I purchased a 280 AI in a Mark V Weatherby instead. Any tips on bullet weight and powder brand? Do you have a suggestion for a backcountry hunting rifle that does well with heavy recoil? Is the quality that good? I really love your channel. Ruger precision is really heavy for hunting, but a cool rifle. Franchi Momentum .300 Win Mag 24" Black / Hunter Gray 4 Rds 41553. It is still a preferred caliber in Scandinavia for big game. I really enjoy your reviews and opinions. $1,049.00. The need for fast follow up shots, I know with practice a bolt action is fast, but I also dont want to break my right hand grip on the gun and trigger. 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? Twist Rate: 1:11 It's my 1st long-bolt (actually 2nd, I'd had Win 70 Ultimate Shadow 338 win mag. Two shots were thrown right out of the group and the barrel was not yet even very warm. The stock and barrel is nothing special unless someone could chime in as to why it is different than all the others plastic stocks? We have a complete post on the best rifles under $400 right here. Loved this article keep em coming! So I do still think they have some QC issues to deal with. Everyone else says so but I figured Id ask. 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. I try to ruin stuff like this and am always amazed how much it will take. Hey Jim, I think your doing an amazing job on bringing us unbiased information all hunting gear not just rifles. You have probably heard this before but I am not really a hunter, at least not yet. this are what i like long range in a good rifle, with hornady ammo. So far really like it FYI. excellent trigger. 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. I figured I could get an AR rifle with Sub MOA accuracy that could maybe hit 2 birds with 1 stone. 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 came over the years to loath short action rifles. Cannot find the Federal rounds anymore so Shooting the Hornady Precision Hunter 110s now. Am I wrong in my logic? 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. Thank you for your time. And I need it in a shorter stock. I decided to to send Fierce an email basically telling them how disappointed I was with the tight chamber and extractor design issues and failure. My builder said (because of the bad Winchester brass) he would not recommend the 68 Western. Jeremy is TTAG's Deputy Editor, working mostly behind the scenes but, when he attempts to write, he focuses on comprehensive gun & gear reviews. What would you like to know? If you had 1500-2500 just for one, which make would you drop that cash on? Have you had any experience with the new fierce rage? If a person is willing to invest the money; would you recommend the reaper above all else for a do it all hunting rifle? I use Swaro and Zeiss optics and i use moderators on all of mine. As a matter of fact these days it usually sucks. The Franchi Momentum Elite Bolt-Action Rifle also has a 1-piece 1913 Picatinny rail that permits flexible accommodation of various aftermarket optics. Meet the Franchi Momentum Bolt-Action Rifle. There are many rifles above the $2k price point. I do like the 300wm type power but its been a challenge researching top recommendations. Wondering if you have a reason for this In the case of the .308 Winchester tested here, its a 22-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with U.S.-standard 5/8-24 threads. then I'm looking at it in 300 win mag. It is so fun to shoot and is extremely accurate! Thanks again and I look forward to future content. TIKKA is proven, Franchi has some good reports. And yes, I did get the stainless barrel, but its cerrakoted, so reflection should be minimized. It has the Accufit stock, but not the Accustock with the aluminum rail system. PS. Along with the detail you put into your reviews of new ammo like the 6.5 and now 7 PRC. The Sig Cross: Amazing design after some early quality control issues. The stock looks like a varmint/tactical/long range/hunting compromise, and may do those thing well, its just not what I was looking for. The Winchester Model 70 should be the rifle you compare all the others too. Thanks. Springfield 2020 Waypoint with a steel barrel, Click here to jump to the section on rifles under $500, Click here to jump to the section on rifles under $850, Click here to jump to the section on rifles under $1,600, Click here to jump to the section on premium rifles, a whole video showing the limitations of the Ruger American, ordering that rifle with a