Might want to hold off a month or so. Most people hide their plasticky pieces of shit from their friends if their friends are the old foxes who know what a real gun is. Kimber Mountain Ascent Subalpine I just dont like the Kimber Mountain Ascent. You sound like the new guy that is 25 and has 150 years experience. In this price range, manufacturers use very loose tolerances and have very poor quality control, so Im careful what I recommend. Nothing problematic, but clearly noticeable. The Tikka action is by far the best in this price point because it cycles ammo perfectly, has a silky smooth bolt slide and is manufactured to a high tolerance so every last one I pick up feels just as good as the one next to it. Id go with the Sako in that case. a few few hundred cycles smoothed it right up. John did tell me that they are currently working on a fix for the extractor problem. To my surprise John Mogle responded and told me to send in my gun and they would replace the barrel and fix the problem. So small and packable, and Im getting incredible accuracy out of it. Jim- Have you tested/reviewed any of the Sauer 100 rifles? I too had nailed it down to the Savage or the Ruger American Rifle. Shot yesterday and shot at 200, 300 and 400 yards, 1/2-3/4 MOA. Yes please, there is a major lack of opinions out there on the LUPO. Can Italian go to a local gun store and buy one (or any firearm) without a government license or permission? The scope hasnt moved for years now and I have shot it quite a bit. I purchased a 280 AI in a Mark V Weatherby instead. Can you review the Sako S20 or why havent you done it yet? I would love to get your take or even see a review on it. You mentioned the seekins havoc, but not in detail. If you had 1500-2500 just for one, which make would you drop that cash on? Shut up Vlad. I am looking at it in 243 but cant decide between that and x bolt. Ive tried a lot of others, including Hornady PH (178gr I think) and Hornady Match 168 gr, and they are lucky to shoot 4 inch group with huge point of impact change. The internal box magazine holds four rounds. They come in the same price bracket as Tikka rifles but from what I have read, unlike the popular T3X rifles, Sauer 100 rifles Swelled and checkered grip areas are molded into both sides of the stock over the internal magazine and again at the beginning of the forearm section. Seller: Ammo And Arms. Im extremely satisfied with this rifle, for a hunting rifle. Action is amazing and a really great factory trigger. Id probably go with the Weatherby, but both guns will be very accurate. Any opinion on it? excellent trigger. Know it is not a bolt action rifle, but how does the Henry Long Ranger stack up against these options? The Vanguard does come in quite a few cartridges, but retail stores will only give them so many spots on the shelves, and since Weatherby is always pushing its own cartridges, its common to not find the chambering youre looking for without special ordering it. Ive owned a Lupo chambered in 30-06 for several months now. Keep up the great work. Hey jim i was wondering if you have done a review on the savage impulse i found some videos on it but not many that really go indepth on the build quality or how well or not well the action works. Lets weed out a few rifles I DONT recommend first. Thank you and keep up the great job! Been following your channel for a few years and have loved all the reviews. My assumption has been that given the limited rifles and ammos out, the x-bolt with browning ammo would have to work well together right out of the box. The CVA Cascade is an exceptional rifle for the price. Your email address will not be published. Looking for a good review of it after months of no Tikkas available locally in 308. Im looking for another LR hunting rifle and was seriously looking at Christianson arms but not so much now. Like, sure. funny, I was between the FME and the CVA cascade for a 350L. The rifles are accurate, reliable, and built well. FRUSTRATING. Chambered in .308 Winchester, the author's Franchi Momentum has a 22-inch barrel with a threaded muzzle and a black synthetic stock with a recoil pad and integral sling-swivel studs. Would like to buy a Tikka Super Varmint barrel and action with MDT chassis but am also considering Bergara UpR. You mentioned the cheap filling stock. Those that do could at least be highlighted. What matters is on the paper for 550 dollars and a threaded barrel to boot. Really, the only thing that keeps me from owning more of them