New member looking to find the right spot to post/ask questions

[SteelBanger]

Of the 3 you listed the CA Mesa is probably the nicest rifle out of the box. The Bergara HMR has a great stock out of the box but it's a heavy rifle so depending on how much you plan to carry it that could be a factor. There is also something with the Bergara, (the bolt I think?) that makes truing that action down the road for a custom build more difficult if that's something you think you might ever do.

I don't think you'll ever find anyone knock a Tikka and for the price I don't think you can beat a T3x. The downside to Tikka's are a fairly limited and "old school" cartridge lineup. A great 4th option (and what I would personally do if I were in your shoes) is find a used Tikka for a decent price and then have a custom barrel spun up with the chambering of your choice.

 

[LiveToHunt7]

Seekins Havak PH2 is also an option if there's a significant fit/finish improvement over the others for the increased cost.

 

[SteelBanger]

Seekins Havak PH2 is also an option if there's a significant fit/finish improvement over the others for the increased cost.

I don't have any experience with the Havak but with that price jump you're getting a much nicer stock and trigger for sure, among other things. But at $1,900 I'm not sure it's worth the extra money over a Tikka but that's all pretty subjective.

If you could find a used Tikka for let's say $500 - $600, spend another $700 to have a barrel spun up with any chamber of your choice, you're into what would likely rival many custom built rifles for $1,300 ... plus your glass.

 

[25WSM]

I think for the money you can't beat a Tikka out of the box. The smoothest bolt in the industry and very accurate. The trigger is very easy to work on. Hard to beat. Get a Tikka and have money left over to buy all your reloading gear.
Shep

 

[LiveToHunt7]

Also, is there a major effect on ballistic performance/accuracy if you practice with a muzzle break and take it off for hunting? Do you hunt with a brake? Seems most of the guns I've looked at have radial brakes but there's a negative view towards them (Not sure why).

 

[25WSM]

If you tune your rifle with a brake it will shoot different with out it. Your impact point will probably be off too. I personally don't like brakes because I don't like the concussion when shooting. I typically don't shoot guns with so much recoil that I need one on a hunting gun. The problem with radial brakes is that if you shoot from a bipod or off of your pack close to the ground the blast will throw dust and crap everywhere. Side discharge brakes don't as much.
Shep

 

[FEENIX]

Also, is there a major effect on ballistic performance/accuracy if you practice with a muzzle break and take it off for hunting? Do you hunt with a brake? Seems most of the guns I've looked at have radial brakes but there's a negative view towards them (Not sure why).

Yes! All my hunting rifles (except for 6.5x55 and .30-30) sports various types of muzzle brakes (no radial) or suppressor without any accuracy issues.

Radial brakes work but there far better choices out in the market. Radial brakes blow debris when shooting prone.

 

[LiveToHunt7]

Yes! All my hunting rifles (except for 6.5x55 and .30-30) sports various types of muzzle brakes (no radial) or suppressor.

Radial brakes work but there far better choices out in the market. Radial brakes blow debris when shooting prone.

From what I've seen, a decent brake can be had for around $150. One issue I've seen is sound. At the .300 and up level, are you just wearing ear protection while in the field? I'm already going deaf from shooting ducks. Lol.

 

[jdyoung]

Welcome !! Don't know what your timeline is, but I would shoot that Rem 700. Learn it, learn to reload it! Sharpen your skills in shooting /reloading. And all the while you are doing that, complete your research on what you want, (you list a number of firearm brand and caliber options). Browse for components of the caliber(s) you are interested in owning. In this market lately, some items associated with certain calibers have high demand and take some waiting time for sellers to restock. Patience! …….. You are really going to need it when those girls get to be teenagers !

 

[FEENIX]

From what I've seen, a decent brake can be had for around $150. One issue I've seen is sound. At the .300 and up level, are you just wearing ear protection while in the field? I'm already going deaf from shooting ducks. Lol.

Muzzle brakes are not for everybody. With or without MB, end-user has the ultimate responsibility for their personal protective equipment (PPE). You mentioned going deaf from duck hunting, do wear hearing protection? I spent my first 10 years in the Flightline working on aircraft so I know what high dB noise levels are. Back then, I wear a foamie and a standard headset for protection. I am also one of those that wear PPEs (eye and ear protection, gloves, shoes, etc) while mowing or operating high powered tools.

Muzzle threading is ~$100 and muzzle brakes vary from ~$35 to $250+. Below is my latest muzzle brake install. Since my gunsmith is re-chambering my .30-06 to .30 Gibbs and threading the muzzle, I ordered a 4-port MB from Ross Schuler (https://rossbrakes.com/) for him bead blast and install for no additional cost. Ross tapered it to my spec and shipped for $37. Rechambering and muzzle threading cost is $250.

Below is my 1st MB install, Holland's 3-pot QD on a .300 WM back in 2003. Felt recoil is ~.243/.308 level and still works today.

The bottom-line, you have plenty of muzzle brakes out in the market. An effective MB serves two purposes, reduce felt recoil, and reduce muzzle rise.

Here's a nice video example of recoil reduction ...

 

[LiveToHunt7]

No, no PPE duck hunting. Tried it, hated it. There's just too much hearing involved with wings whistling and a duck call that I couldnt do it. I'm still young, 32, and I don't suspect I'm actually deaf but my wife seems to think so . I'm sure with time though all the shooting will catch up to me.

I have a buddy that just bought a 300 WSM with a brake on it. I'm going to shoot his at some point to have an idea of that calibers recoil and noise level. When shooting at 400+ yards, I don't think sensitive hearing is a necessity.

The more I think about it, I'm leaning towards the 300. I've seen that you could shoot 180's out of it and when I need to go to elk, shoot the bigger stuff.

 

[25WSM]

Barrels makes side discharge brakes in 3 or 4 port and they work amazing. Best brake for the money. I charge 75 plus brake for installs. So less than 125. Most brakes will make your rifle more accurate. But they are loud. I mean one time without protection your going to have damage. Heck we get damage without protection with almost any rifle shot.
Shep

 

[FEENIX]

No, no PPE duck hunting. Tried it, hated it. There's just too much hearing involved with wings whistling and a duck call that I couldnt do it. I'm still young, 32, and I don't suspect I'm actually deaf but my wife seems to think so . I'm sure with time though all the shooting will catch up to me.

I have a buddy that just bought a 300 WSM with a brake on it. I'm going to shoot his at some point to have an idea of that calibers recoil and noise level. When shooting at 400+ yards, I don't think sensitive hearing is a necessity.

The more I think about it, I'm leaning towards the 300. I've seen that you could shoot 180's out of it and when I need to go to elk, shoot the bigger stuff.

I hunt duck and geese too but I wear ear plugs.

 

[25WSM]

Spell check got me. Harrels makes the brakes