I've been hunting/shooting most of my life, but it's always been with someone else's gun. Thus, I'm looking to buy my first rifle. The gun will be used primarily for hunting white-tailed deer, but I might mess around with long range shooting at some point so I have settled on 6.5 Creedmoor for the caliber.

I'm not really one for customizing/modding so I'd prefer to have something that is great out of the box. I've looked into all of the popular recommendations and I'm having a hard time narrowing it down. I'm trying to keep the all-in cost (gun+scope) under $1,500. Although I like the look and feel of wood, I might go with a synthetic/stainless combo just so I don't have to worry about taking the gun out in the rain/snow. I'd be open to thoughts on whether that's a real issue or not.

Some of the contenders:

1. Tikka T3X Hunter - Heard great things about Tikka, but haven't had a chance to put my hands on one. As mentioned above, not sure about the wood stock. If I ended up taking the gun on a hunt up north, would it hold up?
2. Tikka T3X Lite - More affordable than the Hunter, but I'm hesitant to buy such a light rifle at 6.25 pounds. I will readily admit I have a tendency to anticipate recoil so, all else being equal, anything that increases felt recoil isn't great for me.
3. Tikka T3X CTR - Another Tikka option...the Picatinny rail, adjustable comb/grip, and higher weight are nice, but I'm not sure it's worth an extra $200+, particularly with the shorter 20" barrel.
4. Savage 110 Storm - Obligatory Savage 110 economical option. It's been awhile since I tested the Accutrigger, but I do prefer a lighter trigger and seem to recall liking it.
5. Remington 700 Magpul - Obligatory Remington 700 based on popularity/recommendations. I've read complaints about the triggers in the cheaper 700 models; this one seemed like the best compromise of quality/cost. The supposedly great aftermarket that exists for the 700s is a non-factor for me so I'm leaning away from this option.
6. Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon - Looks nice, and I grew up shooting a Browning, but it's also very light and not sure it's worth the premium over the Tikka.
7. Ruger Precision Rifle - This would break the bank and leave very little for optics, but I've heard here and elsewhere that the gun is "boringly accurate". Admittedly, it seems a bit overkill if the primary use isn't long range shooting.

Leaning towards one of the first two Tikka rifles to get the best bang for the buck, but would love to hear opinions about/first hand experiences with all of them. TIA!

I have a Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor. I have been very impressed with the rifle for the money. Tikka will have an incredibly smooth action and great trigger out of the box. I can't speak to the Bergara, but I know people love them. My Tikka is a legit 1/2" or better even with factory loads.

I can get you the bergara hmr plus optics for exactly what you are wanting and you'll be damned happy with it. That and the rpr are the two go to rifles in 6.5 Creed

+1 for the Bergara Ridge. Lights out...

cledus6150 said:

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Bergara HMR or ridge, severalnof us on the board have them and they shoot lights out.

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EOT

I almost bought the T3x lite a few months ago, but decided not to, as I was on a duck hunt at the time, and just couldn't justify it. Since then I've bought a 7mm-08, and will probably look for a different caliber for my next rifle.

Also....
I actually went to Cabelas last year, specifically to buy the Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creed. I decided it was too heavy to lug around for anything other than sitting in a blind. The RPR and HMR are equally heavy. If you think you'll actually take one for a western hunt, I wouldn't want to lug one of those around. That said, for what I'd be using the rifle for in the foreseeable future, it would be fine.

After originally posting this, I remembered seeing a deal on a Bergara B14 Hunter in 6.5 on reddit gundeals. Not sure how that compares to the others, but it's going for 569.99.
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-5565

I have a Browning Hell's Canyon longrange. Love it. Working on getting a Thunderbeast can for it.

If your hunting will be from a fixed position like a stand and not having to lug it around, the RPR is a great rifle. I absolutely enjoy shooting mine and everything about it just works right straight out of the box. Really, really accurate. But your $1500 budget won't leave more than 300 or so bucks to put towards he scope unless you up the budget a bit, so that's something to consider.

agfan2013 said:

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If your hunting will be from a fixed position like a stand and not having to lug it around, the RPR is a great rifle. I absolutely enjoy shooting mine and everything about it just works right straight out of the box. Really, really accurate. But your $1500 budget won't leave more than 300 or so bucks to put towards he scope unless you up the budget a bit, so that's something to consider.