Vortex Crossfire II scope on it, Watch my full review of the Springfield 2020 Waypoint, Guaranteed accuracy of 3/4 MOA. Hard to go wrong with it for online prices often below $400. He has managed multiple gun ranges, and has hunted around the world. hey jim i have a 2022 ridgeline in 308 it shoots 1/4 to 1/2 moa looked a long time and read many bad reviews butt talked to many people and am very happy with mine thanks. Jeremy strives to collect objective data whenever possible, and looks to write accurate reviews that reflect the true user experience. Unless you spend 4-5 G on a custom built left handed. Ergonomics * * * * 99% sure the next rifle is the sig cross but real question is 6.5 cm or .308 I cant decide. Thanks for the content you put out! Jim great reviews. 2) the 6.5 prc vs the 7 prc ( i have 2 338 win mags i am planning on keeping for elk +), My thoughts? I\m looking for a good \all around\ big game hunting rifle (elk, whitetail/mule deer, and antelope mostly). Also 243win, 270 win, 300 win mag and 30-06. Franchi, the well-known maker of fine and affordable shotguns, unveiled an updated bolt gun in its Momentum Elite. Jim, based on your reviews and several others, Id really like go with the 6.8 Western. Would you take the Waypoint over the Seekins? Same as you, I wish the offerings were a bit better. And the thought of upgrades on a new rifle seems stupid to me. Do you still recommend them. A friend of mine was trying to talk me into a Christensen arms Ridgeline FFT but from what you said about their QC in manufacturing I\m not sure I want to risk it. I have been looking for a carbon barrel rifle in a .308 due to ammo availability. The only competitor would be a full custom on the amazing MDT HNT 26 chassis. He lives outside of Austin, TX. Dumb! I just took the first shots with the Winchester XPR in 6.8 Western today. What is your opinion on Gunwerks? Id go with the Sako in that case. You made your point. Its decent, but if you can possibly squeeze another $100 into your budget to get a version with Cerakote, get the CRKT version as itll be more durable in the woods. 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. Jim, Never shot 6.5 but all I hear are good things whats your opinion. Ive been eyeing them for a while, but the MPR turned me off from the chassis rifles. Jim, any thoughts on the Venture 2 from TC? Made in Italy? My arms are a bit short and most hunting rifles are just too long for me, length of pull wise. Been following your channel for a few years and have loved all the reviews. It appears that Fierce is stretching the truth a bit on weight because mine weighs 6 pounds, 4 1/8 oz and its a short action with 24 6.5mm barrel so it should be about the lightest one they have. Is it felt more? The rifles are accurate, reliable, and built well. Length of Pull: 14 inches (adjustable with spacers) Would you please review the a CZ 600 Alpha? Is it like the other cheap stocks you mentioned Had a question, What are your thoughts/opinion on the Wilson Combat AR10s? As you can see I am a gun collector and have not used my 7 mm Mag. It looks like a real great gun. The Tikka T3x has a single-column detachable clip magazine made from a strong fiberglass-reinforced composition. Ha! Things happen and every animal is different, but I feel like its my duty to show that respect. Newer is not always better. It is very expensive. I got mine during their initial recall for $199. i will say that if someone ever makes an after market "classic" stock for it, i'll dump the plastic factory one. Vlad I have no idea who you are but you sure do make a lot of noise and a lot less sense. In todays market, it needs a more modern stock design, carbon barrel, and premium trigger to be worth the price they are asking. It would also handle bigger calibers MUCH better than the Cross. Mine shoots 1/2 MOA with handloads, Available in: 6 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, Available in: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, 300 Win Mag. Cries racism when pointed out that is an idiot. Ive never shot one that couldnt achieve a 1 group at 100 yards. I just cant keep myself from grabbing the Sig Cross. However, Ill simply leave this anecdote. You mention it just once in this string but dont come back to it at all. I am looking for an all purpose dependable rifle to handle more than one role. Overall, if you forced me to pick a winner in this category, Id probably give it to the Springfield 2020 Waypoint. Ive been kicking around trying out the 