is that I can rarely find them in the chamberings I want. A fairly vertical pistol grip offers comfortable control from most any shooting position. (1) The Springfield 2020 Waypoint with a steel barrel, (2) You could wait a few months for the new Bergara B14 Squared Crest to come out, or (3) Get a Sig Cross. Im at a point that I can spend $1500+ for a hunting rifle. At the back of the bolt shroud, the firing pin protrudes to show cocked status (as seen above) and is flush with the rear of the bolt shroud when not cocked. Those all sound like good options. Hey there Jim. I am looking at loading with heavier grain bullets such as the Berger 30 cal 215 Hybrid or Berger 7mm 180 or 195 Grain bullets. I would also love a video on the Winchester model 70 extreme weather! Im looking for a 7mm-08 in a left handed model. Its like comparing a Kia against a BMW. . I believe the momentum rifle could easily stack up against the models outlined in the under $500 category. Premium recoil pad, pic rail, fluted barrel, muzzle breakMOA guaranteed accuracy like the Tikka. I can stretch the budget to a Browning if I have to, but the Winchester XPR is more in my price range. Would you take the Waypoint over the Seekins? I have purchased about 12 different rifles in the sub-$500 price point over the last 3 years to test out for this review. Also, since I\d prefer to keep it to one gun I was more interested in buying a semi-custom gun and was thinking about getting the Fierce Carbon Rogue. The stock and barrel is nothing special unless someone could chime in as to why it is different than all the others plastic stocks? All in 7mm Rem Mag of course . Hello Jim, great article. I found accuracy to be okay but not great, feeding was okay but not great, and the design was usable, but not really modern. Watch my review of the MPR here. Yes, even if my hunting situation means most shots will be shorter range, I want a rifle that will reach out and make a 250 or 350 yard shot accurately in case it needs to. If you want to hunt larger game like elk, then Id recommend getting the same rifle in .30-06 Springfield. The action is a little sticky at the back because its a 2-lug so theres a little play at the back if you arent pushing straight. I decided to go a different direction by changing out the barrel for a 20 inch Proof. I do like the Weatherby rifles as well as Tikkas. Style and Appearance * * * * Yeah, the Reaper is pretty awesome. Base Price: $789.99: Tax: - In Stock: kygunco.com Buy. Ive got a lot of autoloader pistol and AR experience, but my only bolt action is an old Mosin Nagant. You know, turning ammo into noise kind of use. I would love a 300 Win Mag. Any opinions/guidance would be much appreciated! Is the Sako worth the that premium price though? Hey Jim! I was considering the Sig Cross, but the safe selector issue concerns me. 2. have a metal finish at the trigger-guard, The controlled-round feed action is great. Like I said not sure what you tested it in, but I just wanted to let you know. I think the rifle is feature rich and might be a real shooter. Wow, what a shooter! To be clear, youll load the rifle from the top, pushing one round at a time down and into the internal magazine, and this function allows you to safely and easily unload the Momentum. With a century and a half of firearms manufacturing behind it, Italy's Franchi has unveiled its first-ever centrefire hunting rifle, the Momentum. (weight) Both have V block bedding blocks (But Ruger's are Y blocks for pillar bedding the action bolts.) Italians know firearms and so do the Finns. Thank you. Also, it works great if you quickly manhandle the action. it just feels right. I know they are two different price points, but Id love to see a side by side comparison between the 2020 Waypoint and the Savage 110 Ultra Lite. Nor did it entirely love the excellent Hornady Black ammo, putting two rounds through the O that I was aiming at and three in another very tight group some distance away. Thank you for your time and effort. I would not even try and shoot a moose with the Creedmore but its no problem with the 6.5 Swede with its 1 in 7.8 twist with the 160 grain slugs. I found barrel engraved with 6.5 Creedmore and read manual before use Using Burris Zee rings, I just applied a thin layer of silicone sealant inside the rings and remounted the scope. If you are looking at that sub $1000 rifle check out the Bergara Wilderness Ridge (Mine was $850). Vald, I love me some harbor freight. Stock: AG Composites Alpine