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This is why I really like the hmr. Very similar in accuracy, but definitely more hunting geared than the rpr

I have a Savage 110 Predator in 6.5 CM and am very happy with it.

Love my T3x Lite

6.5 doesn't have much recoil

TheEyeGuy said:

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I can get you the bergara hmr plus optics for exactly what you are wanting and you'll be damned happy with it. That and the rpr are the two go to rifles in 6.5 Creed

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Can you PM me with a price on a Bergara HMR (maybe premier if it's worth the extra?) in 6.5 Creed? My Dad was just talking today about wanting one of theses for lighter hunting (antelope and such). I'm thinking that would be a hell of a good Christmas present. Thanks!

Feel free to throw in a ln optic suggestion is you want. We've always been pretty faithful to Swaro, but our 20 year old scopes are pretty basic. Wouldn't mind something with turrets- something pretty simple & quick for the field. Enjoyed the Leupold BCD system for my blackpowder, and have played with the Sig BDX. Both intriguing concepts & simple.

TheEyeGuy said:

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I can get you the bergara hmr plus optics for exactly what you are wanting and you'll be damned happy with it. That and the rpr are the two go to rifles in 6.5 Creed

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What optic are you talking about with this?

Something different to consider. Winchester just started making a 6.5 Creedmore in the Model 70 Featherweight. I sighted in my new 25-06 in that gun this weekend with a VX3i 3.5-10x40mm.

Using factory Remington Core-Lokt 120 grain ammo, at 100 yards, my last 4 shots were easily covered by a nickle, and that nickle covered half of shot 5. The four almost just carved out their own large hole. A quarter covered all. I have never had a pattern like that with factory ammo. And there is a whole lot more to like about that gun. Lightweight, wood stock with a Schnable fore end for a classic look. Known as the rifleman's rifle.

You might want to consider that one in 6.5 OP.

Plenty of good suggestions already for 6.5 creed rifles, but don't overlook 7mm-08 as an option. It's a criminally underrated round in my opinion. Ballistics are basically right on par with the 6.5 out to like 700 or 800 yards, ammo is still easier to find, and you get a bit heavier bullets. Fantastic do-it-all round in my opinion.

I will admit I have stared at the assorted 6.5 Creed on Texican Firearms. Granted my looking is more along the lines of Mossberg/Savage Axis/(T/C). Almost pulled the triggef a couples times, but alas, I am good at talking myself out of things.

Ooops, added an extra letter.

Still loving those binoculars you ran a special on 2 years ago.

Quote:

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. Tikka T3X CTR - Another Tikka option...the Picatinny rail, adjustable comb/grip, and higher weight are nice, but I'm not sure it's worth an extra $200+, particularly with the shorter 20" barrel.

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They make the CTR in a 24, but that 20 is sweet in a deer stand. Heck, I chopped mine to 18. Add on the 7in suppressor...it's pretty handy. And still plenty of velo to tip a deer over out long.

Eye Guy, what about the Timber edition of the B-14? I'm in the same boat as OP but am almost dead set on the wood stock, so I was curious if you could still get that rifle + glass in the same price range?

Still loving my AR build, even got the wife hooked!

Ok been absolutely swamped. Not like it's my day off or anything... but on the previous question on the HMR and scope... The price on that gun fluctuates a bit, depending on distributor. Right now, they are $999. If you get it and toss a riton 6-24x50 FFP, I can get you gun, scope and good rings for $1475. Gun drops to $950, scope to $450 and $75 on the rings.

Echoes97 said:

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Eye Guy, what about the Timber edition of the B-14? I'm in the same boat as OP but am almost dead set on the wood stock, so I was curious if you could still get that rifle + glass in the same price range?

Still loving my AR build, even got the wife hooked!

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Can do it... gimme one moment.

Eyeguy i has some questions and a three hour drive ahead of me when I get finished working. You be near the shop phone in about an hour?

shaynew1 said:

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Eyeguy i has some questions and a three hour drive ahead of me when I get finished working. You be near the shop phone in about an hour?

