Best $1000 or less 1000 yard rifle (in 6.5 Creedmoor)?

[GravelRider]

Let's say you want to get to 1000 yards on a reasonable budget, say under $1000 (rifle only, not including optics and other accessories). I don't want this to be a caliber discussion, so let's say we've decided 100% definitely on the 6.5 CM.

Which rifle would you buy? And why?

 

[InTheSwamp]

Tikka T3x Varmint Black Bolt Action Rifle - 6.5 Creedmoor - Black | Sportsman's Warehouse (sportsmans.com)
Or, shell out another $79.00 and get the CTR...better magazines
Tikka T3x Compact Tactical Black Bolt Action Rifle - 6.5 Creedmoor - Black | Sportsman's Warehouse (sportsmans.com)

 

[mongoslow]

Savage 110 stealth can be found in the $1k range

 

[jmr40]

Tikka and don't look back.

If you can get a Tikka CTR for around $1000 it is a fine rifle. I had one in 308, but it didn't shoot any more accurately than my Tikka T3 lite. Scoped the CTR was about 10 lbs, the standard T3 just over 7 lbs. For what I do I eventually sold the CTR. I have Tikka's in 308, 6.5CM, and 22LR. They are the most accurate rifles in my safe.

The Varmint uses the same stock and mags as the standard rifle. Yes, you can use the 5 round mags in the standard rifle. Getting spare 10 round mags for the CTR is expensive, between $90-$100 each.

 

[JFrank]

Perhaps a Savage LRPV ? Or the Ruger

 

[Turkeytider]

Let's say you want to get to 1000 yards on a reasonable budget, say under $1000 (rifle only, not including optics and other accessories). I don't want this to be a caliber discussion, so let's say we've decided 100% definitely on the 6.5 CM.

Which rifle would you buy? And why?

Totally understand the OP`s post and desire for information. By and large what you get is input from fans of a given brand. What may well be in short supply, unfortunately, will be objective, side by side comparisons from shooters who have extensive experience with several brands. Maybe the OP will get lucky and have at least one or two respond.

 

[earlthegoat2]

^^^Not from me unfortunately.

Id go with a Savage 10 Tactical for around $550-$650 pre-owned to see how cheap I could get away with.

Does the $1000 budget include optics?

 

[Varminterror]

@GravelRider - what does “getting to 1,000” mean to you? If you just want to be able to head to a 1,000 yard range and bang steel with a few shots to walk on, then hold hard onto targets, then good handloads in almost any rifle will get there. Heavier barrels will ride more smoothly and hold easier on target, so things like the Savage LRP or even Axis Precision, or the Ruger Precision Rifle, or Tikka T3x/CTR etc will be easier than some lightweight Sporter model.

Starting with a model with a free floated barrel will save you time and headache. A model will a lighter/adjustable trigger like an accutrigger or clone would also do so.

Were it my money, it would be a Savage 12 of some flavor.

 

[Laphroaig]

It's a little more than a grand, but I'd take a chance on a Ruger Precision Rifle. They've certainly figured out the CHF process and its 5R rifled.

 

[earlthegoat2]

There is a Savage 110 6.5CM for sale to me locally for $450.

That is definitely where I would start and f it were me wanting what you want.

As it is, I may just be interested in it for the bare action.

 

[Charlie98]

Id go with a Savage 10 Tactical for around $550-$650 pre-owned to see how cheap I could get away with.

That's what I'd do... well, in fact, that's what I did! I picked up a Savage 10 TAC at Cabelas for about $450. Mine happens to be in .308, but if I wanted to shoot 6.5MB, all that would be required would be to twist on a new barrel. Accustock, Accutrigger, very rigid stock, heavy barrel.

FWIW, I also have experience with the RPR in 6.5CM... a friend of mine has one. Not real impressed with the build quality, it's quite crude compared side-by-side with my Savage... but there is no denying it shoots. I would feel confident trying to reach 1000yds with either platform.

Be aware, however, the lower end of the budget may have some quirks. There have been instances of where the Savage receiver wasn't milled straight... so the rail was not square, and I've also read where some of the RPR's had cross-threaded muzzle devices and other issues... so if you are buying used... or even new... you will need to give the rifle a good once-over.

 

[d2wing]

I have owned and shot several brands, I recommend Tikka but every nearly Remington 700 I have owned has been sub-MOA. I have not as good accuracy from the Savages I have owned but that's a small sample. Some guys on here shoot lots of different rifles more than I do, Loon-wolf for one.
I think out of the box Tikka is best since they don't need a bunch of upgrades to shoot well.