Hunter. I am about ready to purchase the Springfield Waypoint 2020 in 6.5 prc then, i see the Proof Elevation MTR is offered in a 7prc, as is the Rival in a 7prc Esp in 7mm-08. Both have NO bolt lock when on safety. I found not too long ago a Husqvarna Mauser for $400 bucks in like new condition. The Sig Cross has really become one of my favorite guns to shoot. Highly recommended. But the biggest difference is that Franchi is hoping to sell rifles, and theyll sell 90, 6.5 Creeds for every 6.555 they sell , quoteBut the biggest difference is that Franchi is hoping to sell rifles, and theyll sell 90, 6.5 Creeds for every 6.555 they sell quote. It seems to boast a sturdier stock. Keep the good work buddy on your show. I owned one in .28 Nosler and it was a very poor choice for that heavy-recoiling of a cartridge. Luckily I was at a store on vacation that let me handle both. Hey Jim, love your reviews and videos, just wondering when we might start seeing 7mm PRC rifles becoming more available in stores? The Momentum loved Armscors 168 grain FMJs, though. First let me say your videos are absolutely fantastic. There is one drawback to the Tikka T3x Lite. To wit: 1. Moving back-to-front, things start out with a cushy rubber recoil pad. LOL. If you want a wood stock, metal parts, and nice bluing, feel free to spend an extra $300 or more on a Ruger Hawkeye or similar. Optional Features TSA Recoil Pads TSA recoil pads for LOP adjustment. The Sig Cross is the rifle that I have consistently used more than any other hunting rifle in my gun vault. TOP DEALS View All Deals. Suppressors are DEFINITELY the future, so I wouldnt buy a non-threaded barrel anymore. The Elite series, added alongside the budget-priced original in 2020, did nothing to diminish those impressions. There are so many other options to consider, but hopefully, that gives you a solid starting place if youre looking for a premium hunting rifle. Why I Picked These Three Rifles Over the Competition. Good luck wearing one out with your old ass, you could have the best or worst and it wouldnt matter since its seeing all of a day of use once a season. Hello Jim. Is the quality that good? Ive got an old 700 that is a beautiful gun and was a great deal but Im taking the plastic stock Savage up in the tree this fall. Fierce is about $400 more and almost a pound heavier. Bought a vanguard series 2 in 270cant wait to shoot it put a leupold 3x9x50 ..I have 1400.00 in it first expensive gun Ive ever owned.wish me luck, The rifle you are selling that is under $350 thats quiet what caliber is it and who makes it need more information please thank you. I love it. Premium recoil pad, pic rail, fluted barrel, muzzle break.MOA guaranteed accuracy like the Tikka. what makes it a Bergara? NO, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_control_in_Italy, F Franchi, and Baretta and their ilk. Some people get a good one, others get a lemon. Your input has influenced some decision Im making for future hunting rifles and calibers. i have a momentum in .308. stock looks a bit odd, but handles my frame very well. Thanks so much, you guys are great! An XBolt in 6.8 Western may be a great option. Man I really love your reviews! I'm looking at it in 300 win mag. Pls recommend as I need a rifle under 1500 $ including Scope for shooting upto 600 Yards with cheaper ammo to practice more. Have you ever tested any Franchi hunting rifles? Never worried much about how my rifle looked either before or after the hunt. A junk injection molded plasticky stock that expands with heat and contracts with cold. It is very expensive. First available in 1936 for Petes sake. How about a Bergara Wilderness Ridge in 7 mag? The barrel is cold hammer forged with rifling like the Sako (Tikka). I\m relatively new to the channel & website, and it has quickly become a favorite of mine. I just dont shoot the Weatherby as well as I used to, and even reloading is expensive enough I dont do much plinking with it. What is your opinion on Gunwerks? You dont want fine wood and blued steel in the rain on a hunt. Most of the great rifles youve taken time to make us salivate for do not make left handed models. Jim, The best part of learning how much I love hunting was how little I first put in. Mine is in 223 for chucks. Does that make sense from what I\ve mentioned? Wondering your opinion on those I understand theyre not hunting rifles I just thought you would enjoy those rigles as I do. The narrow width put my eye behind the scope nicely but also