28 Nosler just to pick up a bit more performance at 500+ ranges. Your email address will not be published. Its a Howa 1500 action in their own pretty cool stock. Adjustable from 2 pounds to 4 pounds, my sample fell right in the middle of that range. I know they are two different price points, but Id love to see a side by side comparison between the 2020 Waypoint and the Savage 110 Ultra Lite. Watch my review here. I agree! Have you reviewed one yet? I\m relatively new to the channel & website, and it has quickly become a favorite of mine. Browning X-Bolt Pro I like the X-Bolt Pro. Remember the cheap skates that passed up Colt Pythons when they were only $260 bucks and now are 10 times that. And outside chance of a Bergara HMR or sauer 100 Pantera. Great review. Paid $230 bucks for it out the door . Your primary con towards the Weatherby was around the cost of the company\s \boutique\ cartridges. Thanks for your thoughts and time! Stock: A carbon version of Bergaras excellent HMR stock. Problem is , Im not sure it is practical to spend so much on a custom for some folks. Its short, compact, lightweight, sinfully accurate with my handloads, feeds 100%, and adjustable so it fits me perfectly. Affordable? Why I Picked These Three Rifles Over the Competition. Its incredibly well built. Yes if I were going to Alaska where you can run into damp rainy weather for days on end I would either have my Mauser electrolysis nickle plated (it plates even the inside of a receiver and barrel) or if I wanted to get off cheap take a chance on a modern stainless rifle that probably would freeze up in very cold weather with their speed lock mechanisms which are idiotic in a hunting rifle. Whats the pros and cons in your opinion? A lot of older rifles are very superior to these entry level rifles. Base Price: $789.99: Tax: - In Stock: kygunco.com Buy. Doesnt do it when there is no round in the chamber. You are using an out of date browser. I'll stick with my Tikkas, they make me happy! Again a super nice old world crafted gun anyone would be proud to own and show off to friends. How us that helping? Ruger Americans are fantastic. Franchi was founded in 1868 in Brescia . Those that do could at least be highlighted. If youre into Italian and youre into affordable, but you still want some Ferrari performance at the Fiat price, Franchis Momentum delivers the goods. There are a few really nice ergonomic details that Franchi has implemented on their stocks. After getting what I believe to be a bad copy of a Ruger American in 308, I am looking to upgrade. You mentioned the cheap filling stock. Jim. Which leaves Winchester, Weatherby, Tikka/Sako. You have my general answer, but below Ill provide more detail and reasoning for those selections, as well as some rifles not to pick. I want to buy a new rifle in 30-06. Ive narrowed it to 3, but just cant quite choose. Ill keep one in mind next time Im in the market. Id love to hear if the model 70 is still relevant. Have you ever made a review of the Schultz & Larsen rifle? But honestly these are not deal-breakers (or at least I think so). Also, I think the X-Bolt Pro just isnt bringing enough to the table for doubling the price over a regular X-Bolt. Thanks. That limits my choice of rifles. I am looking to spend around $1200, and I am between the Savage ultralite and the Howa carbon kratos. Jim, Great content on both the website and on Youtube. Its like comparing a Kia against a BMW. The Sig Cross is the rifle that I have consistently used more than any other hunting rifle in my gun vault. What are your thought on the Ruger precision? The 300 win mag barrel twist is a little slow, but if you arent going to handload, it should shoot up the 200 grain bullets in factory Ammo just fine. Keep up the good work! On the flip side, a 60-degree throw is often not always, but usually stiffer, and this was the case here. And all the great work you do! Have you considered the recently released rifles introduced by Franchi? As I completely dislike sporter pencil barrels. I really don\\\t need an other gun, but what is the best 7mm Mag you suggest? 