Soon after the first of the year, I’m going to purchase what will be my new go-to boom stick for deer/hogs/axis/etc. Threaded barrel is a must as my Sandman-Ti will be that much closer to making bail. I’m pretty set on 308 being my caliber of choice, and have narrowed down my search to 4 rifles. Remington SPS Tactical AAC-SD, Bergara B-14 Ridge, Tikka T3X CTR, and Kimber Adirondack is where I’m at. I’ve got a safe full of Remington Sendero’s from 223 up to 300 WM, so a big part of me leans towards another Rem 700 in the SPS. With that said, I wouldn’t mind trying something different. So, what say you THF braintrust?

Zero first hand knowledge of the Kimber or Bergara. Between the Tikka and Remington - Unless I'm already planning to replace the trigger and maybe the stock (I don't like those overmolded stocks), hands down the Tikka wins.

My dad picked up the Bergera and I have yet to shoot it but I can say from feel it seems pretty nice. He says it’s the best factory trigger he has ever had.

I don’t have much experience with bolt actions, but recently picked up a Rem 700 5R Gen 2 and I really like it. It has a threaded/fluted barrel and is a very solid gun. I did add an after market trigger, but I couldn’t be more pleased with it. It shoots great!

I’ve considered the 5R as well. My only bolt action experience outside of my 700’s is VERY briefly owning a Tikka T3 Lite I won at a CCA banquet. Didn’t care too much for the gun and sold it the same week.

The Kimber is a flyweight. You might to to look at the Barrett Fieldcraft as well.

Not sure you can go wrong with any of those listed, just depends on usage. The CTR is more of a target/hunter weighs a little more.

I just bought a Remington Seven 16" threaded in 308 as lightweight hunter in 308. Just started experimenting on loads.

Of the ones you listed, I can recommend the Bergara Ridge and the Tikka without hesitation. I have a Ridge and I love it. I also have a Tikka T3, but not the exact model you're looking at. I've seen enough with mine to recommend any Tikka. The Ridge is a little on the heavy side with the light varmint barrel, but I haven't had an issue with mine at all. I hiked into the mountains in Alaska with it and had no complaints (at least not with the rifle). The Tikka and Bergara are both excellent choices, but I would probably give a slight edge to the Bergara since they fit Remington 700 stocks and scope mounts.

I bought a Bergara, and although the fit and finish was superb, and the trigger was superb, I couldn't get the damn thing to shoot. Traded it of for a Savage that shoots lights out.

I have a CTR and it is awesome. That being said I handled a Savage High Country and a Browning Hells Canyon. Both were impressive.

I bought a Bergara Ridge 6.5 creedmoor for hunting this year. By far the worst gun I ever bought. The action was so sloppy it made a Savage look phenomenal and then the stock was so twisted up, It would rub in 5 different spots. Factory was zero help to me also. Tikka and Savage for me. I have a Savage 12fv that shoots lights out and a Savage Axis 300 Blk Out that shoots a ragged hole.

Also u can’t go wrong with a Rem 700 period

The ctr 20”

This.

Remington or Tikka. I’m not sure what kind of lights they will shoot out though.

Never seen a CTR that didn’t shoot. Second choice would be a 5R Rem.

Thanks for the input so far guys.

Going to revive this thread. After only 200 days, I received my can. I finally got my new rifle put together this week, and though I've yet to shoot it, I couldn't be happier.
Remington SPS AAC-SD w/ KRG Bolt Lift, DeadAir Sandman Ti w/ Ebrake, and NightForce SHV 5-20x56 Illuminated Forceplex on NightForce Direct Mount

Nice! I hunt with nearly the same rifle in 308. When shooting off a bipod, this stock likes to flex. So, shoot it with a bipod and without it off sand bags. These stocks will flex some and touch the barrel often when using a bipod and can cause groups to open up. I generally shoot mine off bags or on a ledge, like a deer stand.

Thanks for the insight bud, I have noticed the stock is a bit "soft" compared to what Im used to in my Sendero guns.

Sweet looking setup

very nice, you'll be surprised how far u can ring steel with your rig

thanks guys, still looking forward to breaking this thing in!

we have a winner

I ended up having to yank the Xmark Pro out of this gun, probably the worst factory trigger I’ve shot. Replaced it with a Triggertech Primary and have been extremely happy with the results.

I have 2 of them in 6.5 CM. Well in the house that is one is the wife's.

The Hogue Overmolded stock comes with or without a full length aluminum chassis....the one with the chassis is solid. My 700 has worn one (with chassis) for 6-7 years now with no problems.