new rifle suggestions

I would like a relatively lightweight rifle in an intermediate chambering that I can hunt medium to large (read varmint to Muley to Elk) game at under 500 yards and target shoot to 1K. Would like my 14 year old daughter to be able to comfortably shoot it as well until we determine her interest and get her a rifle if she wants. Would like a cartridge with a relatively broad spectrum of loads for varmint to elk. Mild recoil and long barrel life are a must, I would like a "family rifle" that can hang around for years and do the job for little sister when the time comes.

I am leaning toward 6.5CM due to current availability and what I see to be future availability and variety of loads.

I'd really like for it to be under 8lbs for her shooting and me hucking around.

don't like crappy black stocks but have not seen an adj. stock that is not a pig weight wise.

I COULD spend up to $2K but am sure open to more affordable options.

What I have looked at so far:
Bergara HMR and Pro: nice but heavy
PVA JH: same and pricier
Havak: so far a contender
Sako and Tikka: good accuracy reviews but would need a stock re-do right off the bat.

Any input appreciated on this. Once this ticket is filled I will be going for a much larger/longer range rifle just for me as the .30-378 has worn out it's welcome.

Christen arms ridge line might be worth checking out. I have one in a 7mm rm that seems to be a decent rifle. The 6.5 cm seems to be popular now days. You might consider something like the 7mm rm especially for the elk. Can use a heavier bullet and an elk can take a lot of killing. Still can purchase ammo almost anywhere. And if you don't reload there is a good selection of factory ammo. Barrel life should be decent. My 12 year old grandson can shoot it very comfortable. Good luck

Christensen Arms Ridgeline is a great contender. I have shot them in 6.5CM,
280AI, 28 Nosler, and .300RUM. All shot very well.

I would throw out the .280AI as my all-around choice for hunting. 140gr bullets @ 3100+, to 180s @ 2950 if you run them hot. A 160-168 is a great all purpose bullet weight.

Personally, I run a hot 175 Berger @ 2975fps or a milder 160TMK @ 2990fps in my .280AI. Plenty for elk to almost double your requirements. And much better suited for elk @ 500 than the 6.5CM pushing a 140 @ 2820.

I think you have a good choice already. The 6.5 creedmoor is ideal for the criteria you listed. Another option would be 7-08 but the factory ammo is not as good. I only hear good things about Tikka rifles though I don't own one. If I was going to buy a factory rifle and not hot-rod it I would go with the tikka CTR in 6.5 creedmoor and spend the other $1000 on a nightforce SHV.

thanks for the input guys.

To clarify I want to get a mid range family rifle for all members to use. Not necessarily a "do-all" rifle.

I have .25-06, .257 wby, .308, .30-06, .30-378 wby in centerfire bolt guns to fill in gaps and AR's in 5 chamberings so not lacking in choices. Just wanting a solid, mild, middle of road caliber for yotes, goats, muley's and maybe elk for an easy, no brain damage shooter.

Full disclosure: I have not shot a 6.5 of any flavor but am thinking it milder than .25-06 and seemingly more versatile.

Tikka T3X in 6.5 Creed and a new stock of your choice would serve you well.

Winchester extreme or sporter in the 25-06 is hard to beat. Good luck

I have a Browning A-bolt stainless 25-06 that's light.. not real expensive..
And whacks anything I shoot with it! ..It's the rifle I reach for first ..I have that confidence thing with it? And at reasonable ranges it will take anything that
my 6.5 X 284 will!

I have an old Browning A bolt 270 composite stalker that I feel the same way about. They just work!

Personally, If elk is on the menu, especially at ranges over 300 yards......I'd opt. for a little more horsepower. A more powerful caliber can be "tamed" to a comfortable level for a novice shooter. Again (IMO), at extended ranges on elk the bullet should be "surgically placed" with the 6.5 cm, and "raking" shots should be avoided! memtb

For the money a tikka can't be beat like mentioned you can buy a better stock and probably have money left over for ammo or a better scope the 6.5 will do great for everything except the elk I don't think there big enough for that I have seen elk absorb a lot of lead a 7 mm rem with a good brake would be my choice but that's just me good luck

7 mm caliber have heavy enough bullets to do just about anything within reason. Only you and your daughter can determine what level of power you want. 7mm08, 280, 7mm rem mag and a whole slew of others in this caliber. My favorite is the 270 winchester. Lots of choices, i am sure you will hear a lot of favorite calibers and chamberings

So again; I have bigger guns if needed for long range on elk. Just really looking for something in this niche.

Went to LGS and looked at some guns today, the Tikka they had did not do it for me, the CTR (?) looked like a maybe.

As suspected the Bergara was nice but a pig to handle, she did say she could get the Pro but not sure if worth it.

No Sako's, the Roughtech Pro looked good on paper though

Handled a Nosler that was nice but don't want 28N

handled a Kimber and was unimpressed

Take a good look at the new Hornady 6.5 PRC. I just hard a custom rifle built for it, very accurate and 2-300 fps faster than the creedmore.