Spend My Money - Mountain Rifle

[aggieman12]

I will start by saying I am not a gun expert nor do I wish to be.

I was on standby for an archery elk tag, but a rifle tag came available last minute - so I am going in September.

I would like to buy a new rifle. What do I need?

$5,000 +/- with quality optics
lightweight
shoots 4-500 yards
simple use - yardage turret
readily available
Quality factory ammo - open to caliber suggestions
Durable finish for inclement weather

I don’t think I have time for a custom build, but I would like a higher end rifle. For the right rifle, I can go up on budget.

I appreciate your help.

[aggieman12]

I will not have time to buy a new suppressor for this rifle before my hunt. And my current suppressor is 10 years old and built like a window weight. However, I would like my rifle to be a good suppressor host. I would also appreciate suppressor recommendations.

[Kenner97]

Look at APR, they have some that are ready so not wait time on a custom or semi custom. For elk, probably a 30 cal. 300 win mag, 300 PRC.

[Kenner97]

You never know about a suppressor, took me about 3 weeks and mine was on back order. Once it was in stock a form signed, it was approved in 2 days.

[bowhunterhelm]

I'm heading to NM for elk in October. I'm going with Christiansen Ridgeline 300 PRC topped with Leupold VX6 3-18X50, with an Atlas bipod. I have a little over $4k in that setup. It meets all of your check lists.

[Chase4556]

I’m one who prefers to get the most bang for my buck. Vast majority of the time, you can get the same performance(accuracy) from a $900 rifle as some will get from a $2500 rifle. A $5k budget for a rifle will of course get you pretty much whatever you want.

Howa makes a pretty good rifle for the money. They have a carbon stalker in 7mm PRC that weighs 6.8lbs for $949 according to midwayusa. Your local FFL might even be able to get you out the door for that price. Throw the optic of your choice on top and you have a good setup. Odds are you could even grab a new suppressor and STILL be under $5k(depending on your optic choice). My last suppressor was a 6 day turn around after the firm 4 was submitted. 2 weeks total including the time it took to certify the paperwork. So you could probably get one before the hunt if you really wanted, just don’t put it on a trust.

Ive got a $900 Bergara Ridge 300wm that shoots lights out NOW. It was a PIA but that’s another story. 7.7lbs is a little heavy for a mountain rifle, but it’s only a pound heavier than the twice as expensive Christiansen Ridgeline 300prc. That $949 Howa Carbon Stalker 7PRC is the same weight as that $2500 Ridgeline. Up to you on what one pound is worth, or what constitutes a “high end” rifle.

My Bergara Ridge 300wm, 330yds with 174gr Hammer Hunter handloads, Leupold vx6 4-24. Well under $5000.

edit: Note I didn’t suggest a Bergara. I have a love/hate relationship with mine.

[tpepper70]

I'm going Elk hunting in Oct and wanted the same type of rifle, but I'm like Chase. I ended up going with a Bergara Wilderness Terrain in 300PRC topped with an Arken LH scope, my Diligent Defense Enticer S. Total package is right at 10.5lbs. I plan on reloading to find an even better round, but Hornady factory 212gr ELD-X is about .75" at 100yrds. That being said, I personally don't think you'd need a rifle of this caliber for 500 yard and less, which a 308 or similar would do well and shave at least a pound off the total weight. So many choices. Good luck to ya and let us know what you go with.

[Yelladog]

I have a tikka superlite 7mag that shoots lights out. Doesn’t come threaded but site sponsor diamond C precision can thread it for like $120 quick turnaround. Or you could bump up to the roughtech or veil that is threaded. The price gives you a lot leftover for optic, ammo.
the weatherby back country would be worth a look too. Depending on model they can weigh between 4.9lb-6.25lb. If you don’t want a weatherby caliber you can get in 7PRC.

someone mentioned above suppressor approvals have been much quicker so it would be worth trying to get one in time. Capital armory has the harvester evo for $499. I bought 2 and have been extremely pleased with them.

[Chase4556]

someone mentioned above suppressor approvals have been much quicker so it would be worth trying to get one in time. Capital armory has the harvester evo for $499. I bought 2 and have been extremely pleased with them.

Capitol Armory is who I used. Did my fingerprints at a UPS location with printscan so I have the ETF file. Whole thing was done online, just under 2 weeks from purchase to paperwork certification and form 4 upload. 6 days later, approved. Guess it was 2 weeks and a couple days or so. Either way, super fast.

https://printscan.com

[scott123456789]

300prc from Bergara. They have plenty of threaded options and offer some standard and carbon barrel options. All will guarantee MOA accuracy with factory loads. Given the time frame and budget you should be good to go.

[aggieman12]

Thoughts on this rifle?

[aggieman12]

Another rifle I am considering in 300 PRC.

[Raider4044]

Seekins Havak with a Leupold Mark 5 on top would be what I’d buy if I didn’t want to go custom.

[aggieman12]

Seekins Havak with a Leupold Mark 5 on top would be what I’d buy if I didn’t want to go custom.

I would rather go with a custom rifle, but I don't think I have the time.

Any thoughts on the Vortex LHT?

[Raider4044]

I would rather go with a custom rifle, but I don't think I have the time.

Any thoughts on the Vortex LHT?

I had one on a rifle for a while. They’re decent scopes, but I like the Mark 5s much better.

Turrets leave a lot to be desired on the LHT imo, and the Leupold glass is noticeably better.