Entry level 6.5 Creedmoor

[TexasPatriot.308]

I'm getting an entry level bolt action rifle in 6.5 CM for my grandson to use for hogs and deer. I pretty much narrowed it down to Thompson Compass and Howa Gameking. Maybe if he likes the caliber he might get a pricier one next year...any pros and cons please...Looking at $500 max for now.

 

[Skylerbone]

I bought the T/C Compass last November, also in 6.5 Creedmoor. Fantastic initial results but a long cold snap has kept me from getting to the range who’s roads are currently ice covered and rather steep.

Pros, a reasonable trigger. Very little creep, no overtravel, and reasonably light pull. Stock offers good purchase and the barrel is floated. Recoil pad is more than sufficient for the minor recoil of the 6.5 and accuracy was as good as any other, 5-round rotary magazine is flush and feeds well. The short bolt lift means most any scope will fit with fairly low rings.

Cons, the trigger won’t ever be target grade and so far as I know at this time the only options are to work it over yourself or buy a spring kit ($10). The stock is rather flexible as is common with base model rifles meaning there is potential for it to make barrel contact. The action is not nearly as smooth as you’d find in a Tikka or CZ or even a Howa.

Overall I like mine, bought it for the price-point ($179.99 after rebate Black Friday Special) and plan on shooting the snot out of it. Hopefully someone can speak to the Howa as I don’t own one at present.

 

[ZGunner]

I don’t personally like the feel of the Compass, it feels somewhat cheap. But on paper, it has all the likeable features and the price is right. The Howa is a tad heavy for my liking. I do not own either, but have felt both in the store.

The Ruger American Predator would be my choice in that price range. I’m not sure if your budget factors for an optic, that would be a little extra. I’m a fan of the Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 for a good entry level hunting scope.

 

[jmr40]

I can buy the Ruger American Predator for $389 out the door. I will all but guarantee it will be more accurate than anything else under $500. The new versions that come with Accuracy International magazines sorta make the Ruger a clear winner. They are not just an entry level rifle anymore. There are some serious shooters choosing them. They come with a 3 round mag that is almost flush for hunting, but 5 and 10 round mags are available at reasonable prices.

https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/26973.html

 

[JeeperCreeper]

If you take advantage of the current $75 rebate, I'd go TC Compass just to start with.

I also believe that Winchester (XPR comes to mind) has a $75 rebate and some Remington 700 models have $100 rebate.

However, Howas are great so either is a good choice.

I'd also look at the Rugers as well.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ive never used a compass, so cant say one way or the other in that regard.
I have owned a Howa 6.5CM, and its a nicer rifle than any of the "low end" guns ive used.
Mine was MOA capable, but in this day and age thats the norm rather than the exception.

The Ruger American is currently my favorite budget gun, and it is lighter, and in general they are probably more accurate than the Howas.
The Howa Actions are smoother, and the howas stocks are better imo. I like the Howa HACT trigger better than the Ruger Marksman trigger. The Howa also has a dbm kit available that while plastic, is pretty good. Im using one on my 700.

Im also interested in the Winchester XPR, everything ive read about them has so far been positive. It was a toss up between the XPR, and the RAM, when i ordered my new 7mm a couple weeks ago. I chose the Ruger just because ive owned and worked with them, i knew they were solid, and what i need to do to fix the little issues that bugged me.

If if i can find the cash for a XPR compact in 7-08 ill likely be buying one of those as well.

 

[homers]

Ruger American Standard - IMHO, best budget rifle today. lite weight and accurate

 

[someguy2800]

Its a good time to be buying entry level hunting rifles. I really can't point to a single one and say I wouldn't buy it for the right price.

 

[Captcurt]

I can buy the Ruger American Predator for $389 out the door. I will all but guarantee it will be more accurate than anything else under $500. The new versions that come with Accuracy International magazines sorta make the Ruger a clear winner. They are not just an entry level rifle anymore. There are some serious shooters choosing them. They come with a 3 round mag that is almost flush for hunting, but 5 and 10 round mags are available at reasonable prices.

https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/26973.html

Gotta go with this. I had 3 Creedmoors at one time. The Predator was more accurate than rifles twice the price and it did it with several different loads. It shot 120gr Speer, 129gr Accubond LR, 130gr Accubond and 120gr Barnes-X under and inch and if I did my part many groups were under 1/2".

 

[Skylerbone]

Its a good time to be buying entry level hunting rifles. I really can't point to a single one and say I wouldn't buy it for the right price.

Very well said! This was Hornady American Whitetail 129gr.

 

[js8588]

No love for the Mossberg Patriots?

 

[EIB0879]

I have a Mossberg 4x4 in 30-06 that I really like. Very accurate with a variety of ammo. It was the predecessor of the Patriot.

 

[Hokkmike]

$699 Sauer 100. Save up just a little and get the lifetime rifle.

 

[LoonWulf]

$699 Sauer 100. Save up just a little and get the lifetime rifle.

Gee thanks, another rifle i want to try now.....

Honestly any of the rifles listed can be a "forever" rifle, its up to the user to decide. Heck i know a guy whos one and only rifle is a savage 24 in .22mag/20ga.
Personally I havent found my forever rifle, closest Ive come is my Abolt which i bought brand new for 500.
Even as we get into the more expensive rifles, they are just nicer variations of the same designs we see in the "bargain" level (or more correctly the cheap rifles are usually the variations).

 

[Walkalong]

$699 Sauer 100

Where can you get one for $699?

 

[Skylerbone]

Bud’s

 

[someguy2800]

My Tikka is my forever rifle. So is my handi rifle and marlin guide gun.

 

[eastbank]

yesterday I saw a new 700 rem sp in 6.5 CM, 24"barrel with a 1-8 twist with a lower end scope for 450.00. not sure about a rem rebate on it at a gun show. I bought one earlier in .260 rem, 24" barrel and 1-8 twist. I sold the scope and rings off of it for 50.00. loves 129 gr bullets.

 

[HamSlamma]

I just bought a 6.5 Creedmoor,,,,went wit the Savage Axis. Put a BIG Meopta scope on it.

 

[Newtosavage]

Axis is never a bad choice.

Ruger American is a lot of rifle for the $ but I'm not a fan of their plastic stocks.

Tikka - as was said - is a forever rifle.

 

[Varminterror]

If you weight the recommendations of precision rifle competitors as to which factory option is best for newbies as an indicator for performance, then the Ruger Precision rifles outnumber Savages 10:1, and the Rem 700 Magpul is somewhere in between. Tikka’s, TC’s, and Howa’d aren’t in the mix from what I have seen. A couple Savages, one or two Rem 700’s, and a half dozen RPR’s have scored on the 900-1000yrd targets at all of the matches I have been to this year. Saw one guy hit the 955 yesterday with a Tikka, out of three guys shooting them (out of 60), two custom barrels and stocks, however.

 

[Captcurt]

Where can you get one for $699?

The same place that they get $400 Tikkas.

 

[Moparnut]

I don't know what the price difference is between a TC compass and the Venture model but, I have a Venture in 06 and it is a very good rifle. Just food for thought. Of course a Savage is never a bad choice.

 

[cdb1]

You can get a Weatherby Vanguard for $500.00. That would be my first choice by a long shot. Second choice would be a Howa.

 

[Water-Man]

Weatherby Vanguard II Synthetic Compact.