Updates based on comments so far:
- I would prefer to avoid barrel swaps at this stage (limited experience in general, less to think about)
- I've never done a chassis swap but if it's only 2 screws and a torque driver I should be fine
- Bergara is cheaper and simpler, I could avoid buying & swapping the chassis
- Howa, Bergara, Tikka all support KRG & MDT chassis options
- Howa 1500 action is the cheapest way to complete a build with a KRG or MDT chassis
- Hunting in northern ON, forests & close range, 3x low end preferred. Athlon Ares 3-18x is not cheap, hence trying to keep costs lower on the action & chassis. I would go for the Helos 2-12x on a hunting-focused build but 12-18x will get used a lot on the range.
- Hunting weight considerations: sore muscles preferred over the cost of a dedicated hunting rifle. I'm saying this with no hunting experience though.
- Target shooting would be under 500 yards most of the time. Hoping for an opportunity to shoot at a 1000 yard range some day.
Questions:
- Tikka sounds like it's got better aftermarket support, but what does this mean for a beginner? Is this for replacement parts, custom barrels?
- Howa vs. Tikka vs. Bergara accuracy? Is it going to make a noticeable difference for someone just getting started in long range? If optimizing for cost means a slightly rougher action, that's fine as long as it's still reliable.