiltrated by spies or something??

Tikka 8 twist 243 if you reload, 6.5 CM if you don't. Multiple 20" threaded options under 900$. UM Tikka rings, known good scope. Mod the stock or replace if you really want to (not necessary). Go forth and shoot!

How can any WKRs be recommending Savages, XBolts, and Springfields in magnum cartridges???