Its for my 3 teenage daughters (all first year deer tag draws) . I really have enjoyed watching your YouTube channel and reading some of your articles on backfire! Thanks for the videos, they have been great! Not impressed with the plastic trigger guard also because I have broken one on a different rifle and it was a pain in the rear to source. He lives outside of Austin, TX. 80lbs maybe. Have you had a chance to look over or review the Savage Impulse? I went with the CVA simply for that reason. Seekins is another I looked into but judging by the lack of representation in reviews I\m not confident in it either. I want a lightweight rifle that has mild Recoil with ballistics similar to 270 Winchester but in a short action. In front of the recoil pad, on the bottom of the Momentums shoulder stock, are two molded-in features: a hand groove grip area for holding the stock with ones support hand while shooting from a rest, and a recessed sling swivel mount. The CVA Cascade is an exceptional rifle for the price. I ended up buying a Bergara Mountain 2.0, which checked all the boxes for me as a hunting rifle. Its a Howa 1500 action in their own pretty cool stock. Copyright 2000-2023 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I am looking for a new rifle, and am looking at the Franchi Momentum Elite, was looking for any input by those of you that have one. My brother and another buddy bought one (223 and 22-250) because mine shot so well and they had similar results. Accurate, lightweight, and comfortable with a great trigger, its a solid choice to fill your freezer this season. Both the Momentum Elite and the newer Tikka Veil are . Take your pick but you get a super reliable gun and if you ever broke an extractor or firing pin you can change them out right in the field within minutes. Seems like the bergara barrel profile would be better for larger cartridges. One issue that has come up with all three of their guns is having to check and tighten the front and rear action assembly screws. I have my moments of trigger snobbery, but if I owned a Momentum I wouldnt spend money seeking a trigger upgrade or smithing work. Looking for a good review of it after months of no Tikkas available locally in 308. What r your thought for a high end choice up to around the 3k range? I want to buy a new rifle in 30-06. Leave the modern made junk guns to the young and inexperienced people which results in the good stuff out there being more plentiful for us old foxes that know what a quality gun is and what a reliable one is. There is a nice Bavarian Sako but theres isnt much data on accuracy on the range with a scope. Whats your opinion one the tikka t3x upr vs the waypoint 2020? The rings are on a 30mm tube though, which has more surface area pressure from the rings to hold the scope in place. I just want an all around deer rifle that is easy to find ammo for. I did achieve the box numbers through hand loading and Magpro powder for the 170 Bergers and Staball 6.5 for the 129 lrx. Also, since I\d prefer to keep it to one gun I was more interested in buying a semi-custom gun and was thinking about getting the Fierce Carbon Rogue. Thanks for such a speedy response. Mr. Harmer, I really appreciate your reviews on the Sig Cross and Waypoint. Great Content. Thanks! For the record the cheapest gun Ive ever owned is a TC compass in 6.5 Creedmoor and it has shot sub MOA with most factory offerings from day one and consistently shoots sub 1/2 moa with handloads. Its incredibly well built. I have fond memories of my Weatherby, but the last few years its spent more time in my gun safe while I pack smaller calibers. Benelli Lupo should had definitely made the list Better rifle than most others mentioned in my honest opinion. Watch my review here. It would also handle bigger calibers MUCH better than the Cross. Looks to me like an Apples to Oranges request. Gun #: 999725884. Im a big fan of Sig pistols and never had an issue with QC. I am looking to buy a Savage 110 Timberline in 300 win mag, what is opinion about it ? It was raffled, gave winner 450 hoping to thrd and add brake but barrel too thin. Really enjoy your channel and dialogue on your reviews. As a side note, I have a Sako 85 from Cabelas. Hey Jim I recently found your stuff and have been doing a deep dive. The stock is cheesy feeling, but nicely shaped and rigid. I would have to agree that no higher end rifle list should ever not have a Mod 70 or a Sako on it. Tikka T3X