I'm in the market for a new hunting/long range for fun rifle, most likely chambered in 6.5 creedmoor. My budget is $1k. That's rifle only, glass is another topic another time. I originally wanted to build an AR-10, but after doing some research I've started going down the budget precision rabbit hole. Seems I can get a more refined rifle for my money, but I'm still not opposed to the possibility of the AR-10 platform.

I've been looking at:

Bergara B-14 HMR
Bergara BMP
Savage Axis II Precision
Savage 10 BA Stealth
Howa 1500 HCR

Any experience/recommendations?

I've been doing a lot of research in a similar space, but more for hunting. i'm looking at 300WM and eyeguy rec'd christensen mesa. it's a little above the price range you're looking for, but he may be able to help you. he was really helpful to me when we talked last week.

i've since been researching bergara and fierce trying to make up my mind. interested to see where discussion goes.

Bergara B-14 HMR

I absolutely love mine and it shoots lights out. I don't care for the look and feel of chassis style rifles. I prefer the more traditional look of hunting rifles and the HMR is somewhat of a hybrid.

My only complaint with the rifle is that is about 12lbs+ with glass and mag but none of the other rifles listed are lightweight, so I doubt that is a concern.

In typical OB fashion, I would recommend looking at the HMR Pro. It has an upgraded action, factory cerakote and I believe a triggertech trigger. I think they're about $5-600 more.

Good luck!

Hard to beat Bergara at this price.

I'll have to check out the christensen mesa, I haven't checked it out yet.

What makes it difficult is I can get the Bergara HMR and BMP both for about the same price. I like the look of both. At first I was leaning toward the BMP but the HMR sure does have a lot of positive feedback which makes me question if that's the way to go. Weight to me doesn't matter. I'm not hiking very far. Decisions, decisions.

Affirmative on the trigger tech trigger. I've been shopping these rifles lately for my upcoming elk hunt. Bergara Premier line, Mesa, Tikka, Kimber Montana etc.. Good to hear the Mesa recommendation. The one thing in my research that concerned me was the Bergara B14 having bolt issues. Parts coming loose or something of the sort

I haven't heard of bolts coming loose on the Bergara. I did see a discussion of the scope mount coming loose on snipershide, but I think that was more an isolated issue.

I haven't heard of any of those issues but that doesn't mean some people may have had them... I have had zero problems with mine. I upgraded factory trigger to a Timney Elite and had a cerakote job done on it.

If I were in the market for a lightweight or mountain rifle for an elk hunt, any of the guns you listed (less the B14) would be on my list.

Bergara

Should be able to get for $950. For the money, that's about as good as you'll get. I wish I would have known about them (or maybe they weren't available?) when I bought my Ruger Precision. Not that the RPR is a bad gun, and I got a great deal on it, but I think I would like the Bergara better.

He is referring to the bolt shroud issue that happened on early models of the Bergara's. I have a HMR and love it the thing shoots lights out with both factory and hand loads. Only modification I did to it is put a Jewell trigger in it, this was prior to trigger tech coming out! If I was to buy a new one and stay within your 1k limit it would be the wilderness series rifles! They are a bit better suited for hunting as they are cerakoted!

Here is a 5-shot factory group with 140 ELD-M's

You guys are confirming my thoughts on the Bergara. Does anyone have experience with the BMP to know if it might have advantages over the HMR for the same money?

Same action and barrel only difference is the stock/chassis and whether you like it over the HMR Stock!

I have a savage 10 ba stealth in 308 and one in 6.5 they are both great guns and shoot very good groups. No complaint about them at all.

I don't own any Bergaras personally but I have shot a couple different ones and really like them. The next rifle I buy will most likely be a Bergara.

cledus6150 said:

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He is referring to the bolt shroud issue that happened on early models of the Bergara's. I have a HMR and love it the thing shoots lights out with both factory and hand loads. Only modification I did to it is put a Jewell trigger in it, this was prior to trigger tech coming out! If I was to buy a new one and stay within your 1k limit it would be the wilderness series rifles! They are a bit better suited for hunting as they are cerakoted!

Here is a 5-shot factory group with 140 ELD-M's

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You missed the dime.

Close enough for me!!!

cledus6150 said:

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Close enough for me!!!

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Indeed sir, indeed.

So the group above was done with no suppressor, after I added the suppressor group stayed just as tight! During initial break in the 140 ELD-m's where the best shooter and it did not like the 143 ELD-x nor the 147 ELD-m. It shot the 127 Barnes LRX 3/4" and the 140 hirnady black about an inch. After about 100 rounds the groups with the blacks went down to 1/2" and my hand loads with 130tsx going 2900fps tightened up to 1/2".

At this price point the decision should really just be either Bergara or Tikka. I chose Tikka.

How much did your poi change when you added suppressor? I have an ASR brake for my b-14 but don't want to jack up anything right now considering how well it shoots.

Vertical shift only and only about an 1", actually the harmonics from it really helped tighten groups up on some of my other rifle tremendously.

Thank you! I owe you a lot of beer lol

No worries TTHA, always happy to help!

OP I will add the reason I went with Bergara over Tikka or any other brand was because of the aftermarket support. Which since these rifle are based off of Remington 700 actions is plentiful.

meggy09 said:

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At this price point the decision should really just be either Bergara or Tikka. I chose Tikka.

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this Tikka all the way.

I'm shopping the same - LR and hunting combo here's where my head is at:

I'm looking at a Bergara B14 Ridge (22/24" barrel, pre threaded). Price I'm seeing is $749

If I can find 7mm-08 that's the ticket but if not I'll go 6.5C. 7-08 has a couple of advantages over 6.5C using factory Ammo for hunting

Then I'll add an XLR or MDT chassis for about $450-$500

Then top it with a SIG BDX or a Eotech 5-25x

Edit - will possibly add a Triggertech Diamond for giggles

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Tikka?

Sportsman's Warehouse with the Howa 1500 HRC for $719 in .308 and $799 in 6.5CM.