leaves enough fudge factor for owners who will add an aftermarket cheek piece or wrap. Any thoughts? So, too, will the rifles 2-position safety allow you to load and unload safely. I have been looking for a carbon barrel rifle in a .308 due to ammo availability. The action quality, as well as the barrel, produces a very accurate rifle. However, they really dont get enough attention from huntersmostly because they make few attempts to really stand out from the other rifles on the shelf. Im a big fan of Sig pistols and never had an issue with QC. Im going to let it cure for a day or so before testing it, if I still have an issue with slippage or it effects accuracy, I will switch out for new rings. Hi Jim, Have you considered the recently released rifles introduced by Franchi? But 300 WinMag doesnt fit in an AR15 and 6.5 Swede doesnt fit in a short action. All are captive so you wont lose them. it seems well priced at about 600. Your email address will not be published. BTW unless youre reloading, the vast majority of factory 6.5 Creedmoor is quite a bit faster than the same projectile in 6.555. Push it flush with the inside of the trigger guard, and . BarrelLength: 22 inches Honestly, you need to review one. Just my two cents, but would love to hear an honest review of these rifles. I have one in 308 and Federal premium 168grain Berger hunter (or hunter hybrid, cant remember now) shoot less than an inch at 100 yards, but now they are hard to find. Which takes of the other half of recoil . I still think the 2020 Waypoint is just a better gun overall. I am over 50 now an i have owned and hunted 21 different rifles, that will be all brands from Rem 700, Browning , tikka, several Blasers and Sakos, Heym and some more. We hunt in northern Utah. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend a Weatherby if you find one in a cartridge you like, or if you dont mind shooting Weatherbys overbore cartridges. So, here are my quick thoughts on some of the competition for the best premium factory rifle under $2,500. Ive narrowed it to 3, but just cant quite choose. (Solid review on your part.). Solid brass bullet ,which I really like. Fun to read through this after watching all the vids. My builder said (because of the bad Winchester brass) he would not recommend the 68 Western. Id be interested in seeing a review of the q fix. Hi Jim, Overall, the rifle is kinda heavy so itd be nice to reduce recoil a bit. The Tikka action is by far the best in this price point because it cycles ammo perfectly, has a silky smooth bolt slide and is manufactured to a high tolerance so every last one I pick up feels just as good as the one next to it. Alpha? Im familiar with it, but havent done an official review. Never spent over $500 before. and not hold up good with the recoil? Good Morning Jim I\ve hunted since high school age but always small game/birds. Franchi Momentum .308 Win Threaded 22" Bbl Htr Gry BA Rifle 41533. Italy has crazy gun control laws, like most of Europe. Thanks for all of your vids and you helped me get my last two rifles with all the choices. My initial impression is that it is a pretty standard budget bolt gun. guns.com Buy. Weighs under 6 lbs. I still love wood stocks. These are incredible results from a rifle with an MSRP barely over $600! I\ve been looking at a lot of your reviews and videos and am wondering if 7mm rem mag might be the best option for a cartridge. Affordable? Looks to me like an Apples to Oranges request. I just bought a Savage Axis II XP in 308 after much research and debate amongst my hunting partners. From afar it looks pretty standard, but it does set itself apart in a few ways. Threaded barrel for a brake. Also, I think the X-Bolt Pro just isnt bringing enough to the table for doubling the price over a regular X-Bolt. It's my 1st long-bolt (actually 2nd, I'd had Win 70 Ultimate Shadow 338 win mag. What would you like to know? The redesigned rifle includes all the original features that. So it is not a 700 rem action like the Bergara, So no MDT chassis at this time to match. FRANCHI MOMENTUM ELITE True Price: $ 816.99. Would this interest you? I saw your video on the 7mm prc and considered waiting till they came out. Sign of the times, Im sure you know what Im talking about. The new Franchi Momentum is darn near an exact copy to the Ruger American. Why no ones talk about the sakos in the states?? And based on my limited sample size, this budget rifle seems to prefer budget ammo. Savage 110? Hello Jim, I am in the market