7mm mag, 300 Win mag and 30-06. I\m in northern Arizona and hunt in everything from dense forest to open desert, shots rarely over 400 yards. What are your thoughts on the Remington Model 700 Alpha One? Hey Jim, I would love to hear your imput on which rifle you prefer between the Ruger American, CVA Cascade, and the Winchester XPR. I own the X-Bolt in 7mm Magnum and it is fantastic. As of now its my most accurate and favorite rifle. The ammo is inexpensive and widely available, the recoil in manageable for most shooters, and the cartridge is unquestionably capable of taking elk cleanly. I was unaware of the QC issues with the Cross. Weighs under 6 lbs. It looks to be right @ the very top of weight class Id like, but with the adjustable stock,shape,look & Carbon Barrel, seems to be right in the wheelhouse of what Id like for my larger caliber (wish they had it in .300 PRC) rifle. The only downsides I have read of it is its screw-on bolt-knob and the fact that you may need a few more tools to disassemble the rifle. I went ahead and ordered a scope today, I had a leupold vx5 3x15 and sent it back, and today I ordered a Burris Signature HD 3x15, so I will see how they compare. I like the reviews on the CVA but the Bergara is hard to beat, the Terrain Wilderness is the one Im leaning towards. Vlad is an asshole in general who needs to go away. The Tikka T3X Lite comes with an absolutely fantastic action. These are deal breakers. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. What do you think? There is a nice Bavarian Sako but theres isnt much data on accuracy on the range with a scope. If I were buying a new hunting rifle today and I could drop $2,300, Id pick the Fierce Rogue with a steel action. Overall * * * * I am looking at it in 243 but cant decide between that and x bolt. Holy Moses, what an incredible rifle. Havent shot it yet, but well see how it performs. 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. To wit: 1. The best part of learning how much I love hunting was how little I first put in. have since restocked it with a B&C M40, and will use it for long range targets and steel. Customization * * * * Hey Jim I recently found your stuff and have been doing a deep dive. Good Morning Jim have you try the weatherby mark v accumark in 300 win mag? I wanted to get a Bolt Action rifle for hunting and also had always wanted an AR style rifle too. Would love to hear your review and/or thoughts on military surplus and/or rifles you and friends first started on. Then I bought an Alaskan 338 Win Mag Laminate in Stainless. In this price range, manufacturers use very loose tolerances and have very poor quality control, so Im careful what I recommend. They seem to check a lot of the boxes Im looking in a rifle and seem to have a lot of bang for the buck for a rifle just over $500. That said, the polymer quality and stiffness are better than many. The Momentum is Franchi's hunting rifle, introduced by the Italian firm in 2018. I verified it with factory ammo, Guaranteed 1 MOA accuracy, but probably beats that, Guaranteed 1 MOA. Jim, I personally prefer the Bergara B-14 Ridge, but they are all good options. and the weathermark? Frankly, I just dont see the value in the Werkman. It feels almost as rigid as concrete, and thats a good thing. Pretty typical for a synthetic-stocked, budget-oriented hunting rifle. i have a momentum in .308. stock looks a bit odd, but handles my frame very well. I just wish there was a better feeling about the Ridgeline. The action is butter smooth and the stock has a palm swell the sold me when I first picked the gun up. It was raffled, gave winner 450 hoping to thrd and add brake but barrel too thin. So, if those ones should be avoided, what rifles SHOULD hunters consider? I think a majority of Americans know the old saying you just took a paragraph to explain. Ive shot it twice and didnt like it either time. They are built in the same factory where they produce Mauser and Blaser rifles (all owned by the same company), so I guess quality shouldnt be an issue but unlike Mausers and Blasers, these rifles are far less expensive. Ive fallen in love. I recently purchased a Franchi Momentum 300 win mag w/24 in. I stewed over it for a minute but he made me answer, and I said to go with the Tikka T3x Lite. So small and packable, and Im getting incredible accuracy out of it. I love it. Purchased an Sig Cross in 6.5 today. I like the Bergara B-14 ridge. Hey jim i was wondering if you have done a review on the savage impulse i found some videos on it but not many that really go indepth on the build quality or how well or not well the action works. Love your content man, great job building the channel and the webpage. Phil. The data-driven nature of the content is extremely helpful. Im in love. The action quality, as well as the barrel, produces a very accurate rifle. Amway if anyone has one opinions please. LOL. The Tikka T3X Lite comes with an