Best sub 2000$ non-heavyweight rifle?

[Bigeclipse]

so far leaning towards the Bergara Premeir Highlander in 6.5prc. Second place is Christensen Ridgeline in 6.5prc, and third place is Fierce fury in 7mm rem mag/28 nosler. I personally like the Fierce fury the best but I really want a 6.5prc. The highlander is everything I really want and cheaper than the other two. Im not in love with the stock color but I also don't hate it. Carbon barrel of the Ridgeline is sweet but Christensen has very hit or miss rifles.

 

[OK hunter]

Add the Kimber and the Barrett Fieldcraft to the list given above. Actually, for $1,850 you could almost buy a pair of Tikkas...

 

[Bobby Harris]

What's the best sub 2000$ rifle out there? I'm not looking for used. I will likely have to purchase using credit card. Not a penny over 2000$ Which includes tax so I guess rifles like 1850$ and less. Musts are I'm looking for the best chance of not needing to use a gunsmith for any work so a rifle which shoots well from the get go is critical. I do not want a varmint barrel but I'm also not interested in super pencil barrels. I do not shoot prone and will be shooting out of tree stands or hunting blinds out to 400 yards. Tree stands have shooting rails and I would only shoot out to 200 yards in those. A threaded barrel is a plus but not mandatory. I don't like Tupperware cheap stocks. I like a typical sport style or montecarlo style stock. I prefer non-wood stocks but don't hate wood i just prefer the durability of non wood. If they come bedded that is a plus but if they will shoot well with out that is fine as well. Nice trigger out of the box is also critical. I've been looking at a Bergara Highlander and a Montana xtreme x3 so far. Main targets will be deer. Thanks

I would look at the new Weatherby Weathermarks. They now have TriggerTech triggers, they all come threaded for a brake if you want to add one and retail for 1499

 

[Ranger Rick]

Consider a Tikka T3x stainless in 270 with a quality scope. I prefer Vortex Razors or Leupold. Tikka is MOA out of the box with no gunsmithing. It has shot great for me. Based on what I learned the last few years working at a gun counter, Seekins gets the best raves IF you really want a $2k rifle.

 

[Mc Fraser]

A lot of people recommend Christensen Arms. My short research suggests the rifles are good but customer service is horrible. Am I wrong?

 

[hilscher0]

I have a CA Mesa in 6.5 Creedmore. It is one of,if not the best shooting rifles I have ever shot.3 shot clover leafs consistently. Liked it so much that I went and bought the exact rifle in 6.5 PRC. For reference, I'm 65 and own and have shot lots of rifles
and shoot something just about everyday riding around checking cattle. It is a great feeling rifle also. Cost was around 1200.00. Have not had to deal with customer service yet,so can't say one way or the other in that regard.

 

[Braunschweiger]

Buy a Bighorn Origin, Triggertech Special, Grayboe stock, and a prefit barrel from a reputable manufacturer and you will have a shooter. Then you can change calibers if you ever decide you want to switch.

 

[kynjm82]

My vote is CA Mesa , I hunt with ridgeline but if your mainly stand hunting I'd go with Mesa for the $ and spend the rest on glass

 

[Marine24]

Buy a Bighorn Origin, Triggertech Special, Grayboe stock, and a prefit barrel from a reputable manufacturer and you will have a shooter. Then you can change calibers if you ever decide you want to switch.

Route I went on my 338-06 build. Origin action with a Mark Chanlynn/Rocky Mountain Rifle Works barrel. Stock is a B&C Medalist, Obermeyer bottom metal and Jewel trigger. Complete build is over the OPs $2K limit and comes in at just shy of $2250.

Think Cooper is the only manufacturer that still builds rifles in 338-06 and owned a couple of Weathery Ultralights in this caliber. Just wanted something a little different and Mark's rifles shoot. Have one he built me in 6.5CM that is boringly accurate.

 

[Braunschweiger]

Route I went on my 338-06 build. Origin action with a Mark Chanlynn/Rocky Mountain Rifle Works barrel. Stock is a B&C Medalist, Obermeyer bottom metal and Jewel trigger. Complete build is over the OPs $2K limit and comes in at just shy of $2250.

Think Cooper is the only manufacturer that still builds rifles in 338-06 and owned a couple of Weathery Ultralights in this caliber. Just wanted something a little different and Mark's rifles shoot. Have one he built me in 6.5CM that is boringly accurate.

I bet that is a hammer. Hard to beat a Bighorn Origin for hunting. Alot of features for the money. I have a SA model but reeeaaalllly tempted to start another build on a LA model in 300 PRC.

 

[Ranger Rick]

Buy a Bighorn Origin, Triggertech Special, Grayboe stock, and a prefit barrel from a reputable manufacturer and you will have a shooter. Then you can change calibers if you ever decide you want to switch.

According to Bighorn website, the Origin comes with a 20 MOA rail. That won't work at 200 yards or less. IMO one doesn't need a $2k rifle for deer up to 200 yards.

 

[Braunschweiger]

According to Bighorn website, the Origin comes with a 20 MOA rail. That won't work at 200 yards or less. IMO one doesn't need a $2k rifle for deer up to 200 yards.

I will agree with not needing a $2k rifle under 200 yards... but I will heavily disagree with a 20 MOA rail not allowing shots under 200. I have an AXMC with 30 MOA rail and 20 MOA SPUHR mount and I was able to zero at 100 yards.

 

[CVCOBRA1]

50 MOA lift? Are you shooting into the next county?

 

[Mackinaw BOB]

I have a ridgeline, shoots very good. I'm bet shooting xbolts for years. Good shooting rifle but the trigger leaves a lot to be desired. If I was in the market for a rifle in that price range I would take a serious look at a limber, Christensen ridgeline,seekins havok or the barrel field craft. Keep us posted on what you decide on.