Compact Bolt-Action Rifle - Best .308 Lightweight Hunting Rifle. Like I said not sure what you tested it in, but I just wanted to let you know. Its a great suppressor. The forend felt fat and a bit chunky, and the detachable mag looks like it could get in the way when carrying, hunting, using rests, etc. Action is amazing and a really great factory trigger. I recommend getting this Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor if youll be hunting deer-sized game (or smaller than deer), want to have tons of inexpensive ammo options, and if youll also be using it for target shooting. Would you please review the a CZ 600 Alpha? Its just so short, light, and accurate. There was getting to the point where I found I needed better but thats not how the first few years took off. It is aggravating that the stock hugs the barrel on one side, but it doesnt contact on mine. Usage for the rifle would be long distance hobby shooting, but also potentially taking it on everything from whitetail up to moose for a hunt should I ever get in to the sport with my brothers and dad. And a nice walnut stock would have cost them a few more pennies to use. Affordable? I own one in a 30-06, with 3 safes full of guns, it is my favourite. I like the Bergara B-14 ridge. Launched on the March 2018 cover of Guns & Ammo, the Momentum was actually Franchi's first rifle. November 29, 2018 By Steve Gash. I am looking into ordering a 20 Super Sniper chambered in .308 and was curious to know if you have had any experience with it? Plus, it uses an old-school sporter stock that just isnt what todays long-range shooter is looking for. $799.00 Add To Cart For Price. If you were to build a rifle what action would you use. A common benefit to a 3-lug design as opposed to a 2-lug design is a shorter bolt throw. Would I buy this rifle? Which leaves Winchester, Weatherby, Tikka/Sako. So, here are my quick thoughts on some of the competition for the best premium factory rifle under $2,500. I am between a Bergara B-14 Hunter and the Weatherby Vanguard. a few few hundred cycles smoothed it right up. You have probably heard this before but I am not really a hunter, at least not yet. Jim- Have you tested/reviewed any of the Sauer 100 rifles? The action is butter smooth and the stock has a palm swell the sold me when I first picked the gun up. Its an expensive gun but Ive been hearing good things. First of all, LOVE all of your video reviews !! Any of you guys have any experience with the Burris signature scopes? They are also slippery when wet and ice cold to touch in winter. Id say Im in the sub-$1,500 range. Jim, based on your reviews and several others, Id really like go with the 6.8 Western. Even on safe, the bolt can be manipulated to chamber or eject a round. Fierce rifles are accurate, built well, look great, come with good triggers, and feed perfectly. The Tikka action is by far the best in this price point because it cycles ammo perfectly, has a silky smooth bolt slide and is manufactured to a high tolerance so every last one I pick up feels just as good as the one next to it. Ive been pouring over your channels videos, and a lot of Ron Spomers content (as well as a few others for the past months). Keep up the good work of educating shooters in a neutral way. I\m in northern Arizona and hunt in everything from dense forest to open desert, shots rarely over 400 yards. In fact, I did a whole video showing the limitations of the Ruger American. If a close friend asked me what hunting rifle to buy at each price point, these would be my recommendations: If you dont want to read this entire post, jump to the section for rifles in your budget. If you just go in the store, they almost never seem to have any good chambering options. Are you familiar with this cartridge? Hi Jim, He is a well-known entrepreneur, having started many successful online brands, and lives in St George, Utah. Its a well designed stock, but the fit and finish feels cheesyespecially the checkering pattern they use. The one I tested was in Badlands camo, and is probably the most common edition I see on store shelves. I love that Fierce Reaper but would probably have to sell another nice gun to get it and not sure I quite want to do that. and not hold up good with the recoil? I could go for a more grabby grip myself, but the Momentums checkering is certainly sufficient. Regards kjetil A B Strandengen. Available in six calibers, TTAG gave the $609 MSRP .308 Winchester flavor a test drive. Your email address will not be published. They do have a more expensive option for a titanium action that is even lighter, but I feel the titanium actions just arent as smooth in the hand. Yeah, the Reaper is pretty awesome. Those all sound like good options. Ha! 3. and three-stage safety. Ruger Americans are fantastic. BTW unless youre reloading, the vast majority of factory 6.5 Creedmoor is quite a bit faster than the same projectile in 6.555. Itd make a Backstreet Boy jealous. Agreed on the MarkV. threaded barrel w/muzzle brake. Jim, I have been looking at the 6.8 western. I love it. Ive shot it twice and didnt like it either time. