Bolt gun price/value sweet spot
After putting way too much thought and time into buying a lightweight hunting bolt gun, I finally settled on a Howa. I have a different set of parameters, of course, but not too different. I already had two Rem 700s, an LTR in .223 and a 700P with the barrel chopped to 20". Both are way to heavy to hike with for more than a couple miles. I almost went with the Bergara 6.5CM for the reputation for accuracy. I like the action feel, and the factory trigger was great. I also really liked the Browning x-bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 6.5CM. The Tika and Kimber rifles in the same price range honestly didn't have the smooth yet stable bolt feel when cycling the action. All these are roughly a grand, except the Bergara being $700-ish. I also knew that I'd be chopping the barrel to 16" and threading the barrel, which meant another $165. So then my gunsmith talked to me about the Howa. Three position safety, two stage trigger, detachable mag, good reputation for accuracy out of the box, and easy for a 'smith to work on. I decided I didn't need the extra velocity of the 6.5CM and went with a mini action in 6.5 Grendel. I just picked the rifles up last Saturday, but I'm very happy with them. While I think you are on the right track for ~you~ with Creedmore, I think the balance of price/value for a Howa is right near the top. Of course I only have 45 rounds through one, and 25 through the other, so accuracy and performance haven't really been tested yet. But at around $500 for the rifle and $200 for the work.... it's tough to beat.
That target is only at fifty because I was just getting it on paper Sunday. But for rounds 21-25, during break in, I'm cautiously optimistic.
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