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.