My 22yr old daughter now has a 7-08 & loves it. She’s a hunter more than a shooter and pretty serious about it. My earlier thread, in Ask Gun Writers, has been looking for a bullet substitute due to availability - which we’ve talked about the suggestions made.

This conversation about bullets led to her considering a 6.5 Creedmoor as a second rifle - specifically in a short carbine as a companion to her 7-08 which is more full size 22” bbl.

I argued there isn’t enough difference between cartridges to make the investment worthwhile.

She pushed back and said at least she’d double her luck on finding ammo.

Can’t dispute that her logic holds merit but thought I’d put it here to see what other thoughts I/ she should consider

The 20” Tikka Compact in 6.5 Creedmoor would be a nice addition I think.

Check out an X-bolt Micro Midas. I have one stashed away in 6.5 cm for the kids in a few years. Very compact but also comes with spacers to adjust/grow.

The M70 FWT Compacts are nice rifles but they aren't nearly as compact in the stock.

Thanks fellas - have my eye on a Tikka auction

Be mindful of muzzle blast. In shorter barrel lengths, the blast from a 6.5 Creedmoor may be intolerable without a suppressor.

I have a 7/08 Compact T3x........efficient round in the 20"

Same goes for 243. The 20" isn't too bad. But I've never understood handing a kid a 243 or 708 with a 16.5" barrel. It's a flamethrower lol.

Agreed. 20" is usable, but any shorter, especially in the smaller bore diameters burning 45ish grains of powder is just nasty.

You can get a CVA Scout in 22" compact or 24" takedown. Both are pretty short overall due to the single shot action.

You're right, there won't be any difference in the field. Additionally, the 20" barreled Tikka isn't going to be much different in overall length than a typical 22" bolt gun. That money could be better spent on new binos, a rangefinder, boots, 7mm-08 ammo for practice, or application fees towards a hunt somewhere new and fun.

I don't consider this to be a compact rifle, but I have the Remington Model 700 American Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor, with the 20 inch fluted heavy barrel. It is a very good shooting rifle, not really all that heavy either.