I'm considering testing the waters of the 6.5 creed, but don't want to break the bank...So, I'm curious if anyone here has tried one of these? Are they accurate rifles, or should save my pennies for something better?
I bought one from Whittaker's for $330 and dislike the Hogue stock so strongly that I bought a V2 take-off stock from a member here and that made the fit much better for me. If you're going to use the rifle "as is", they are a good deal, but if you would plan to change the stock, then you'd want to factor in the additional cost when making your purchase decision.
I have bought four different models of factory specs rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor; Howa 1500, Ruger Hawkeye and RAR-P, and Weatherby Vanguard2. Accuracy among the four is comparable, with the V2 being the most accurate "out of the box" CF rifle that I've yet to own. If barrel length is a matter of consideration for you, the V2s come with 24" barrels, while the other come with 22" barrels. Stocks are a very personal thing, so while the ergs of the Hogue stock that came on the Howa 1500 were terrible for me, they might work fine for others.
BOTTOM LINE: If you don't mind the Hogue stock, the Howa 1500 is a great buy at $330 from Whittaker's. If not, the higher initial cost of the V2 might end up being very close to the combined cost of the Howa 1500 and a replacement stock.