Rolled the local gun shop this morning and got a bunch of information that was new to me, so I'm deep in research mode. Obviously, I knew I needed to come here.

Looking to start 500+ yd shooting. Maybe someday get into PRS. I started asking about Tikka. The shop threw out Seekins. Been reading and watching reviews and one was very much MPS over Seekins HIT Pro.

What's the board's opinion? Looking to get in for under $5k (whole setup). TIA

Do you reload? If so...6 dasher or one of the other 6mm variants. If not, lots of 6.5 cm ammo on the shelf.

Then make a build or buy decision with enough left over for a scope. I like build if you go with a chassis. Lots of 700 short action clones that take ready to fit barrels from Proof and others.

I was thinking 6.5 Creed but the shop also said the 6.5 PRC would be a better option for range. Not really married to anything. Note: I do not reload.

I don't do a lot of long range shooting, but do have a RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor. Vortex Viper 5-25x50. It's a hell of a setup for ~ $2,500.

If you're thinking about PRS go watch a match and ask people questions about their set ups.

Probably find a few who will let you at least fondle if not shoot theirs.

I would also plan to get into reloading. Im not a LR guy but I dont know many who are who dont reload.

I've shot quite a few factory precision chassis rifles and can say they all shoot very well for the money. Hell I stretch a $350 Ruger American Predator to 1K yards. It's insane how accurate modern rifles are. That being said, I recommend buying good glass. I'm not going to say you can't get away with lower end scopes, but once you start crossing 500 yards, good glass makes a huge difference. We do not shoot much long range anymore, but it is addicting when we do. I'd almost say it's relaxing and thrilling at the same time.

Don't sleep on Bergara either.

6.5 Creedmoor, factory ammo, factory rifle (minimal modifications) and I have made shots over 1,000 yards. The 143gr precision hunters shoot 1/4" -1/2" MOA.

I've got a custom Aggie maroon kryptek 6.5x284 Norma set up and ready to go with exactly 18 shots down the tube. It's a tack driver, just don't get out with it due to kids weekend activities. Cost me $5,500 but will get well within your budget if you'll use it.

The PRC has better ballistics for long range (> 1000 yards) but you'll do fine with the CM. I shoot 6.5CM long range hunter class which is basically all factory components with a weight restriction. CM is easier to find in good factory match bullets in quantity. Not sure there's a bad choice between these two.

Spend your $$$ on optics. I personally like the NXS, NX8 and ATACR lines from Nightforce as well as the newer Razor HD Gen III.

There are a lot of very capable factory rifles out now. Have a look at a few Bergaras while you're shopping. I've been very pleased with their HMR mated with a Razor Gen III. It's more capable than I am past 1,200 yards.

Good luck with your new hobby! Welcome to your new money hole.

FTW - hill country long range shooting school - has a branded Ruger (Ruger ftw hawkeye). That's says something about the accuracy of some of the factory made guns. I shoot a legendary arms 6.5 cm with a night force scope (got a demo from optics planet). All in under $4k. Long range shooting is addicting - but also makes you a much more confident and capable hunter. I mostly bow hunt but it's nice to confidently harvest doe at 300 yds - lot easier to get a 300 yd shot vs 100-150 yds. Factory bullets - 143eldx - confidently can shoot past 1000yds. Great fun.

Can we post our long range rigs in this thread? To help the OP with his research?

I'm not deep into this world, but I've set up a Remington 700 in .308 with a varmint heavy contour barrel, Bell and Carlson stock that I've pushed consistently out to 800-1000yds. I know there are better calibers out there for long range performance, but this is just a fun gun that can do a lot of things with a variety of factory loaded ammo. I started with a leupold vx3-LRP 8.5-25x but recently upgraded optics. I am looking to part with that previous scope, and it has Leopold rings and alumina flip covers. It's in great shape and I'd give you (or anyone) a fair deal on it. Let me know if interested and good luck!

