If you're determined to spend the money (I don't think it's worth it), then yeah, get the Bergera. I think any one of several Tikkas will be better. Personally, I'd put the Steiner on the Remington and go shoot. Get a chronograph if you don't already have one. A bunch of trigger time will tell you what you want.
On Rokslide the rumor mill is pretty strong that Tikka will start offering the 6.5 PRC across multiple models this summer.
Might be worth the wait if you want to give the 6.5 family another glance. I’ve got a T3 getting tubed for 6.5 PRC right now and am excited for WA’s alpine Muley season this fall.
If you are still in research mode for a factory .308, look into the FN SPR. There are some killer closeout deals right now on the A5 version. Pre-64 Model 70 action, McMillan stock, factory dbm system, threaded barrel in M40 contour, etc. And I believe this is about $1,000 off retail (no affiliation with the seller although I do own an earlier version of the SPR):
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/870270420
ETA: I also really like the Sako TRG (available in .308 and 6.5) although that’s going to in a higher price range than what you’re looking for unless you find a great deal on a used rifle.
Last edited by Xrslug; 06-04-2020 at 11:20 PM.
Given these two ideas, I'd stick with the Remington for now instead of taking a $2k detour from your dream rifle. A 20" barrel may not keep you supersonic at 800 but you can learn a lot from it out to 600, especially in the wind. Upgrade the stock then add glass, rings, and other stuff that you can use on your dream rifle when that happy day arrives.
If you just have to have a new rifle, then I'd go Tikka.
Okie John
“The reliability of the 30-06 on most of the world’s non-dangerous game is so well established as to be beyond intelligent dispute.” Finn Aagaard
"Don't fuck with it" seems to prevent the vast majority of reported issues." BehindBlueI's
Staying with the Remington is not a bad idea as long as it is shooting decent groups already.
That being said, I would reconsider some of the choices for the Remington build-
The first thing I would do is upgrade the trigger. I'm not a trigger snob but the X-Mark is a mediocre target trigger. I've had success tuning them but only do it on personal rifles.
Stock- look at the KRG Bravo. It is a much better stock for the money compared to the Magpul Hunter. My experience with the Magpul was not that great. I don't like the grip angle and accuracy was inconsistent.
Bipod- I have no experience with the Magpul but do some research before buying. Harris bipods have always worked well for me.
Scope- I am not familiar with the mentioned model from Primary Arms. I have an older 4-14X with the ACSS reticle, and like the reticle, but the glass isn't all that great. There is nothing wrong with spending good money on a scope because it will hold it's value, and you can move it to other rifles in the future.
-Seconds Count. Misses Don't-
For OP,
A lot of people build a custom rifle on a 700 action as you can tell by the responses. There are so many gunsmiths who can true a 700 action and install a match barrel and are easy to find. You can also do incremental improvements like listed above. For your $2k you can get a high end scope, like a Vortex Razor 5-25x. For $2k you can get a nice Manners/McMillan stock and a match barrel like a Bartlein installed on your action.
It just depends on how you want to spend your money.