My son wants to get into long range shooting.

[lancetkenyon]

I had a big fat heavy Howa 1500 bull barrel and laminated thumbhole target stock in .22-250. That was a great shooting 14# rifle.

 

[Turkeytider]

I've had my eye on the T3 super varmint . So far I have resisted the urge .

I've certainly been pleased with mine in 6.5 Creedmoor. Typical solid Tikka rifle, easily sub-MOA with more " budget friendly " 140 grain loads ( PSA's AAC SMK and Hornady American Gunner). More than capable of multiple hits at 500 yards ( range limit ) into 3, 4, and 5" gongs with the same ammo. Main limitation has been the guy doping the scope properly and making the shot! Certainly worth considering IMO.

 

[Turkeytider]

Don't forget the ugly ole SAVGE brand. They might not be pretty, but the chances of getting a shooter is better than most other factory….stuff.

While I'm a Tikka fan, I certainly wouldn't rule out their higher end, target oriented ( AKA " more expensive" ) guns. I have a Model 12 LRPV in.223 that I enjoy very much out to 500 yards. Over 1500 rounds and it's been flawless.

 

[synfinatic]

Lots of people throwing out various manufacturer names, but a few are actually trying to help you. "Long range" means very different things to different people. You didn't say your son wants to hunt or just hit steel. 6.5CM can do a lot of different things pretty damned well- but while I love my Tikka T3x Superlite (.308 and stupid accurate with any ammo/load) and it's a great hunting gun, it's the last thing I'd use for a day at the range because the gun and the barrel are too damned light.

My first "long range rifle" was an Ruger RPR in 6.5CM. I was fairly quickly able to learn on my own how to build a load that was accurate out to 1000yds. Beyond that and well, things get harder quickly and your son will either decide it's not for him or dive into the rabbit hole. I've successfully taken it out all the way to a mile, but that took a fair bit of time and practice. Hell, you can build an AR with a heavy 1:8" barrel and a decent stock and some Sierra 77gr TMK's and go out to 1000yds if you have some skill.

So yeah, spend a few more words what "long range" means and what kind of shooting he wants to do.

 

[Jim’s Hunt]

Lots of people throwing out various manufacturer names, but a few are actually trying to help you. "Long range" means very different things to different people. You didn't say your son wants to hunt or just hit steel. 6.5CM can do a lot of different things pretty damned well- but while I love my Tikka T3x Superlite (.308 and stupid accurate with any ammo/load) and it's a great hunting gun, it's the last thing I'd use for a day at the range because the gun and the barrel are too damned light.

My first "long range rifle" was an Ruger RPR in 6.5CM. I was fairly quickly able to learn on my own how to build a load that was accurate out to 1000yds. Beyond that and well, things get harder quickly and your son will either decide it's not for him or dive into the rabbit hole. I've successfully taken it out all the way to a mile, but that took a fair bit of time and practice. Hell, you can build an AR with a heavy 1:8" barrel and a decent stock and some Sierra 77gr TMK's and go out to 1000yds if you have some skill.

So yeah, spend a few more words what "long range" means and what kind of shooting he wants to do.

I agree! Need more info

 

[VLD Pilot]

He is partly bald and can't grow a manbun, but he wants a 6.5 creedmoor. I am looking at a Howa 1500. Anyone know about their quality or have one?

Kidding aside, Howa is a good choice. My Howa mini is a tack driver. It's not a 6.5CM but rather a 6.5 Grendel. Shoots half inch groups. Very impressed with it.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I have the Howa 1500 Hogue overmolded stock edition in 30-06.
It is a great hunting rifle, it is not a great range gun due to the thin barrel profile. It is sub moa with the right ammo for the first 4 or 5 shots, then the barrel heats up and group starts walking.
The Vangaurd is a Howa 1500 made for Weatherby and they just add thier furniture and other goodies.

 

[Teri Anne]

He is partly bald and can't grow a manbun, but he wants a 6.5 creedmoor. I am looking at a Howa 1500. Anyone know about their quality or have one?

The only HOWA rifles I am familiar with are in .22 caliber but if the quality and accuracy carry through, I would not have any qualms about buying one. it is a fact that I am not a fan of the 6.5 creedmoor, but I will readily admit that for long range shooting it does a very good job. Yes, I have fired a 6.5. it was in a Ruger Precision Rifle that I used when shooting a long range course at Vortex a year or so ago. I can't fault either the Ruger or the 6.5 for the long range application punching holes in paper or pinging steel. Another rifle I would take a look at would be a Tikka T3x TACT A1. Some think it has been discontinued, but it still shows up on their website. It, like the Ruger is a bit pricey at $2250 but also like the Ruger, well worth the money if it performs as well or better than a regular T3x

 

[Sobewan]

I might just be lucky and have an exception but my Rem 783 in 6.5 CM shoots just about any factory ammo sub MOA. I haven't shot beyond 300 yds though so take that into consideration. I also have Weatherby Vanguard (in 30.06) which is basically a Howa 1500 and it has shot sub MOA right out of the box. Both rifles have smooth actions though the 06 is a long action I have no more trouble rapidly cycling thru to chamber another round than the 6.5 CM. I do like the adjustable trigger set up that came on the Creed allowing it to be set up as a target rifle. The Vanguard factory trigger won't adjust below 2.5 lbs. If you go with the Howa I recommend using Talley rings for your scope. I put a bipod on my Creed and still weigh less than 7.5 lbs which is a plus for me when using it as a hunting rifle since I shoot off-hand 99% of the time when hunting. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the rifles suggested by me or others for intro into LR target shooting. Learn the ropes and see what others are doing with their set-ups and go from there if you want to get into a more serious pursuit of the sport. Best of Luck and above all else have fun,

 

[skipglo]

He is partly bald and can't grow a manbun, but he wants a 6.5 creedmoor. I am looking at a Howa 1500. Anyone know about their quality or have one?

I have purchased 9 of them in different stock configurations for family and friends..... BECAUSE THEY JUST SHOOT! We all love them. MDT makes chassis and stocks for all of them as well...so that's a plus ! Just in case you don't know...How's makes all the Weatherby VANGUARD'S too!

 

[Hugger-4641]

I will also add that Howa 1500 actions are smooth. Not quite as smooth as Tikka or Browning , but better than any Savage or Ruger you'll find in the same price range.

 

[Rocketeer77]

I have one in a Chasis. But have yet to shoot it. It's only been 10 years. lol But I do like my 25 06 on WT deer. So much so I bought another Hogue stock and 243 Barrel for when the manbun gets shot out. But at this rate I may never use it. I think they are as good or better built than the Rem 700

Had one in 6.5 PRC very accurate fitted a Timney trigger as the OEM one was odd. Sold this rifle to a friend and he seems happy with it

 

[Trm82]

He is partly bald and can't grow a manbun, but he wants a 6.5 creedmoor. I am looking at a Howa 1500. Anyone know about their quality or have one?

You just need to find out where they get these and he's set