AggieT said:

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I don't do a lot of long range shooting, but do have a RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor. Vortex Viper 5-25x50. It's a hell of a setup for ~ $2,500.

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This. RPR in 6.5 creed, with a Leopold vx3i LRP scope, all in $2500. I shoot factory ammo consistent out to 1200 yards.

It is awesome!

Tikka CTR 6.5 CM and nightforce nx8 4-32 with mil reticle

Great scopes! They're not Nightforce but they're extremely capable. I've got this same model but in Milrad on my 6.5-300. I've got the 6.5-20x on two other rifles

Proceed, sir!

Bergara barreled action in 6.5 Creed -$570 pre tax
Grayboe Ridgeback - $450ish from a scratch and dent sale
Grayboe DBM bottom metal- $125
MPA Scope mount: $200 from a buddy
Trigger tech special 2S- $250
Meopta 3-18x 50- $750
Upgraded to an Atlas Bipod since pic was taken- $225

All in for a very accurate rifle on the production class:
$2750

Would also look at MPA's production rifles, they come ready to go minus scope and bipod

1000 yards does under $1000

I don't have much to add to this thread, but I do watch this channel and the challenges he runs. I think I have heard he is in the Lampasas area.

I was in the same boat a number of years ago. I can echo what others have said here. Spend money on good glass. I would personally watch the classifieds on Snipershide, Long Range Hunting or Accurate Shooters. You can find scopes and rifles at a nice discount. Not that there is anything wrong with a Tikka or Seekins, but I think you will save money in the long run if you get something custom or one of the higher end production rifles like Accuracy International. I can almost guarantee you will end up there anyway.

If you do go custom, look at something with a quick change action like Terminus Zeus. That way you have the flexibility to quickly swap barrels if you want. I would also stick with one of the 6mm variants. One of my all time favorites is the 6BR. Cheaper to shoot, no fuss accuracy and just so much fun to shoot.

I hate to admit what I have spent on rifles over the years. I would have saved so much if I would have just cried once. I now have an AI that I will never sell and a few customs that are built on Impact actions.

Give us an idea of your budget and we can help spend your money. But good glass is where you want to spend your money.

Shane431 said:

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Give us an idea of your budget and we can help spend your money. But good glass is where you want to spend your money.

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Yeah something like under 5K, whole setup would be great to know.

Another awesome competition is the NRL Hunter series.

I'm gearing up to shoot one next year.

just heard about this yesterday and it looks VERY intriguing.

Good glass, bubble level, take a positions course and learn how to use bags and or your surroundings.

I am a big Kestrel and sig 3000 10X42 laser range finding binos. You can blow a budget on tripod or do some research and get something in between.

PRS shooters will recommend CM over PRC in 6.5.

Lots using 6mm in a couple different variants. No recoil and longer barrel life.

I would recommend waiting to buy a rifle until after you spend time with LRSs or take a couple classes using any rifle for the class. The big range I think its called Lonestar SE of BCS used to provide loaner guns to promote the sport.

Have fun.

My long range rifle is a Mark 12 inspired SPR topped with a Vortex Viper PST 2x10.

It's my favorite rifle and I have used it to ring steel multiple times at 960 yards. It's especially satisfying when you hear the steel knowing I built it myself.

I know it can't hang with PRS builds on PRS courses but thats ok.

Here it is getting ready for a night hunt. 75 grain Hornady steel match is the load I use and it is nails.

Also my build was well under $5k without the suppressor and thermal .

Probably $2k all in for the rifle and scope.

Y'all just missed the last match of the season 30 min north of Witchita Falls. I've shot 5 now this year, it's a big commitment but by far the best, most fun match style I've shot so far.

