Posted: 5/6/2026 10:23:22 AM EDT
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I’ll preface this with I tried to search this question and didn’t find my answer. Maybe because I don’t pay for membership. If I missed it I apologize. The wife wants to get in to long range shooting. I’m thinking 6mm Creedmoor for her rifle. Low recoil, flat trajectory and can get out there. This rifle will be for Target practice / range toy only. We are retired so we have tons of time on our hands for reloading, range time etc. I currently have a Savage 110 tactical (I’m a lefty) chambered in .308. I put it in a XLR carbon fiber chassis a couple years ago for a screaming deal and really like that chassis. Right now I’m looking at Ruger, Savage and Tikka. All three give a pretty hefty discount for military/le. Savage has the 110 Core tactical, is that barrel and action different than say the 110 Core Predator? I don’t care about the stock since we will put it in a chassis anyway, just looking for action and barrel. And of those three companies is there enough difference for the wife’s first rifle to choose one over the other? Budget for just the rifle is $1500 |
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The Savage actions are identical, pretty much the same for any model. The difference between the tactical and predator is barrel finish only, maybe bolt knob and stock color. If I were set on a Savage, I'd step up a level and look at the ultralite predator. Comes with a proof carbon barrel, I've shot one in 6.5prc and it's really a decent rifle. For caliber choice, depending on what kind of distance you have available, the 6 ARC is a really good little caliber, hardly any recoil at all and ammo is cheaper than the 6cm. I've shot out to 900 yards with it and have no problem hitting a 12"plate. It starts getting pushed around a bit after 700, but that's what today's optics are for. But,,, if I were going to spend that much. Take a look at the Seekins PH3 rifle. Way more rifle, a bit over your budget, even with their .mil discount, but it's a much better rifle. Customer service/ warranty is outstanding, which I doubt you'll ever need, and fast. Back to your listed choice of actions though, I'd go with the Savage model of your choice. Even though I'm not a fan of their stocks, it's still a good rifle. MDT makes a really good chassis for Savage, any bolt spacing/bolt release, but then again, if you change that out, you're into it more than a Seekins. |
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Fwiw, As stated above, the arc is great inside 1,200 and wind depending. I have one and love shooting it. With that said, I think you are on the right track. The 6 creedmoor would be my choice and may be my next rifle. The Savage barreled actions will only vary by color and barrels. The UL with a proof barrel would be nice. |
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Originally Posted By Boisestatefan: The Savage actions are identical, pretty much the same for any model. The difference between the tactical and predator is barrel finish only, maybe bolt knob and stock color. If I were set on a Savage, I'd step up a level and look at the ultralite predator. Comes with a proof carbon barrel, I've shot one in 6.5prc and it's really a decent rifle. For caliber choice, depending on what kind of distance you have available, the 6 ARC is a really good little caliber, hardly any recoil at all and ammo is cheaper than the 6cm. I've shot out to 900 yards with it and have no problem hitting a 12"plate. It starts getting pushed around a bit after 700, but that's what today's optics are for. But,,, if I were going to spend that much. Take a look at the Seekins PH3 rifle. Way more rifle, a bit over your budget, even with their .mil discount, but it's a much better rifle. Customer service/ warranty is outstanding, which I doubt you'll ever need, and fast. Back to your listed choice of actions though, I'd go with the Savage model of your choice. Even though I'm not a fan of their stocks, it's still a good rifle. MDT makes a really good chassis for Savage, any bolt spacing/bolt release, but then again, if you change that out, you're into it more than a Seekins. Great info! I’m not set on any particular brand I was just using Savage as an example. My question is if there’s a reason to get say the tactical version over the hunting version if we are going to take the barrel and action out and put it in a chassis. When I got my Savage there wasn’t a huge pool to choose from in left hand at the 700 price point but it’s been a great rifle. I really like the accutrigger. I’m really looking at the Tikka. Never shot one but a couple of my old coworkers have them and swear by them. |
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Originally Posted By Goback: Great info! I’m not set on any particular brand I was just using Savage as an example. My question is if there’s a reason to get say the tactical version over the hunting version if we are going to take the barrel and action out and put it in a chassis. When I got my Savage there wasn’t a huge pool to choose from in left hand at the 700 price point but it’s been a great rifle. I really like the accutrigger. I’m really looking at the Tikka. Never shot one but a couple of my old coworkers have them and swear by them. I have owned most of the actions out there. The Savage actions are known for being good donors with a lot of aftermarket support. The tikka probably doesn’t have as much support but there are some very good “pre fit” barrels being made for them. Having owned both I would buy a Tikka in 6c and shoot it. Maybe change the trigger or stock, maybe not. It isn’t a rifle I feel the need to run out and change things right away. Good luck! |
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Originally Posted By wvfarrier: Buy once......get a tikka Still waiting to see if Tikka is going to release the 6cm. Everything I’ve read is people are swapping barrels out on the Tikka action. Under 1800 for T3x Ace Target is not bad at all. If anything shoot the 6.5 for a while then swap out barrels to the 6 |
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If recoil is the concern and main reason for going 6mm I doubt she'll have an issue with a heavy 6.5 Creedmoor. If you like the Tikka I certainly wouldn't pass up on that because it's 6.5 Creedmoor. 6.5 Creedmoor is still much more popular overall and that has its advantages. Are you stuck on a chassis? My advice was going to be just buy the Ruger or Savage you like and see how she likes it. If you are certain on a chassis the other options are to find a barreled action or action and prefit barrel. Used to be you could find a Bighorn Origin barreled action for $1500 or less. Found this for $1700 on a quick search https://straightjacketarmory.com/product/big-horn-origin-zermatt-arms-barreled-actions/. MPA barreled action https://masterpiecearms.com/shop/barreled-action/ But if you keep any eye out there are deals out there. I don't know what stocks and chassis are available but there are also the Howa barreled actions at Brownells. They seem to be well liked and a good value. |
BikerNut:
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People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
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https://www.sako.global/rifle/t3x-tact-a1 This works nice in 6.5 
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Patriot
Q-Tard
“We’re surrounded. That simplifies the problem.” - Chesty Puller, USMC
Patriot
Q-Tard
“We’re surrounded. That simplifies the problem.” - Chesty Puller, USMC
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With the price point I got today it will be the Tikka T3x Ace Target in 6.5cm. I think the setup with a Leupold Mark 5HD will check all the boxes for a long time if not for good  . The next thing will be figuring out a suppressor break combo.
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Originally Posted By Goback: With the price point I got today it will be the Tikka T3x Ace Target in 6.5cm. I think the setup with a Leupold Mark 5HD will check all the boxes for a long time if not for good . The next thing will be figuring out a suppressor break combo.I have shot that one. My buddy owns it. It is gtg! Even with cheap Winchester ammo 1,000 yards was easy. If you want a good brake look at MDT, fat bastard and Area 419. All are loud and I run double pro but I can see impacts at any range. |