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Savage 110? I got mine during their initial recall for $199. Do you have any information on the Howa, or an opinion on which way I should. I own 30-06, i own a 300 win mag , now never pull anything out but the 300 win mag , it is a Browning A bolt with the belly clip , has the sweet spot muzzle break ,that takes care of half of the recoil and have the Remington butt pad . Have you fired the Sako 85 Finnlight? And yes, I did get the stainless barrel, but its cerrakoted, so reflection should be minimized. And dollar for dollar you could never purchase a rifle that guarantees you 1 moa back several years ago for the same relative cost. Franchi, the well-known maker of fine and affordable shotguns, unveiled an updated bolt gun in its Momentum Elite. enything under 2k. Hey Jim, I think your doing an amazing job on bringing us unbiased information all hunting gear not just rifles. I can stretch the budget to a Browning if I have to, but the Winchester XPR is more in my price range. Chambered in .308 Winchester, the author's Franchi Momentum has a 22-inch barrel with a threaded muzzle and a black synthetic stock with a recoil pad and integral sling-swivel studs. The Bergara B14 Wilderness with adjustable cheek piece would be a great choice, as well as anything in the Bergara Premier Series. Its not for me. Obscenely lightweight. I have played with many of the rifles you have. I think the rifle is feature rich and might be a real shooter. I preferred the action on the FME a lil bit over the CVA, but I could not get over how every Franchi had stock contact somewhere along the barrel. I\m looking for a good \all around\ big game hunting rifle (elk, whitetail/mule deer, and antelope mostly). Seller: Ammo And Arms. Any thoughts. The only competitor would be a full custom on the amazing MDT HNT 26 chassis. Love the guns review vid on ones under $500 and everything else! I load for better, but what would you choose? This gun is for actually hunting in adverse conditions and not worrying about scratching it or damage. Just hasnt been available. Do you have any other recommendations or would you like to sell the Savage? Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite .223 Rem 18" 1:8" Bbl TrueTimber Strata/Midnight Bronze 10+1 Rifle 41751. Hi Jim Caliber: .308 Winchester (available in five other calibers, too) Sorry its been so long since I have followed up on this, but didnt want to post on this rifle till I had some time with it and straightened out a problem Ive been having with my scope. then Would like a rifle that print a sub MOA with factory ammo. It seems to boast a sturdier stock. At present time i run Sakos and Blaser. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. I appreciate the blunt honesty. I have narrowed my next purchase down to those two. Overall, the rifle is kinda heavy so itd be nice to reduce recoil a bit. Keep the good work buddy on your show. Though the forend wasnt perfectly centered coming closer to the left side of the barrel than the right side it was stiff enough that causing it to contact the free-floated barrel was difficult and wouldnt happen under most typical use. To wit: 1. For my boy. The action quality, as well as the barrel, produces a very accurate rifle. One might think that in this price range, youd have a multitude of choices, but in my opinion, there are really only three hunting rifles Id consider. Never bother with a Winchester M70, because I thought it was old fashion. Thanks for your thoughts and time! Model 70s and tons and tons of various 98 Mauser rifles ranging from converted low cost military guns to commercial Mausers that cost thousands. The reason I am more interested in an AR instead of a bolt action is because: I would like to have an adjustable stock for hunting