$1500 burning a hole in my pocket

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Allteeth

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I've been looking for a new (or used) rifle for a month and having a really hard time making up my mind. I'd like to stay under $1500 or so before taxes, rifle only.
A lightweight-ish 270, 308, 30-06, 6.5 CM would be ideal to match my current calibers but would consider others. Will be mostly used for deer hunting.
What would you buy? Where's that deal I'm looking for??
 
I would buy the CZ 557 Lux in 8x57 that G4C, Tenda and Prophet have listed. Beautiful rifle and well made. If you don't reload, I would look for a lightly used CZ 557 Sporter in 308. I believe there's one on EE. In either case, you will have money left over for a decent Leupold or Vortex scope.
 
Allteeth said:
I've been looking for a new (or used) rifle for a month and having a really hard time making up my mind. I'd like to stay under $1500 or so before taxes, rifle only.
A lightweight-ish 270, 308, 30-06, 6.5 CM would be ideal to match my current calibers but would consider others. Will be mostly used for deer hunting.
What would you buy? Where's that deal I'm looking for??
Click to expand...

CZ557 but Range/Ranger rifle. With the iron sights. Was trialed with the Canadian Rangers.
 
1500 bucks can take you pretty far on the e.e for older models: SAKO, Winchester etc. Not sure if you will hit your “lightweight” goal
 
It would be hard to beat a Tikka in 6.5 cm or 6.5x55, light weight, low recoil, good overall rifles(not my type, but they are good!)
 
DGY said:
It would be hard to beat a Tikka in 6.5 cm or 6.5x55, light weight, low recoil, good overall rifles(not my type, but they are good!)
Click to expand...

I agree

I'm kind of thinking of perhaps doing the same as OP in the near future. I'm thinking of 6.5 CM in a Tikka Compact which will weigh in around 6.2 lbs in a 20 inch barrel. I would top that off with a lightweight Primary Arms scope (1X10) with the ACSS reticle and talley lightweight rings for speed of handling.

I of course have other hunting rifles in traditional calibers (and traditional weights) and this would represent a lightweight rig in an easy to shoot, easy to handle, low recoil caliber for primarily deer hunting.
 
I had the same debate over the holidays - and eventually resolved that a 6.5CM will server no better than .308 for taking down deer; yet that 6.5CM barrel will only be good for 2K ish rounds. I've subsequently dropped the 6.5CM idea altogether. Kinda prefer my hardware to last long after I myself pass ha.
 
SteelFlint said:
I had the same debate over the holidays - and eventually resolved that a 6.5CM will server no better than .308 for taking down deer; yet that 6.5CM barrel will only be good for 2K ish rounds. I've subsequently dropped the 6.5CM idea altogether. Kinda prefer my hardware to last long after I myself pass ha.
Click to expand...

Seems kind of low (only 2K rounds). I suspect with your average hand loads and a stainless steel barrel you'll go for a lot longer than that.
 
"Now for the meaty part, barrel life, barrel life, barrel life. Everyone wants to think you are going to shoot a 6.5mm cartridge and get .308 Winchester barrel life. I am here to tell you that is not true what so ever. Not in the least bit, not for the type of shooting we do. On average a 6.5 Creedmoor shooting factory ammo will die at around 2,000-2,500 rounds. We have noticed some barrels do better than others and make it past the 2,500 round mark. We attribute this to the barrel hardness." http://dmr-llc.com/?p=246

Easy Google. I too was very surprised - but yeah, 2K rounds is what you'd expect. Not that I intend on taking out Bambi x2K times, but between sight in, range plinking, and actual time in the woods... gonna stick with the .30 cals.
 
OK - point taken - not as much barrel life out of the 6.5 CM as opposed to the 308. Still out of a hunting rifle, 2 - 2.5K is a good bit - Longer than I need for sure.

Either 6.5CM or 308 win - Don't think you can go far wrong with either choice. I do however have a good 308 already and would like to scratch the itch for something different LOL.
 
Oh I totally get it PSE... I must emphasize "long debate" lol, between my urge to try something new versus the limitations of my wallet!!

Like a Winchester M70 Supergrade in 6.5CM, the cheapest model M70... I think 6 beers should do to compel me to click that buy button....
 
I managed to find a CZ 557 Ranger with in 308. It was kind of hard to find in stock. I've never owned CZ and have overlooked them too many times considering their reputation. Looking forward!
I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on the Tikka in 6.5. Someday I'm sure. Interesting info about barrel wear.

Thanks for the advice!
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Looks like I ended up getting the newer version of the Ranger with a threaded barrel and without the iron sights. I thought there were just 2 version and was fine without having the iron sights but I’ve just noticed the stock is different too. The comb looks like it has quite a drop as though it was meant for iron sights but it comes with a rail installed. Anyone familiar with this “not a real Ranger” version? Comb drop a problem with scope?
 
The Bavarian stocks are actually better for irons. If you don't like the drop of the current stock with a scope fitted, Wolverine Supplies has an OEM Range rifle stock for sale--same as the original beechwood stocked Range rifle used in the Canadian trials. I would scoop that one up if I were you. They also have a synthetic variant too. I would call them and discuss your matter directly with them.

https://wolverinesupplies.com/shop/firearms-accessories/stocks/czub-557-range-rifle-stock

Edit; I just bought the synthetic stock, but the beech Range rifle stock is still available.:)
 
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Btw, if you are big on irons, and the 557 irons are excellent, Wolverine appears to have all the parts in stock. It would require a smith drilling/tapping the barrel though.
 
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