best sub $2000 factory hunting rifle

[Joshuajosh]

recommendations for a lightweight hunting rifle.... have been looking at the proof elevation which is above 2000 but still an option... have been also looking at the sako 85 finnlight but have heard about some accuracy complaints and ejection issues

(I ended up going with a proof elevation in 6.5 creedmoor) topped it with a night force nxs 2.5-10 moar shoots half moa with factory ammo if I do my part

 

[Runningwater]

Fieldcraft if you can find one. Otherwise Kimber.

 

[Mike Islander]

Fieldcraft. They pop up periodically on GunBroker and even here. Hard pressed to find anything better under $2000.

 

[Joshuajosh]

Fieldcraft. They pop up periodically on GunBroker and even here. Hard pressed to find anything better under $2000.
View attachment 288042

I've been looking... if i find one ill get it if its under 2k but I've had no luck

 

[Mike Islander]

You have to be diligent and persistent. You'll also have to bid against one of our members to snag the one on GunBroker right now.

 

[Joshuajosh]

You have to be diligent and persistent. You'll also have to bid against one of our members to snag the one on GunBroker right now.

the 270?

 

[bluumoon]

How about a Forbes rifle, I've seen some this week for <$1500, granted they've def been hunted with. More or less same design as the Fieldcraft as I understand it. Not sure if there are any issues w them. I've heard NULA will tune them up if needed, but Melvin Forbes is in his 80s so I'd do it sooner than later.

 

[bluumoon]

I have 2 Fieldcrafts..... would love to have a NULA in the rotation at some point.

 

[Antares]

Tikka in the carbon fiber stock of your choice.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I really enjoy kimbers.

 

[kickemall]

I've tried a bunch of them and keep coming back to Tikka's at half that price.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

You can spend a lot more money, but the Tikka Superlite is hard to beat at any price point.

 

[Newtosavage]

recommendations for a lightweight hunting rifle.... have been looking at the proof elevation which is above 2000 but still an option... have been also looking at the sako 85 finnlight but have heard about some accuracy complaints and ejection issues

Honestly, I don't consider the Finnlight to be a true lightweight rifle. Nice rifles though.

 

[Newtosavage]

Not sure what kind of reports folks are offering on the new Savage Ultralight with the proof research carbon barrel, but I would expect them to shoot as well or better than anything else on your short list. And they are pretty light for what they are. The new Savage stocks - while not the prettiest - are the best fitting factory stocks I've ever shouldered.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

Not sure what kind of reports folks are offering on the new Savage Ultralight with the proof research carbon barrel, but I would expect them to shoot as well or better than anything else on your short list. And they are pretty light for what they are. The new Savage stocks - while not the prettiest - are the best fitting factory stocks I've ever shouldered.

I really like the fit of the new savage stocks as well. The version on the ultralight doesnt have the aluminum bedding block for weight savings which means its a little flimsy on the fore end.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

recommendations for a lightweight hunting rifle.... have been looking at the proof elevation which is above 2000 but still an option... have been also looking at the sako 85 finnlight but have heard about some accuracy complaints and ejection issues

I realized my earlier post didn't make much sense..
Check out the Fierce Fury at 6.8lbs with a .5 moa guarantee https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/fierce-firearms-fury-bolt-action-rifle

Or the Seekins PH2 with a Rock Creek barrel

https://www.scopelist.com/Seekins-HAVAK-Pro-Hunter-PH2-65-PRC-24-Rifle-11710059.aspx

 

[JohnJohnson]

I wish Barret would start producing the Fieldcraft again. I want one so badly in 6.5CM threaded.

 

[Joshuajosh]

I wish Barret would start producing the Fieldcraft again. I want one so badly in 6.5CM threaded.

same... doubt they will any time soon tho

 

[JohnJohnson]

same... doubt they will any time soon tho

The worst part is I got my father to buy one and now I have to see how awesome it is every time we shoot/hunt together.

 

[Newtosavage]

I really like the fit of the new savage stocks as well. The version on the ultralight doesnt have the aluminum bedding block for weight savings which means its a little flimsy on the fore end.

I know they feel a bit flimsy on the forend. Same with my LW Storm stocks. The old stocks were even worse IMO. They put some stiffening supports in these new ones. But no, still not a custom fiberglass or Kevlar stiffness, but just as light if not lighter.

I've never had an issue getting sub-MOA performance out of any Savage, with or without the aluminum bedding blocks. I've bedded a number of stocks (Ruger, Howa, Remington) but never had a reason to bed a plastic Savage stock yet.