for a new rifle and have really narrowed it down between the Fierce Rival and the Springfield 2020 Waypoint. Yes your quite right on that and its sad that the majority of hunters never bother to educate themselves in regards to the plethora of 6.5 mm cartridges invented over the years. Jim, any thoughts on the Venture 2 from TC? Cheers. But its a great all around gun out to 450 when most hunters can only shoot 250, if that. I looked at the Tikas as well and for the calibers Im looking at, I just think theyll beat the hell outta my shoulder. Its just so short, light, and accurate. Surprised you didnt mention anything about the Sako 85. then I do have a question that I hope you will address. I preferred the action on the FME a lil bit over the CVA, but I could not get over how every Franchi had stock contact somewhere along the barrel. Thanks for the content you put out! when buying a boltaction rifle to be used for hunting,do you prefer a safety that locks the bolt down,or one that allows you to work the action.I prefer the type that locks the bolt. . I figured I could get an AR rifle with Sub MOA accuracy that could maybe hit 2 birds with 1 stone. GSG, I always just hunted. $799.00 Add To Cart For Price. **sorry for posting this comment on another article, but I guess this is the more suitable article for this discussion. Thanks! The Tikka Superlite 7RM is my dedicated high country rifle, weighing in at 7.1 lbs scoped. I personally prefer the Bergara B-14 Ridge, but they are all good options. I didnt see a Bergara in your list. love the mauser style trigger guard/magazine. The forend felt fat and a bit chunky, and the detachable mag looks like it could get in the way when carrying, hunting, using rests, etc. I dont know even they even sell it anymore but about 10-15 years ago my first .308 was a mossberg ATR. I actually ordered a CVA cascade first, in .308, but changed my mind and returned it and bought the Franchi. I have been looking at the savage 110 ultralite 6.5 creedmoor. Actually, I like it a lot. I really love your channel. I came over the years to loath short action rifles. What are your thought on the Ruger precision? The Tikka T3 features a standard box 3 round magazine but certain models come with a 4 round magazine. Jim, Love your channel and have spent most likely 30 plus hours reviewing your videos. Both good guns, I would worry about Franchi suddenly stopping production of this rifle and parts availability going to zero. Just remember one thing the price of the good older stuff keeps going up and up so when you waste your money on junk it never goes up in value as fast as the good stuff so when you do get around to buying something of quality you lost twice not once. Jim Harmer is a host of the Backfire Youtube channel. 80lbs maybe. Would I buy this rifle? Just how it shot when the time came. COPYRIGHT 2021, THETRUTHABOUTGUNS.COM. I mean, I realize you use supersonic ammunition and would have liked to have heard how home-rolled subsonic ammo performed. I saw you also mentioned something coming at Shotshow but did not see if you talked about this yet. Ultimately it still looks and feels like an inexpensive, plastic stock that youd expect to find on a budget hunting rifle. The sub-$500 version of the CVA Cascade comes with just blued steel. Hi Jim, Just a few examples of what is out there on the used market so why in the hell would anyone be dumb enough to buy modern made piece of garbage. My experience as well Tim! P.S. Is there a far better option for the money? I have 13 riffles in calibers from 7mm08 , 270 ( my favorite caliber), 300H&H and 300 WM and 300WSM in Weatherby Mark V and Vanguard, Sako, Tika, Winchester model 70 pre 64 and new one, Kleingunther, Browning Xbolt, Browning medallion, BAR in 270 and 300 WM, 7mmMag in Weatherby Vanguard and Sako composite, Bennelli Lupo in 270. Are you still doing a full review on that caliber? Great reviews, but nothing on the Browning AB3? However, Ill simply leave this anecdote. Id also like to hear more about the threading on the various barrels and if they are suitable for use with a suppressor i.e. Thanks. Its incredibly well built. You should always spend your hard earned money on what *you* like, but the Franchi stock strikes me as an example of what the late Chuck Hawks called "Euro trash.". Im really down to the Fierce Carbon Rival vs the Weatherby MarkV Backcountry. I own 30-06, i own a 300 win mag , now never pull anything out but the 300 win mag , it is a Browning A bolt