Which Rifle

[Bandit16]

I’m an old school guy 30-06 and 300 win mag type. I recently did some shooting at what I consider long range 1200 yards. It got me interested in some of the new platforms and calibers. So I’m interested in a new rifle. I’m thinking 6.5 PRC. But here is the rub. I can’t get rid of all my prejudices. I hate detachable magazines—one more thing to lose and I’ve been loading form the top for 40 years it is too much of a habit. And I can’t go with super heavy I want a gun usable when I have to carry it all day.

So what rifles do you recommend? Winchester chambers the Model 70 in tow versions in 6.5 PRC. What others would fit the bill?

 

[Jebel]

One of the Browning X-Bolt Long Range (“LR”) models might work for you. Some don’t have detachable mags and don’t weight too much. Here’s an example.

X-Bolt 2 McMillan LR WHD - Bolt-Action Rifle - Browning

2025 SHOT Show Special – Get the look of wood and the practicality of composite with the X-Bolt 2 McMillan LR WHD. This bolt-action hunting rifle features a composite McMillan Game Scout stock with Wood Hydrographic Decoration (WHD) finish. Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. Redesigned receiver...

www.browning.com

 

[HandgunHTR]

I’m an old school guy 30-06 and 300 win mag type. I recently did some shooting at what I consider long range 1200 yards. It got me interested in some of the new platforms and calibers. So I’m interested in a new rifle. I’m thinking 6.5 PRC. But here is the rub. I can’t get rid of all my prejudices. I hate detachable magazines—one more thing to lose and I’ve been loading form the top for 40 years it is too much of a habit. And I can’t go with super heavy I want a gun usable when I have to carry it all day.

So what rifles do you recommend? Winchester chambers the Model 70 in tow versions in 6.5 PRC. What others would fit the bill?

Here is the deal. I understand about prejudices, but there is no point in buying a rifle for shooting longer ranges and then handicapping it with features that were designed when 300 yards was considered too far to ethically shoot animals.

Things like vertical grips, negative combs, detachable magazines, etc. are not just for "looks". They help with reliable and repeatable function of the firearm. The key to accuracy is consistency. It is much easier to have consistent hold and follow-through if the stock is designed for that purpose and conforms to natural ergonomics. This doesn't matter much when 300 yards is your max, but even at 600 yards, a 1MOA shift means you are now 6" further from where you wanted to be. It only gets worse as you go farther out.
Same thing with the way the firearm feeds. A controlled round feed action can be very reliable and repeatable, but the standard Rem BDL has a lot to be desired when it comes to consistency. Can they be tuned to be consistent? Yes, but an AICS platform is much easier for the user as most of the time it is as easy as tuning the feed lips (if it is even necessary). That doesn't even take into account a magazine fed rifle is much easier to clear safely and if you do have a malfunction, you can just change mags and keep going.

So, all that being said, if you are looking for a factory rifle with the intent of shooting distance, then the ones I would look at are:
Seekins PH3 or PH3-NRL
Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed Long Range or X-bolt 2 Pro
Tikka TX3 UPR
Bergara Premier HMR Pro or Premier Divide
Montana Rifle Company Marshall

 

[Bandit16]

I understand what you’re saying and don’t disagree, but I’m not looking to shoot competitions just for fun.

I was hitting a 24 inch steel plate 3 out of 5 shots on a fairly windy day at 1000 yards with my 75 year old Model 70 in 30-06 the other day. It was the first time I ever tried shooting that far and it was fun. I’d like to get a more modern caliber to do more of that.

I’m actually willing to get a more certified grip and most of the other things you mention and go a little heavier, just not 15 pounds. But I loathe a detachable magazine, I have a Tikka T3x that shoots great but I almost never take it out of the safe because of the detachable mag.

I guess I should have just asked what the best rifles without a detachable mag are.

 

[sndmn11]

. So I’m interested in a new rifle. I’m thinking 6.5 PRC. But here is the rub. I can’t get rid of all my prejudices. I hate detachable magazines—

Buy this

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/weatherby-vanguard-ssr-65-prc-blued-bolt-action-rifle-24in/p/1891538

Add this

NextGen UltraLite Carbon Fiber VG2™ Howa 1500/ Weatherby® Vanguard® Stocks

Howa 1500/ Weatherby Vanguard Carbon Fiber Replacement Stock

stockysstocks.com

It should be under 7lbs and will do fine.

Or this if you want to say you have a McMillan

WTS Thread 'McMillan Game Warden Stock - Howa 1500 / Weatherby Vanguard'

Monday at 9:44 AM

McMillan Game Warden stock, inletted for Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard long action. Barrel channel is cut for a Sendero contour and will accommodate up to a 1.2" diameter barrel.

The forend features two sling studs spaced to fit a wide range of ARCA rails, and there are two flush cups on the left side for sling compatibility. This is the carbon fiber EDGE fill version, weighing in at just 28 oz.

This stock was recently ordered directly from McMillan and is in excellent condition overall. There’s a small paint chip on the forend—clearly shown in the photos—but otherwise it’s seen very...

• firemtn
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Guns Classifieds