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Nope, but my cell is 346-775-8363

I have 2 savage ba 110 stealth rifles one 308 one 6.5. Enjoy shooting both of them but they are a heavy rifle to hunt with unless just sitting in a stand.

EyeGuy- I would like to get a price on you doing a pair of HMR Pro's (6.5 Creed) w/ 1 piece base, good rings, and breaks installed. What is the best way to contact you- call the store at a certain time? Or just send you a PM? Just let me know what is easiest for you, I'm flexible. Thanks so much!

12thAngryMan said:

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I've been hunting/shooting most of my life, but it's always been with someone else's gun. Thus, I'm looking to buy my first rifle. The gun will be used primarily for hunting white-tailed deer, but I might mess around with long range shooting at some point so I have settled on 6.5 Creedmoor for the caliber.

I'm not really one for customizing/modding so I'd prefer to have something that is great out of the box. I've looked into all of the popular recommendations and I'm having a hard time narrowing it down. I'm trying to keep the all-in cost (gun+scope) under $1,500. Although I like the look and feel of wood, I might go with a synthetic/stainless combo just so I don't have to worry about taking the gun out in the rain/snow. I'd be open to thoughts on whether that's a real issue or not.

Some of the contenders:

1. Tikka T3X Hunter - Heard great things about Tikka, but haven't had a chance to put my hands on one. As mentioned above, not sure about the wood stock. If I ended up taking the gun on a hunt up north, would it hold up?
2. Tikka T3X Lite - More affordable than the Hunter, but I'm hesitant to buy such a light rifle at 6.25 pounds. I will readily admit I have a tendency to anticipate recoil so, all else being equal, anything that increases felt recoil isn't great for me.
3. Tikka T3X CTR - Another Tikka option...the Picatinny rail, adjustable comb/grip, and higher weight are nice, but I'm not sure it's worth an extra $200+, particularly with the shorter 20" barrel.
4. Savage 110 Storm - Obligatory Savage 110 economical option. It's been awhile since I tested the Accutrigger, but I do prefer a lighter trigger and seem to recall liking it.
5. Remington 700 Magpul - Obligatory Remington 700 based on popularity/recommendations. I've read complaints about the triggers in the cheaper 700 models; this one seemed like the best compromise of quality/cost. The supposedly great aftermarket that exists for the 700s is a non-factor for me so I'm leaning away from this option.
6. Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon - Looks nice, and I grew up shooting a Browning, but it's also very light and not sure it's worth the premium over the Tikka.
7. Ruger Precision Rifle - This would break the bank and leave very little for optics, but I've heard here and elsewhere that the gun is "boringly accurate". Admittedly, it seems a bit overkill if the primary use isn't long range shooting.

Leaning towards one of the first two Tikka rifles to get the best bang for the buck, but would love to hear opinions about/first hand experiences with all of them. TIA!

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I've got a never-been-fired RPR in 6.5 that I won in a raffle. It shipped with a very small scratch on the hand guard but other than that it's in mint condition. I had planned on keeping it but I really don't need it. Let me know if you're interested.

cupofjoe04 said:

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EyeGuy- I would like to get a price on you doing a pair of HMR Pro's (6.5 Creed) w/ 1 piece base, good rings, and breaks installed. What is the best way to contact you- call the store at a certain time? Or just send you a PM? Just let me know what is easiest for you, I'm flexible. Thanks so much!

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None available right now...

TheEyeGuy said:

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Echoes97 said:

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Eye Guy, what about the Timber edition of the B-14? I'm in the same boat as OP but am almost dead set on the wood stock, so I was curious if you could still get that rifle + glass in the same price range?

Still loving my AR build, even got the wife hooked!

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Can do it... gimme one moment.

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Are you who I was texting with about this or did I think you were someone else?

Thanks so much! What about the normal HMR's- same set up? My Dad was looking at one at a big box store today, but I would MUCH rather support you.

cupofjoe04 said:

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Thanks so much! What about the normal HMR's- same set up? My Dad was looking at one at a big box store today, but I would MUCH rather support you.

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Those are available. If doing with optics, $949 on them. Most people won't realize the full benefits of bumping up to the pro.