Non-Tikka Hunting Rifle Recommendations

[AlabamaMountainMan]

What rifle does everyone recommend in the price range of $1000.00 to $1500.00 for a sort of "do-all" platform that is not a Tikka? Looking to pick up a 6.5 creedmoor that will be good for hunting SE US timber, swamps, and hill country as well an annual western state trip.

Some of the options I have seen but do not know much about:
- Weatherby 307
- Weatherby Mark V Hunter
- Ruger Hawkeyes (Hunter, FTW, LR Hunter)
- Several Bergara B-14's
- Several Savage 110 models

Would love to hear feedback on those rifles as well as other recommendations. For anyone wondering, I have had 2 Tikkas previously and just find that they always have more felt recoil than other rifles that I have shot. I also just got rid of a Tikka T3X SS Lite in 30-06 due to a magazine seating issue that I could never get resolved so at this point in time, I am really burnt out on Tikka.

 

[handwerk]

I'd look to a winchester model 70 in featherweight or extreme weather.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

sauer
sako s20

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

I'd look to a winchester model 70 in featherweight or extreme weather.

You know, those are shockingly hard to find. I was wondering if they were being phased out at one point. I'll have to call some of the surrounding LGS to see if they carry any.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

sauer
sako s20

Just for clarification, Sig Sauer Cross or Sauer 100?

 

[ResearchinStuff]

sauer 100

 

[hereinaz]

I would run a Sig Cross.
A more traditional rifle would be a Sako.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

I would run a Sig Cross.
A more traditional rifle would be a Sako.

The Cross is definitely intriguing and under consideration. Especially since I do enjoy the similarities it has in feel to an AR. I am a bit concerned about the 18 inch barrel for a 6.5 creedmoor that is primarily for hunting though. And it seems like it is basically $2k to get the 20 inch model which would be out of my budget.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

I love Steyr rifles. Unfortunately they are slow to adopt new modern cartridges like the PRC lineup.

Pro Hunter III | Steyr Arms USA

One of our most popular hunting rifles, the Pro Hunter III features Steyr’s innovative (SBS) Safe Bolt System, with the SX variant sporting a rugged green synthetic stock with soft-rubber inlays and an aluminum bedding block.

steyr-arms.us

 

[hereinaz]

The Cross is definitely intriguing and under consideration. Especially since I do enjoy the similarities it has in feel to an AR. I am a bit concerned about the 18 inch barrel for a 6.5 creedmoor that is primarily for hunting though. And it seems like it is basically $2k to get the 20 inch model which would be out of my budget

How far are you shooting game? 50 fps for the extra 2” isn’t really much.

 

[hereinaz]

At distance it is only adding about 50 yards…

 

[SuperDUECE22]

i'd bump my budget to $1,6xx and head over to eurooptics.com and get a seekins precision havak pro hunter PH2

Seekins Precision HAVAK Pro Hunter PH2 6.5 Creedmoor 24" 1:8" 5/8"x24 TPI Bbl Urban Shadow Rifle w/(1) 5rd PMAG 0011710115-US

Seekins Precision HAVAK Pro Hunter PH2 6.5 Creedmoor 24" 1:8" 5/8"x24 TPI Bbl Urban Shadow Rifle w/(1) 5rd PMAG 0011710115-US For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

 

[hereinaz]

i'd bump my budget to $1,6xx and head over to eurooptics.com and get a seekins precision havak pro hunter PH2

Seekins Precision HAVAK Pro Hunter PH2 6.5 Creedmoor 24" 1:8" 5/8"x24 TPI Bbl Urban Shadow Rifle w/(1) 5rd PMAG 0011710115-US

Seekins Precision HAVAK Pro Hunter PH2 6.5 Creedmoor 24" 1:8" 5/8"x24 TPI Bbl Urban Shadow Rifle w/(1) 5rd PMAG 0011710115-US For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

This is an excellent choice!

 

[JAC8504]

im a fan of the Ruger 77... Mauser style all the way!

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

How far are you shooting game? 50 fps for the extra 2” isn’t really much.

Really I would be most interested in a 22" which I am anticipating would get me about 100 fps more than the 18". Although the 18" would be handy in some of the timber hunting. I primarily run copper so I am trying to keep it in mind when I pick a rifle.

 

[Hnthrdr]

The Cross is definitely intriguing and under consideration. Especially since I do enjoy the similarities it has in feel to an AR. I am a bit concerned about the 18 inch barrel for a 6.5 creedmoor that is primarily for hunting though. And it seems like it is basically $2k to get the 20 inch model which would be out of my budget.

You are hunting Alabama? Even in the west 0 issues with an 18” 6.5cm
Saw the copper thing, I would look at 6cm or 6.5 prc of copper was my thing

 

[Choupique]

What rifle does everyone recommend in the price range of $1000.00 to $1500.00 for a sort of "do-all" platform that is not a Tikka?

Model 70 will always get my vote for this.

If you're a snob, shop for a lightly used new haven one. It'll be under your budget, but you may have to get it bedded. That'll get you the old style trigger instead of the new MOA one.

 

[SDHNTR]

Model 70 will always get my vote for this.

If you're a snob, shop for a lightly used new haven one. It'll be under your budget, but you may have to get it bedded. That'll get you the old style trigger instead of the new MOA one.

This.

But BTW, your Tikka aversion due to felt recoil can be easily mitigated by buying one that is threaded and adding a muzzle brake or suppressor. Or even adding a mercury rod to the buttstock. And the Model 70 could also benefit from same.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I would probably include the franchi or benelli bolt guns on this list, handled one a bit ago and it seems like a great non tikka option, I would put sauer at the top though.

 

[Yung6ix]

Ruger Hawkeyes