EFE said:

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Bergara barreled action in 6.5 Creed -$570 pre tax
Grayboe Ridgeback - $450ish from a scratch and dent sale
Grayboe DBM bottom metal- $125
MPA Scope mount: $200 from a buddy
Trigger tech special 2S- $250
Meopta 3-18x 50- $750
Upgraded to an Atlas Bipod since pic was taken- $225

All in for a very accurate rifle on the production class:
$2750

Would also look at MPA's production rifles, they come ready to go minus scope and bipod

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This is a much better set up for the same money. Also, you don't have it put it together.

https://www.gaprecision.net/pinnacle-production-rifle-deposit-1.html

Also, 'production' class, I believe, has to be a factory built rifle, not collection of pieces you assemble, which that would technically be (but really not sure).

I've got one on the older actions and it's amazing how easy it is to reload for and how accurate it is. I started PRS shooting in 2020. A friend let me borrow his custom built 6.5CM to shoot a match and I was hooked. The PPR was not as high demand at that time and I was doing the same as you. Looking all around for a new action/stock/rifle/etc. and my friend, who is a pro shooter and really good, basically said, do the math and spend the extra $3-$400 and buy this. You can't beat it so I did, starting reloading (2020 was fun for that!!!), found a good load for the rifle and have basically kept that same load since I got it worked out. 36.5gr H4350, CCI450, Hornady 108g ELD-M, Hornady Brass.

Now they're releasing like 100 every quarter. Get on their facebook page to see when the next release is open and start dialing at 9:00 AM that morning. Keep calling even if it's busy and pray you get in before they're gone.

It's a $4,500 rifle for $2,700.

6.5CM and other larger calibers have to much recoil (yes, I know that sound ridiculous). I have the 6GT and it hardly moves when I squeeze the trigger. Recoil management is really important in PRS shooting so you can see your hits, which is just as important as seeing your misses.

CharlieBrown17 said:

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Shane431 said:

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Give us an idea of your budget and we can help spend your money. But good glass is where you want to spend your money.

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Yeah something like under 5K, whole setup would be great to know.

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PPR $2,700
Bushnell DMR3 $1,499

This is what I shoot. I shoot the Bushnell to stay in production class.

My Burris XTR3 will getcha there and then some

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3389680

Bergara makes/made the same rifle described in a ridge back stock that retailed at like $2300, this meets those specs and keeps it in the production class

EFE said:

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Bergara makes/made the same rifle described in a ridge back stock that retailed at like $2300, this meets those specs and keeps it in the production class

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My bad, I missed you'd included a scope with that price.

Bergara makes good rifles, but the one you're talking about is no where close to the PPR in terms of quality and components.

GA does a 100 gun run every quarter now, gets some good deals on components to keep their costs down and does them in single run to reduce tooling & labor times. I'm not saying they are losing money, but they're not making a killing on these things.

Just look at the cost off the shelf cost of the components;
Curtis Action $1,200
Bartlein 26" MTU Barrel + Chamber $850
Manners MCS-T2A with mini-chassis $1,200
Trigger Tech Special $200
20MOA Rail $60
Nitride Finish $50

= $3,650

Now have a good gunsmith put it all together for you.

Also, all the top shooters are shooting 6BR or another 6mm round.

Also, OP, if you don't want to spend a ton of $$ right now, buy a Tikka T1X 22LR and a Bushnell Match Pro and shoot NRL 22. The guy who won the July NRL National Championship shoots a mostly stock Tikka T1X.

Killough Shooting Sports sells Eley Tenex and Match ammo by lot. But a box of several different lots, find a lot that works in your 22 and buy as much as the budget allows.

It's not 1,000 yards, but just a fun and a lot more budget friendly. There are ranges all over that do these matches monthly so you'll have something to pick from every weekend. PRS does rimfire as well.

Matches usually only take 4-hours tops and you can be home before the day is over. PRS center fire matches take all day.

The thing that I would add here is if you went this route, you wouldn't need a gunsmith if you go something like Terminus Zeus or Impact on the action. Plenty of people will spin up a barrel and the tolerances are so tight in those actions, you can just put the barrel on yourself.