I've had a lot of luck with Ruger, Savage, Reminton, and Winchesters over the years. Had a Kimber Montana and Sako TRG-S that were nice too. Now i'm thinking about taking the next step up in price range and want to make sure I'm considering all my options.
I've been thinking about a Weatherby Accumark. Or for that kind of money am I better off taking a 700 or 70 action, rebarreling to my choice of cartridge, and putting it in a McMillian? I've also thought about a Montana Rifle Co. but haven't heard alot of feedback on them.
What other options are out there in my price range?
I believe the Forbes 24 or the Nosler rifles might be in your range.
To be honest, there's nothing about a Weatherby rifle that's ever horned me up other than the occasional chambering of 257 Wby Mag. It's not always available from other manufacturers.
It's not that their rifles are bad - just don't know that they actually offer me anything above others that I've used and enjoyed.
I'd look at Forbes unless you want something that does something a factory rifle won't in regards to chambering or twist.
Travis
If weight is a concern, I'd go Forbes before Kimber, but only if I liked a short LOP. Forbes is 13.3" which is way to short for me.
If it's not, Give the Cooper Jackson Hunter, Excalibur or Nosler TGR a look.
+1. I do like your other idea of rebarrel and McMillan if you are looking for a less than common cartridge choice
Could also buy a used custom rifle from the classifieds depending on what caliber and configuration you are looking for.
Buying a used custom is a great bang-for-buck approach, but it may take some time to get exactly what you want.
1500-2000 is very doable on a cafeteria type build. You get an action, tube, stock, etc and send it all off to be assembled. You get exactly what you want, that looks the way you want, and shoots lights out.
action 350
tube 325
stock 450-550
trigger 100
assembly (true the action, chamber and screw tube, coating)$600
That's $1925 if you get a fair deal, or pay retail on each component. Smokin' deals can be had at the expense of time
Really depends on what all you want and how you intend to use the rifle.
Stainless/synthetic?
Wood/blue?
^^+1^^
Buy components and send to a smith for assembly.