Wich rifle would you buy in 2023 to build on?

Jesus.C

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Im looking for a new rifle in 6.5 creed for target shooting and I was thinking about going for a tikka super varmint. I was wondering what other option I should consider for about 2k that I could expand on.
 
Tikka is probably the best choice for a quality factory option with good aftermarket support. I just finished a budget build on a ctr action. It's a decent option overall, and definitely one of the better feeling actions from the factory.
 
I have a CTR in 6.5 PRC. All I added was a lighter trigger spring, area 419 bolt handle and knob, talley modern sporting rings and a NF NXS 5.5-22x50.
 
Its a bit over 2k but I recently got a Bergara premier hmr in 6.5creed for the same use and I love it. It shoots half moa with good ammo and comes with a super crisp trigger tech trigger. I believe they also have the b14 hmr for around $16-1700 and I hear really good things about it as well.
 
Savage 110 Elite Precision is a better target rifle than the Tikka CTR or base level Tikkas.

The ACC is the only part that's better. OP said something to build off. Not sure if that means rebarreling in the future or what. But a tikka action and trigger is far superior to any savage and accutrigger.
 
I'd find the cheapest Tikka T3X donor as the trigger is fine out of the box and screw on an IBI tube with the barrel nut. MDT is now offering the ACC chassis for the Tikka S/A if you wanted to go that route.
 
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This is a 6.5PRC that I put together a couple of years back doing exactly what I mentioned above less using an ACC chassis.
 
I’m working on a nib tikka T3 ,carbon stock arrived Monday and going to rechamber 7-08 to 280 ai,have a few upgrades ready to go ,kelly
 
Your choice on going with the Tikka is pretty good - it all depends on how far you want to end up in the rabbit hole. If your planning on rebarrelling it (for some reason) in the future you just "may" want to consider going with a custom action as a foundation then build off of that. However there is nothing wrong in dropping the barrelled action into a chassis again it all depends on how deep you want to go.

Ivo
 
Since you said "build on", the same choices for a great performing action exist...in no particular order. All will allow prefit match barrels which is really the point of any build. Accessories and parts will vary so decide what you want before choosing the action.

Savage SA - older versions like the Stevens 200. See EE for a very nice option (not mine)

Rem 700 or 783. The 783 continues to be my fave factory action to build a LR tack driver. The HB version is the best of breed.... look for the factory oversized bolt knob as a clue. Swap out the firing pin spring as that is a common flaw from Rem.

Howa/Wby Vanguard... very well made actions that are underrated.

Tikka T3

All will work and if you do some shopping, you can find for reasonable pricing. I would not want a fancy and expensive factory rifle cause you will likely get rid of alot of parts. Factory barrels are hit/miss and if you really want consistent accuracy, you are going to change the pipe sooner or later....

Jerry
 
Your choice on going with the Tikka is pretty good - it all depends on how far you want to end up in the rabbit hole. If your planning on rebarrelling it (for some reason) in the future you just "may" want to consider going with a custom action as a foundation then build off of that. However there is nothing wrong in dropping the barrelled action into a chassis again it all depends on how deep you want to go.

Ivo

It could be an option. I always wonder how much and how a custom action impact accuracy?
 
It could be an option. I always wonder how much and how a custom action impact accuracy?

Most would agree the barrel and ammo contribute most to the accuracy. I have 1 tikka and the rest customs. The customs are nicer without a doubt. I have multiple barrels and bolt heads for each action. They are all control round feed and all have triggertech diamonds. I love them all. That said, the tikka fits your budget and has the potential to build off in the future. I bought mine as a barreled action and sold the barrel. Got a shouldered prefit from JC custom barrels and an action wrench. Now I can swap to whatever I want within my bolt head limitations.

If you want to consider dipping your toe in the custom action world, have a look at the Zermatt Origin. I have one and it's a great action for the cost.
 
Put the new stock on today 7 lb1 oz. with leupold mount and a 3x9 plus factory bottom metal and magazine
 
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Since you said "build on", the same choices for a great performing action exist...in no particular order. All will allow prefit match barrels which is really the point of any build. Accessories and parts will vary so decide what you want before choosing the action.

Savage SA - older versions like the Stevens 200. See EE for a very nice option (not mine)

Rem 700 or 783. The 783 continues to be my fave factory action to build a LR tack driver. The HB version is the best of breed.... look for the factory oversized bolt knob as a clue. Swap out the firing pin spring as that is a common flaw from Rem.

Howa/Wby Vanguard... very well made actions that are underrated.

Tikka T3

All will work and if you do some shopping, you can find for reasonable pricing. I would not want a fancy and expensive factory rifle cause you will likely get rid of alot of parts. Factory barrels are hit/miss and if you really want consistent accuracy, you are going to change the pipe sooner or later....

Jerry

Ha ha ha, the 783 is indeed very very underrated. Just needs a chassis, glass, and a well tuned load.

Oh, having a half competent user helps too!
 
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