So lets say you have $1,500-1,700 to spend on a bolt action rifle, scope, rings and a base with the idea that this is the only rifle you'll have. Ideally it will be used on deer, coyotes, pigs and shooting steel at 500-800 yards occasionally. What setup are you going with and why?

*I'm really leaning towards the Bergara Ridge in 6.5 Creedmoor with a Leupold VX-3I LRP 4.5-14x50mm TMR FFP scope

That's a nice choice combo that would get the job done. I would recommend looking at the Burris XTR II 3-18 and the Bushnell LRS 3.5-20 for better more reliable tracking.

Rifle and caliber is fine. I'd revise the scope choice a little bit.

This scope was my other choice, any opinions on it? Bushnell Elite Tactical LRTS 3-12x44

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...0137-44d8-00163ecd2826?variation=1971938

^^ Much better choice!

That's the one I was referring to, left out the T. I think you can step up on the power to 20 with this series which I would recommend unless you are young and have great vision, for the long range side, lol.

I have several Bushnells and love them all. You might be able to find the LRHS/LRTS 4.5-18 around if you need more than the 3-12. If you can get by with less, another solid option is the SWFA 3-9 HD.

If I was to do it id probably end up with a savage or tikka in 6.5 cm and a SS 5-20 HD.

I would get and actually have a Tikka CTR 6.5 CM with a Zeiss HD5 5-25x50 on it. I shot a fence post at 700 yards with it twice this past weekend.

The Leupold does not have a good reputation for tracking, but my VX-6HD tracked as it should.

I have one of these and I'm really impressed. I really like the SWFA 3-9 but I really wish it had capped or locking windage turret. If it did, I'd have a few more. I really like the LRTS 3-12 just wish it was a tad lighter but it checks the other boxes for being a hunting/target scope.

I agree

I have the Bushnell LRHS 4.5-18 on a Tikka CTR and couldn't be happier.

I have a Nightforce SHV 5-20 on another rifle and really like it but part of my wishes I had the 4-16 because it's FFP.

T3 CTR, NF shv F1, seekins rings. I have $1700 in that exact setup

T3x and LRHS/LRTS in 6.5CM is a superb combo, as is the CTR. You can usually find a mint used CTR for a very reasonable price if you're patient. Hopefully you don't suffer from CMDS (Creedmoor Derangement Syndrome) like lots of folks here do.

Sportsmatch rings if going the T3X route.

[align:left][/align]I have a Tikka CTR, .308 with a Leupold VX5 HD, 3-15, CDS dial. Warne rings. It's a fantastic hunting rifle. I shoot factory Hornady ammo that has been great for this set up. Accuracy and mobility are strong points with the 20" barrel. It's not bad to carry around and you can get on game quick if need be. In a blind it's easy to manage. I keep a bipod on mine and hunt off the ground a lot. Pm me if you want to hear about some of the shots this rifle has made on game over the last few years.

I think I would go Bergara Ridge as well but in 7-08. The Ridge seems to be a lot of value and it's threaded and available in 7-08.

For scope, I would go Trijicon. I like the 3-9x42 but since we are adding some longer range shooting I would go Trijicon 4-16x50 Mil Square green. IMO Trijicon Accupower line is one of the best line of scopes for the money.

https://www.sportoptics.com/trijicon-accupower-1900023.aspx

I don't have a preference on rings.

Any thoughts on the Remington 700 5R Gen2 6.5 creedmoor?

https://grabagun.com/remington-700-5-r-gen2-6-5creed-24-tb-blk.html

The Remington Gen2 is definitely an upgrade from Remington's more standard offerings and is suppressor ready. It's also an American made firearm.

Third-party Review

Burris XTR ii 3-15x50 G2B mil reticle.