in multi layers of clothing and backpack straps, the need to adjust my length of pull is important. However, Ill simply leave this anecdote. Frankly, I just dont see the value in the Werkman. And like most of the rest of the world for that matter. I like the Sig Cross because its lightweight, easily adjustable to fit me or my kids, very accurate, and the short barrel and folding stock make it easily packable for hunts. I agree with you. I really like the sig cross but I cant decide between 308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, or if I should instead go for a different rifle with chamberings more suitable for my kind of hunting and if so what chamberings and rifles would you suggest. And all the great work you do! Im down to the Savage 110 Ultralite and the Christensen Ridgeline. My mossberg patriot shoots like a custom rifle. And true to their ads, it is a sub-MOA shooter. They need to get their stuff together first. I might add I have never found any real advantage with a short action rifle either. Adjustable from 2 pounds to 4 pounds, my sample fell right in the middle of that range. You mentioned the seekins havoc, but not in detail. Keep them coming! Backfire LLC owns and operates this website. Yes, it shipped with a knurled thread protector but I immediately lost it when I slapped my Dead Air Sandman Ti on. I would like a 280 Ackley and Fierce only makes it in the Rival. So with 6.5CM its sure to take the deers soul. $1,299.00. What is your opinion on this gun? Nearly every touch-point Ive had with the company shows obvious signs of errors. Thanks in advance. what do you think of it? Franchi designs some very good scatter guns, and this is their first rifle attempt. Curious to hear your thoughts/experience with it. I looked at the Tikas as well and for the calibers Im looking at, I just think theyll beat the hell outta my shoulder. can you give me your thoughts on Trigger: 2-4 lbs, adjustable, single stage Do you think this is normal business practice ? Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite .308 Win 18" 1:11" Bbl TrueTimber Strata/Midnight Bronze 10+1 Rifle 41750. They come in the same price bracket as Tikka rifles but from what I have read, unlike the popular T3X rifles, Sauer 100 rifles Honestly, you need to review one. Nor do my groups appear to be outliers for the Momentum. My personal favorite elk cartridge is a 7mm Rem Mag. I sent my Rival back for repair and after six weeks it came back with the same problem. Paid $230 bucks for it out the door . The Elite Varmint, introduced last year, should readily . I\m a big fan of your videos and expertise. I have been taking in everyone of ur vids I can find and sincerely appreciate your work and am interested in your take on the Seekins product? In fact, I frequently find myself out shooting with a Sig Cross even when I have much more expensive guns that I could be choosing. Loved this article keep em coming! I even bought one Mauser with a shot out barrel knowing it was shot out for $240 dollars complete with scope and had a local gunsmith rebarrel it for me and reblue the whole gun and I had only $600 in it. Two of them shoot 270s and one in 25-06. Do you have a suggestion for a backcountry hunting rifle that does well with heavy recoil? At the back of the bolt shroud, the firing pin protrudes to show cocked status (as seen above) and is flush with the rear of the bolt shroud when not cocked. The Tikka Superlite 7RM is my dedicated high country rifle, weighing in at 7.1 lbs scoped. 1 Image (s) Franchi Momentum Elite 6.5 Creed Realtree Excape 24" TB Burnt Bronze 41606. They have shot the ruger and no problem but alittle heavy to be packing around the mountain. Then you can go pick up in your local store in just a couple days and do the government paperwork and walk away with it. Really enjoy your content! Weighs under 6 lbs. The Tikka T3X Lite comes with an absolutely fantastic action. Not a Sako to be seen ? You never mentioned. Never fired, sold it for 600). I wanted to get a Bolt Action rifle for hunting and also had always wanted an AR style rifle too. What are your thoughts on the Remington Model 700 Alpha One? Havent shot it yet, but well see how it performs. Every Weatherby Ive ever shot has been exceptionally accurate and well-built. I have one in 308 and Federal premium 168grain Berger hunter (or hunter hybrid, cant remember now) shoot less than an inch at 100 yards, but now they are hard to find. TIKKA is