I recently met friends, a 16 yo boy and his dad at the range and let the boy shoot my 6.5 Grendel Howa bolt gun and my 708AI bolt. His dad is likely getting him a rifle for LR and is leaning 6.5CM. He's asked about the Ruger PR and I told him it's a good choice. I'm also going to mention the Tikka CTR. These guys are shotgun guys and not looking to build. What else might I recommend? Again, he's not ready to build, just rifle, rings, scope, factory ammo (to start), and trigger time.

I would recommend that they get one of those "package deals" from Savage, in the caliber they choose. Since they're not experienced riflemen, buying a turnkey package that has everything put together for them makes a lot of sense, imho. If they find out that they really want to get into the rifle shooting world, they can always upgrade, a little at a time.

Something like this will get 'em started:

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/53049/savage+axis+ii+xp+65+crd

You mentioned the CTR in 6.5CM. That's the one I plan on handing down to my son when he's old enough. Figure it's a do all gun for him for the state of Texas.

My choice would be CTR or UPR, but if it's strictly for LR and weight isn't an issue, the Bergara HMR is a close second. The Savage Axis II Precision is in that price range; Browning Hells Canyon Long Range is certainly no slouch. Also Rem 700 5R but it won't have detachable mags.

Just being nosey and looking at this browning x-bolt. The Target Max seems like a great deal. FYI, I kinda like x-bolts.

https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/x-bolt-target-max.html

I wish there was a 223 option here.

CTR

CTR

Begara B14 is a lot of gun for the $$

Mikei, I have nothing against Savage personally, in fact, I've eyeballing a 223 they have, but this kid wants to shoot LR and that scope is not gonna cut it. If it were the 110 action, maybe, because it could be expanded upon later.

I forgot about Bergara. I've never owned or shot one but I've heard nothing but good things. I'll mention them. Are they metric threads? What does Bergara have against 223REM?

I have a friend that owns the Bergara HMR in 6.5, and it is a tack driver. In addition to the anemic scope, that Savage does not have a heavy barrel, and if he wants to shoot LR, I would say he needs a heavy barreled rifle. Could look at the Savage model 12 for a bottom price point rifle...but he would need to replace the stock, and would probably want to convert to an AICS Magazine...which kinda defeats the purpose of buying one off the shelf.

Lower end options would be Savage 10/110 Tactical line, Ruger American Predator, Howa ORYX, Mossberg MVP LR. Those all have heavier barrels and detachable mags.

I gave Dad my opinion (God help him), recommendations, & told where my experience is and lack thereof. Now it's in his hands. Oh yeah, I told him to get ready to spend a couple grand out of the gate. He's been warned.

Tikka CTR.

I have yet to see one not do everything you ask of it. Cycles great, nice trigger, ejects strong, shoots tight (especially on a hand load), damn nice DBM and mag.

Well, it sounded to me like they still have their training wheels on when it comes to rifles. And a person with no experience is not going to go LR right out of the starting gate. He's gonna need lots and lots of trigger time with a rifle/scope combo that can put them all in one hole right away at 100 yards. Going through the scope selection, rings and mounts selection, and mounting process can be a daunting task for someone with zero experience. Doesn't have to be a Savage, but a package deal is what I would recommend if he were my son.

I disagree with a whole lot of this. I'll try to stay in order.

Yes, a person damn sure can go LR right out of the gate. They can with the right teacher. And I have been that guy approaching a thousand times.

A little bit of trigger time doing it the right way replaces hundreds of squeezes doing it the wrong way for years.

One hole is not necessary. Inside 1" at 100 yards is.

Rifle, base, ring, scope is not daunting. The questions can and have been answered many times in one single text message.

Package deals are chit. They are a chit base, chit rings, and chit scope. All they will do is build in frustration because of the chit equipment that is not up to the task, and waste ammo.

Long range and a budget is number one, you set a budget and folks who shoot regularly can give a good start. Personally I have never seen a package deal worth anything its all garbage and the worksmanship of the basic assembly is horrid.

If someone has a 800-1000 yard goal you need a heavy barrel, and a scope that has external turrets with some room, preferably an action that will take a 20 moa pic rail. 308, 6.5 cm, a fast twist 223, a 6cm, or even a 243 will do everything asked of it, theres rifles out there that can be had with a scope for under a grand.

A Ruger predator with a arken scope would be the first thing that comes to mind totally 1000 yard capable under $1000 ready to shoot.

Tikka in 7mm-08.... and I may have missed it but what does the dad or the 16yr old consider LR ? To shotgunners just making it over the rifle bench.. LR might be 200 - 300 yrds... ?

Bergara HMR I give a slight advantage over Tikka but only because it’s on Remington clone and uses AI mags which are cheaper than Tikka mags.
Easy to pick scope….best for money I have seen


https://www.bushnell.com/riflescopes/match-pro/match-pro-6-24x50-riflescope/P2178035.html

That scopes got a lot of features for that price point! I agree the hmr is ready for target shooting, informal matches, steel banging right out of the box and takes all the after market stuff as your ready to upgrade.

does homeboy know this endeavor is going to cost over $3,000 if done right?

It can be done for $2000 or less.

There’s a SWFA 3-15 in the classifieds for $600 ish and used CTRs can be had from 800 ish. New from 1000.

Easily under $2k…

Ruger American Predator @ Buds: $449.35 ($485 threaded) free shipping
Athlon Midas TAC 6-24x50, FFP @ Amazon: $656.

This is easily <1moa and will do well over 1000 yards.

$2k can get more goodies, (scope level, brake, etc) and still have enough to get a good, basic loading set-up.

Whatever you say, FiremanJG.