Buying new rifle

[ksfarmer]

I am in the senior years never had a custom type rifle. Given the same cal .260 up thru .308
I would like a light rifle to shoot out to 400 yards on my farm. On the whole, which would shoot better?? Barrett, a Kimber Montana, Cooper, Rem Mt Rifle stainless action and synthetic stock. I would like to keep the cost under 1500-1600 for rifle glass would be extra. I would like to be able to get parts. Rifles have always been crapshoots. What brand would probably guarantee the most accurate rifle. I would only like to do this once.

 

[Sykes]

I have no experience with a Barrett but Have had 3 Kimbers and had good luck with them all but there seems to be a lot of hit and miss with a Kimber. Skip the Remington in my opinion unless it's an older one. Cooper is above your price point but they make an excellent rifle, that is what I'd go with if you can swing it. sometimes you can find a used one under $2000. I sure like the 2 I've had. They shoot great and are put together very well.

 

[KyCarl]

A good used rifle? some great deals to be had!

 

[N2TRKYS]

I bought a new Remington Model Seven SS 7-08 with a 20" barrel back in November for $619. I'm getting about 1/2" groups at 100 yards with 120 grain NBT and 140 grain Partition bullets.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I am in the senior years never had a custom type rifle. Given the same cal .260 up thru .308
I would like a light rifle to shoot out to 400 yards on my farm. On the whole, which would shoot better?? Barrett, a Kimber Montana, Cooper, Rem Mt Rifle stainless action and synthetic stock. I would like to keep the cost under 1500-1600 for rifle glass would be extra. I would like to be able to get parts. Rifles have always been crapshoots. What brand would probably guarantee the most accurate rifle. I would only like to do this once.

This is slightly more than your budget, but it would be an awesome lightweight rifle for you, in an excellent cartridge...

https://www.eurooptic.com/Christensen-Arms-Ridgeline-Rifle-7mm-08-Rem-CA10299-A14311.aspx

 

[Sykes]

This is slightly more than your budget, but it would be an awesome lightweight rifle for you, in an excellent cartridge...

https://www.eurooptic.com/Christensen-Arms-Ridgeline-Rifle-7mm-08-Rem-CA10299-A14311.aspx

Good call. I just got one in 6.5 creedmoor and it's a nice rifle and is shooting great

 

[jasent]

Bergara hmr my fit the bill nicely.

 

[azsugarbear]

I tend to be a custom guy that loves the Remington action. However, the quality at Big Green seems to have gone down over the last decade. For me, the best out-of-the-box accuracy seems to come from Savage and Tikka models. I recently purchased a Tikka T3 Lite in 270 WSM. It will shoot under 1 MOA all day long. Some aftermarket parts are available for upgrade. Several years ago, I bought a Savage Axis (bottom of their line) in 243 Win. Also shoots under 1 MOA. Lots of aftermarket upgrades. Both are light, accurate rifles. The Tikka was just over $550, the Axis was just over $300.

 

[Wild Bill G]

A lot of people dislike the new Remingtons but mine in 22-250 shoots under half inch groups with my old standby load. The only thing I changed was the trigger put in a Timney Calvin Elite. For the lower cost of the Rem you could customise it and still be in your budget. I have no experience with the other brands mentioned but uderstand they are good rifles.

 

[MAGA]

Take a look at the Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed & Long Range version.
I had been skeptical of this rifle for a while, but I actually got to handle one at the local gun shop recently.

Things I expected before handling the rifle:
1. flimsy, cheap plastic stock
2. mushy trigger
3. poor finish
4. rough bolt

What I found:
1. The stock is super solid, no real flex in it. The paint job on the stock is good too.
2. The trigger is surprisingly good. Breaks clean, no problem.
3. The cerakote finish is a real nice bronze color, looked coupled with the fluted barrel.
4. The bolt was smooth also, no 'grinding' feeling when working it.

Also comes with a muzzle break to boot!

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

For 1500-1600...... I'd build! You can build a rifle for that no problem. If your a Diy guy I'd recommend a savage build or a Remage. My next build is going to be a remage. You'll be nearly guaranteed getting a shooter than with a factory rifle. All companies let lemons through. I'd rather not take the chance. Buy the action, slap on a barrel and aftermarket stock and go shoot.

 

[slas]

Even though I just dropped a couple thousand on a used Cooper.....I did buy a Tikka 260 last year for $625, did some bedding and general improvements, bought a used NightForce 2.5-10x42 ($1100) to put on it, and for just over $1700 total I'm really happy with it and shoots sub moa all day long. Total weight is almost right at 10 lbs.

 

[skinny pedal]

I have a few custom rifles and a few savage rifles. you cant go wrong with a newer savage. I bought a savage 10t in 6.5 creedmoor I got on sale at cabelas and it shoots almost as good as the custom rifles for way less money. buy a savage and spend some money on good glass and you wont be disappointed.

 

[th82457]

Are you looking for a light cartridge or light rifle ? As far as light rifles go the current Kimber Montana's in short action are very light and shoot very well in a hunting situation. I have one in .308 & my friend has same gun in 7mm-08. Both shoot 3 shots with hand loads into 3/4" or less 100 yd. groups. Biggest thing is to not burn up a bunch of ammo quickly with the light barrel. My .308 weighs just over six lbs. with scope & rings. There are good reviews on the Barrett, Bergara and Coopers are always nice. But I believe the Barrett is the only one that is a true lightweight rifle. Cooper has a new lightweight named the Backcountry I believe - but I have not handled one and I am sure it is pricey. If a standard weight rifle would work, then you might want to check out the Fierce Fury. I think it can be had within your budget and it has great reviews for accuracy & quality. It is very similar to a Sako 85.

Good Luck