Help choose next pack rifle (3 options)

[osok-1k]

If you currently own a good long action receiver, Remington 700 or Winchester 70 etc. you already have a starting point from which blueprint your action, add the barrel of choice with a twist you like, use your current trigger or upgrade and get a great stock made of carbon fiber or some other really light composite stock, Talley rings with a JB weld treatment which is better than lapping, your favorite optic and away you go with an old friend you took to the gym and cam out leaner and meaner and better in every way.
The ultimate goal as you stated is to be a backpack hunting rifle where dependability, accuracy and weight are the primary requisites. What matters is that the gun shoots well and you can carry it wherever you need to go, the critters on the other end don't know or care what it looks or whose name is on it.

 

[Buzzsaw]

Without a doubt;

 

[tedscouton]

My Forbes 24B was one of the very early ones so it's finish was good and shot well out of the box but Titan mfg is gone and even though you can get some parts from Melvin Forbes that option will not last forever. Both of my Kimbers a Ascent and Adirondack are nice BUT I had to have both bedded to shoot decent.

That leaves my favorite light gun my Barrett Fieldcraft it came with excellent finish and accurate out of the box. Family owned Barrett is well established and should be around for some time so 20 years down the road I should be able to get parts if needed.

After the Fieldcraft I would take a Sako Finnlight, have had 5 Finnlights over the years and all shot great and if needed it is easy to get parts for.

 

[SilverbulletMAG]

Found a deal this morning on a Barrett Fieldcraft in -06 for $1460.....total price out the door (cash discount). Also waiting to hear back from Barrett on their military/law enforcement pricing. If it's less than $1400, probably going to jump on that deal. For the money, not sure there is a better option out there for what I'm looking for.
For those of you that already own a Barrett, I read elsewhere that some folks received a voucher for Talley rings. Is that something that comes with all of them or only a limited time deal?

 

[Buzzsaw]

Barrett is offering the Fieldcraft in .280AI now

Europtics has some Fieldcrafts on sale now, checkem out. The fast twist .22-250 would be GREAT for LR predators and whitetail

 

[Buzzsaw]

I may have a brand new set of Talleys for the Fieldcraft. I'll go check

 

[Weatherby Fan]

If you don't buy a rifle you have listed the cheapest route to go is buy an used Kimber Montana and a #1 Benchmark or #2 contour Bartlein/Benchmak barrel, and drop it off to your Gunsmith have the action trued/squared and bedded, Trigger lightened and your good to go !
The Montana is an all stainless CRF action, it has an excellent adjustable trigger, and a Kevlar CF stock, add in an excellent barrel and its an all custom rifle,
I have built many going this route and they are light and accurate.

 

[WalksLikeADeer]

Cabelas for the Barrett and Kimber, Euro-optics for the Christensen and Buds "price match" on the X-Bolt.

Cabela's has the 30-06 Fieldcraft on sale right now for $1499.88

 

[Shortmagman]

The Barrett Fieldcraft comes with Tally rings. A friend just bought one from Cabelas and it came with the rings. His gun is 6mm Creedmoor and with scope and rings its weight is 6.5 lbs.

 

[Buzzsaw]

Europtics, no tax?

 

[SilverbulletMAG]

Europtics, no tax?

There is. At least for me in CO it showed tax at something around $80 on the Christensen Arms rifle I listed.

 

[cariboo crawler]

**Can't change the title but based on some awesome feedback from you guys, I added the Barrett Fieldcraft to the list**

I have decided that I need to add a light weight pack rifle to my safe. I'm going to be getting rid of a couple 8+lb (scoped) rifles to make room for the new addition. I have also narrowed down the caliber selection to 30-06. Yes, I know short action will save some weight but I like the flexibility of the 30-06, have all the reloading supplies for -06 and that will be one of the heavier rifles I'll be removing from the safe which this new one will be replacing. Beyond knowing I want light weight in 30-06 with at least 1:10 twist, I'm wide open.
I thought I wanted a Kimber but scouring the reviews, there is a lot of bad press about lack of customer support and poor shooting/poor quality control. That gave me pause and I started looking at other comparable rifles in weight/price.
I currently own a Ridgeline in 300 Rum and absolutely love that rifle. Not the lightest but also not horrible. It is the most expensive on the list and like Kimber, Christensen Arms has a reputation they're looking to restore.
The X-Bolt pro has rave reviews but as far as looks go, I much prefer the style of the Kimber or Christensen Arms with the carbon barrel. At the end of the day however, this is a hunting rifle and looks are not the priority.
Right now I think I'd be happy with any one of these. At the prices listed (current price in cart including shipping and tax), which do you pick and why? Any and all thoughts, comments, experience welcome and appreciated!

 

[cariboo crawler]

My son uses a sako finlite in 30-06 .
Wouldn't trade it for the world !!
Have a look at one

 

[SilverbulletMAG]

My son uses a sako finlite in 30-06 .
Wouldn't trade it for the world !!
Have a look at one

Good looking rifle but that 11 twist is a deal breaker for me.