Help choose next pack rifle (3 options)

Which lightweight rifle would you choose?

  • Browning X-Bolt Pro in burnt bronze ($1,650)

  • Christensen Arms Ridgeline ($1,930)

  • Kimber Mountain Ascent ($1,620)

  • (Late addition - Barrett Fieldcraft ($1,622))


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SilverbulletMAG

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**Can't change the title but based on some awesome feedback from you guys, I added the Barrett Fieldcraft to the list**

I have decided that I need to add a light weight pack rifle to my safe. I'm going to be getting rid of a couple 8+lb (scoped) rifles to make room for the new addition. I have also narrowed down the caliber selection to 30-06. Yes, I know short action will save some weight but I like the flexibility of the 30-06, have all the reloading supplies for -06 and that will be one of the heavier rifles I'll be removing from the safe which this new one will be replacing. Beyond knowing I want light weight in 30-06 with at least 1:10 twist, I'm wide open.
I thought I wanted a Kimber but scouring the reviews, there is a lot of bad press about lack of customer support and poor shooting/poor quality control. That gave me pause and I started looking at other comparable rifles in weight/price.
I currently own a Ridgeline in 300 Rum and absolutely love that rifle. Not the lightest but also not horrible. It is the most expensive on the list and like Kimber, Christensen Arms has a reputation they're looking to restore.
The X-Bolt pro has rave reviews but as far as looks go, I much prefer the style of the Kimber or Christensen Arms with the carbon barrel. At the end of the day however, this is a hunting rifle and looks are not the priority.
Right now I think I'd be happy with any one of these. At the prices listed (current price in cart including shipping and tax), which do you pick and why? Any and all thoughts, comments, experience welcome and appreciated!
 
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While a Tikka is a nice budget minded rifle there are things about them I don't care for. If you really want to buy yourself a nice rifle I would look at a custom built to your own specs. Some have rifles ready off the shelf like Nosler. I know Travis at R Bros is stocking wonderful rifles to fill fast orders. Travis finished my 280ai for me and while I've not finished developing a load for it I'm expecting great things from it. If you want something built from the ground up based of the Rogue action that is where I would start

Jason started the build, and my rifle includes a Manners Stock, much stiffer than a McMillian, piller bedded, ADL style blind magazine with a Limbsaver recoil pad, painted a olive green with black webbing, dual front sling swivels (one for your bipod). Internals include a three position Winchester safety on a spiral flutted ptg remington bolt, skeletonized bolt handle, AR style extractor, Shilen trigger set at 2#, 24" Boughton barrel, Talley two piece lightweight rings/bases, Leupold Vx3 3-10 scope. All metal was stainless steel which was cerakoted black matte.
 
Its not on your list but you ought to compare weight, accuracy and price on a 06 Tikka t3 lite

You could even get it Cerakoted in your fav color and be WAY under budget.

James
I was looking hard at the Superlite's and really like what they offer at that price point but, they're 1:11 twist.

Sflutes - not opposed to custom rigs but tough to get a lightweight custom anywhere near/under $2K...which is where I want to be with this particular rifle/caliber.
 
You can search the web high and low, and I doubt you will find many bad reviews on the Barrett Fieldcraft.

Superb fit, finish, accuracy, and reliability.

And about 5.5lbs in LA with a 24" barrel.
 
from the list, the ridgeline. have you look at the seekins havok? its about the same price point but all the reviews are fantastic.
 
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