with the belly clip , has the sweet spot muzzle break ,that takes care of half of the recoil and have the Remington butt pad . I like the straight comb with minimal drop and I found the cheek weld comfortable. When will you be putting the Seekins HAVAK PH2 through its paces? Take your pick but you get a super reliable gun and if you ever broke an extractor or firing pin you can change them out right in the field within minutes. Great rifle. You have entered an incorrect email address! The scope I bought is a Sea Adler, 3x9x40. In regards to the CVA and the Bergara, Im looking at getting one or the other in 7mm Mag. I was unaware of the QC issues with the Cross. Would love to know your thoughts on the Seekins Precision Havak PH2 rifles. Tikka T3X Compact Bolt-Action Rifle - Best .308 Lightweight Hunting Rifle. The SIG Cross would be a best second choice. What is your opinion on the Edge vs Rival? Price points on the ammo dont put them too far apart when searching on Ammoseek, usually within 5 bucks a box depending upon brand. Im looking for an elk rifle. Bergara seems to have just come out with a Walnut stock maybe as a result of one of you comparing their stocks to garage floors??? Weight: 6.6 pounds i will say that if someone ever makes an after market "classic" stock for it, i'll dump the plastic factory one. Thank you! Could you add another tier or two? Weatherby Mark V Weatherby makes a fantastic rifle. Accurate, lightweight, and comfortable with a great trigger, its a solid choice to fill your freezer this season. I know I have expediencies it. Same as you, I wish the offerings were a bit better. Christensen needs to improve its quality control in my opinion. . Cries racism when pointed out that is an idiot. I have found a lot of draw backs such as a cramped magazine box that when I tried to seat bullets out there was no room in the magazine to do so therefore I had excess bullet jump into the throat of the barrel, especially older barrels with slightly eroded throats and not being able to seat the bullet out sometimes does not give you the best accuracy. Unsurprisingly, the Momentum is equipped with a synthetic stock. Have you heard any news about springfield adding additional calibers for it? You never mentioned. Ive been eyeing them for a while, but the MPR turned me off from the chassis rifles. Also, the very aged sporter stock design doesnt lend itself well to shooting long rangeespecially in such a light rifle. 1) the quality from rifle to rifle Hear hear. The reason I like the CVA Cascade over the Ruger American is because it has a much more rigid stock, a better action, and it still comes with a quality barrel. Is the bergara name worth it? The pistol grip is thicker than on many similar stocks, which I appreciate a lot, but at the same time a little more palm swell wouldnt hurt. Well yeah man its a larger case. As did locking it. Everyone else says so but I figured Id ask. Im giving the Momentum an extra star above average for the polished, fluted bolt and all the checkered ergonomic areas on the stock that fancy it up a bit. Action is very heavy and clunky. Jim love the reviews and the Channel. In the video below, I review the Fierce Rogue and show what I like/dislike about the Fierce Rogue. Still, its the 2020 Waypoint in my opinion. Unfortunately, I cant weigh in on the Sauer 100 yet because I havent tried it. threaded barrel w/muzzle brake. In fact, I frequently find myself out shooting with a Sig Cross even when I have much more expensive guns that I could be choosing. Am I wrong in my logic? Im looking for a great elk rifle/big game in left handed. A friend of mine was trying to talk me into a Christensen arms Ridgeline FFT but from what you said about their QC in manufacturing I\m not sure I want to risk it. One issue that has come up with all three of their guns is having to check and tighten the front and rear action assembly screws. I looked it up and the barrel profile is exactly the same for bigger calibers. I was about to buy a Christenson Arms rifle but you and a few others have commented about the quality. American Hunter's first reports of it indicated excellent fit and function and accuracy. Customization * * * * I have been looking at the Browning BAR for years, its a great gun, but I would really like to have an AR format. The trigger however appears to be decent and I like the one piece bolt but I think the internal magazine is a deal breaker for me. This post contains affiliate links to help monetize this site.