proven, Franchi has some good reports. Excellent 3/4 MOA accuracy with Hornady Precision Hunter ammo, QD Flush cups and picatinny embedded in the stock, Available in all the most popular chamberings for custom rifles (including 7 PRC), I personally would have preferred that they went with a more modern vertical grip, I wish there were an arca rail on the bottom of the forend for connecting to a tripod. In our testing, we had all of the guns chambered alike, but as soon as any of the reviewers shot the Tikka after shooting the other rifles, they all commented that the recoil felt heavier. I am really interested in a waypoint. The Carbon Predator looks cool, but really just a slight variation on the 110 ultralite. The barrel is cold hammer forged with rifling like the Sako (Tikka). Most people hide their plasticky pieces of shit from their friends if their friends are the old foxes who know what a real gun is. My main criteria is staying sub 6 lbs if I can for the rifle only and sub moa guarantee. Id love to hear your thoughts on a modern option like the Extreme Weather SS MB. After reading you, I am going to use them now for hunting. So, if those ones should be avoided, what rifles SHOULD hunters consider? In my mind, there are only two good options in the sub-$500 price point: (1) The CVA Cascade, and (2) The Ruger American and preferably the Predator version. I did go looking for the reloading equipment you mentioned and more on acquiring lowers ahead of time, yet unable to find. Best purchase I ever made. The more you talk the clearer it becomes that youve never held much less used a gun. Not much going on here, really, but its simple and it works. Hi Jim, Im not the person I asked the question but I am also looking at one chambered and 308 and another shop down the road has a 30-06. Ive owned a Lupo chambered in 30-06 for several months now. Base Price: $816.99: Tax: - In Stock: Back in stock . Man I really love your reviews! In the end I still believe the 7mm RM is more versatile. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Im looking for a great elk rifle/big game in left handed. The sub-$500 version of the CVA Cascade comes with just blued steel. Specifically, I am looking at 300 PRC and .28 Nolser, or 300 Weatherby Magnum. Threaded barrel for a brake. In regards to the CVA and the Bergara, Im looking at getting one or the other in 7mm Mag. Pretty typical for a synthetic-stocked, budget-oriented hunting rifle. The Momentum loved Armscors 168 grain FMJs, though. Commissions are earned for links to Brownell's, Amazon, MidwayUSA, GoHunt, OpticsPlanet, Sportsman's Warehouse, and other retailers. Its very heavy, the straight pull was difficult to work with and made a few of my shots not go off because I didnt quite push it ALL the way forward. With the Sako 85 you get better wood and more metal, but I would rather buy a Tikka T3. I rarely hear manufacturing quality concerns about Weatherby rifles. Along with it is 2-position safety that . enough shoulder for secure mounting. I am looking for an all purpose dependable rifle to handle more than one role. Removing the bolt, however, is easier thanks to a release lever located on the side of the action. The trouble Im having wracking my brain over is caliber. With a century and a half of firearms manufacturing behind it, Italy's Franchi has unveiled its first-ever centrefire hunting rifle, the Momentum. Wish you wouldve done a review on Mauser 18 or sauer 100 as I became interested in those two guns and did ultimately pick up a Mauser this year based on some other reviews. It looks like a real great gun. (Momentum 2018 followed by the Momentum Elite 2019). And have heard mostly good things on it, so I kinda think it was mostly a caliber issue for that gun. Everyone else says so but I figured Id ask. I have shot the Impulse and wasnt impressed. I actually ordered a CVA cascade first, in .308, but changed my mind and returned it and bought the Franchi. I can not find on your website. I am over 50 now an i have owned and hunted 21 different rifles, that will be all brands from Rem 700, Browning , tikka, several Blasers and Sakos, Heym and some more. You should always spend your hard earned money on what *you* like, but the Franchi stock strikes me as an example of what the late Chuck Hawks called "Euro trash.". The Cross is great for 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5 PRC, but the stock just isnt suitable for heavy recoiling cartridges.