absolutely fantastic action. Every Weatherby Ive ever shot has been exceptionally accurate and well-built. With attitude like that, you will only buy domestic products and if leftists have their way, none. The stock is among the best I have ever used, its reasonably lightweight, excellent on accuracy, and the manufacturing quality is reliable. I enjoy your videos on YouTube, very informative and you dont pull any punches, I like that. 5. I havent tried the Rage yet, but I have used that same action and stock in different configurations. I would love to get your take or even see a review on it. It is aggravating that the stock hugs the barrel on one side, but it doesnt contact on mine. Theres something cool coming. Jan 18, 2020 #3 C clockworkgator I have played with many of the rifles you have. I recently purchased the Momentum Elite in the 6.5 creedmoor and respectfully think an honourable mention for the under $1000 would be appropriate. A friend texted me last week and said he had a $750 budget for a first hunting rifle and asked me what he should buy. I think the rifle is feature rich and might be a real shooter. Can you review the Sako S20 or why havent you done it yet? May 7, 2018. He recommended a wildcat round, 7 mm SAW. . 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. ISO: 20ga (semi-auto, sxs, and o/u in order of priority), Recommendation for a tarp for my pack - mostly going to use to put quarters on but, FORLOH AllClima Softshell and AllClima Stretch Woven Pant Review. Can't see enough difference to make a difference. Just how it shot when the time came. FRANCHI MOMENTUM ELITE True Price: $ 816.99. Again not a spot of rust. Can Italian go to a local gun store and buy one (or any firearm) without a government license or permission? I saw your video on the 7mm prc and considered waiting till they came out. 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. One-Piece Picatinny Rail Quick and easy optics mounting. Or is the lighter, cheaper, better looking cva more applicable? The Momentum Elite comes with a detachable box-type magazine that holds three or four cartridges (depending on the caliber) for fast, safe and easy loading and unloading. I have monkey arms so a new stock is in the future for whatever rifle I choose another reason Im trying to keep the price down. Im looking at my first hunter and precision rifle that I can take to the range once a month and go on 2 or 3 hunting trips per year (pig/deer) mostly in California or surrounding states. Manse, he actually has a point this time. Yeah, the Reaper is pretty awesome. Jim, Your reviews and articles are very helpful for us folks that dont have a big gun shop within 150 miles! And dollar for dollar you could never purchase a rifle that guarantees you 1 moa back several years ago for the same relative cost. I think I will try to pick one up next week, in either a .308 or .300. Seller: Ammo And Arms. Specifications: Franchi Momentum in .308 Caliber: .308 Winchester (available in five other calibers, too) Capacity: 4+1 Barrel Length: 22 inches Twist Rate: 1:11 Overall Length: 42.3 inches Length of Pull: 14 inches (adjustable with spacers) Trigger: 2-4 lbs, adjustable, single stage Weight: 6.6 pounds MSRP: $609 ( about $450 retail) You might also consider a more traditional 7 Rem Mag or .30-06. Maybe not, but I have been caught in down pores and all the morons that were with me came back to the car with rust on their guns but not me. Full Details. However, I kill a lot of elk where Im from, and my smaller 6.5s dont produce the knock down effect I had with the Weatherby. Quality control issues, Im about to send it BACK in for a 2nd time for them to figure out why its damn near impossible to open or close the bolt after a few shots. Im well aware that there is stiff competition in the semi-custom rifle category. Ive owned a Lupo chambered in 30-06 for several months now. (1) The Springfield 2020 Waypoint with a steel barrel, (2) You could wait a few months for the new Bergara B14 Squared Crest to come out, or (3) Get a Sig Cross. I recently had a chance to sight it in and run everything over the chronograph . I am really interested in a waypoint. I might add I have never found any real advantage with a short action rifle either. Overall, I think the best three rifles under $1,000 are the Tikka T3X Lite, the Bergara B-14 Ridge, and the Weatherby Vanguard. what do you think of it? Would like to buy a Tikka Super Varmint barrel and action with MDT chassis but am also considering Bergara UpR.