Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Higher End Factory or Semi Custom Shopping

Thanks for the feedback and the comedy! I am liking the concept of a removable brake. My shoulder will really appreciate having it during load development on the bench. My ears will appreciate not having it afield.

How about a Kimber 84M Open Country in .308 Win. The .308 Win version weighs 6lb 12oz and comes with an AG Composites carbon fiber stock, deeply fluted barrel with 5/8-24 muzzle threads and a thread protector. Any number of effective brakes are available.

https://www.kimberamerica.com/open-country-granite-2/
https://www.kimberamerica.com/open-country

Yeah, That's why I used the word "higher." So it's not down there there in the Tikka, Savage Axis category. Not in the mid grade Winchester M70, Ruger 77, Remington 700 class. Something on the higher side of mid grade for factory rifles or as some say "semi-custom." But we both know that's a misnomer as well. If nothing else, the $1000-$1500 should have been enough to help thinking people understand what I was looking for. But there are those who always need to ring in with something other than a constructive comment right?

Yeah, That's why I used the word "higher." So it's not down there there in the Tikka, Savage Axis category. Not in the mid grade Winchester M70, Ruger 77, Remington 700 class. Something on the higher side of mid grade for factory rifles or as some say "semi-custom." But we both know that's a misnomer as well. If nothing else, the $1000-$1500 should have been enough to help thinking people understand what I was looking for. But there are those who always need to ring in with something other than a constructive comment right?

I am going to go with a company that didn't give birth to the word Roulette.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...257-bob-nosler-professional#Post14346549

That is a very nice rifle. The guy has good taste in granite, flooring, and appliances too. I had to do a double check to make sure it wasn't my house. His fruit basket is nicer. Here's mine.

If you don't want any potential "roulette", you might want to drop MRC off your list, unless you are using the action for a build by someone else. Lots of sad stories here about QC and CS. I like 'em, but they scare me just a bit.

That's strange, that's the same flooring and granite that I have in my kitchen. I have stainless appliances and an island in the middle of the kitchen also.

Back on topic here, I am also looking for something different in a Cooper, Nosler, Weatherby, Fierce, Christensen Arms, MRC, except in a LEFT HAND version, a lite weight rifle for deer hunting. I realize a left hand version really does cut down my caliber choices. I don't mind spending a little money if its a good rifle, I am thinking about thinning the herd and getting rid of some safe queens. Leaning towards a 6.5 PRC or maybe a 308. Almost afraid of the Weatherby calibers, seems like they would be barrel burners, however I would not be shooting the rifle mush except to check scope zero and the shots that I would fire while hunting.

If you don't want any potential "roulette", you might want to drop MRC off your list, unless you are using the action for a build by someone else. Lots of sad stories here about QC and CS. I like 'em, but they scare me just a bit.

PaulBarnard,have you look at used semi-custom guns?

I have read some of that. I love the 3 position safety and controlled feed of the MRC. They definitely fit the bill for me, but the few stories I have read here are giving me reservations. In doing a lot of reading on the Christensen Mesa, I have found a few stories about poor accuracy and CS as well. I guess that is inescapable.

I have recently done some consolidating/condensing with my herd. Too many guns sat in the safe bored from non-use. I felt bad for them, so I set them free. As of right now I have several 223 semi-autos, a 223 ultralight bolt gun and a 257 Roberts Ruger Ultralight. I am going to get a heavy barrel 223 to cover my target needs. The Ruger 257 is my woods or stand rifle. I want to treat myself to a really nice higher end factory/semi custom rifle. I'll give you a list of criteria.

* I am not looking for a lightweight rifle. Something in the 7-7.5 bare weight would be close to ideal. I could go either side of that though.
* I want a US made rifle that is not a Ruger
* Flush magazine. No goiters.
* Not a 6.5 Creedmoor. I am well aware of their virtues, I just can't warm up to the chambering.
* Because of a bum shoulder, something milder recoiling. Think of something in the 257 Roberts-6.5 PRC range, maybe a 257 WBY.
* Probably in the $1000-$1500 price range.

Contenders at this point.

MRC X3
Nosler M-48
Christensen Arms Mesa

The Mesa in 6.5 PRC is in the lead. I have read reviews, and it is getting almost universal praise. With the factory brake, recoil is said to be minimal. I am thinking shoot off the bench with the brake and hunt with the thread protector provided POI is consistent. I like the looks and lines of the rifle. The weight is just right as well.

The MRC in 257 Roberts makes some sense as well. I already have dies, brass and bullets and have a decided soft spot for the chambering. I done kilt more deers with it than all others combined.

Anything else out there. Anyone want to talk me into or out of anything.

I want to reiterate that the almighty 6.5 Creedlord is OFF the table.

I am not averse to a used gun, but in the back of my mind is why they are being sold. How many times do we read here about a gun that an owner couldn't get to shoot being "sent down the road" for some other poor soul to have to deal with?

MRC X3 I would say NO

Nosler M-48 I would say NO

Christensen Arms Mesa Maybe

I would pick a 6mm Creedmoor, Dasher, BR, Something or other

I would try to piece together parts and have Shaen build it up but that would be out of the $1500 range