The reason I put the CVA Cascade above the Ruger American is: (1) It has a better action with more reliable feeding, (2) Its stock is more rigid, (3) It doesnt have a super loud safety like the Ruger American, which I found to be tricky to hunt with. Premium recoil pad, pic rail, fluted barrel, muzzle breakMOA guaranteed accuracy like the Tikka. I have purchased about 12 different rifles in the sub-$500 price point over the last 3 years to test out for this review. But after that, its likely going to be a custom. That\s not a total game changert now there are other choices. I like the action of the Howa better but the Proof barrel on the Savage. Never worried much about how my rifle looked either before or after the hunt. The Weatherby Vanguard comes in several different editions. It doesnt snag or grab clothes but somehow its still plenty soft and grippy. I dont own one. Yes please, there is a major lack of opinions out there on the LUPO. I enjoy watching your videos but havent found any with this specific manufacture. Stock: AG Composites Alpine Hunter. 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. Hear hear. I could go for a more grabby grip myself, but the Momentums checkering is certainly sufficient. So, too, will the rifles 2-position safety allow you to load and unload safely. Its that or the ruger American in 6.5. I have found a lot of draw backs such as a cramped magazine box that when I tried to seat bullets out there was no room in the magazine to do so therefore I had excess bullet jump into the throat of the barrel, especially older barrels with slightly eroded throats and not being able to seat the bullet out sometimes does not give you the best accuracy. First let me say your videos are absolutely fantastic. I would love to see you review a Lithgow la102 from Australia. I rarely hear manufacturing quality concerns about Weatherby rifles. I am looking at loading with heavier grain bullets such as the Berger 30 cal 215 Hybrid or Berger 7mm 180 or 195 Grain bullets. Im a lefty that has to shoot cross over right handed bolts. Gun review: We test Franchi's first-ever centerfire, the Momentum I do like the 300wm type power but its been a challenge researching top recommendations. Can you, or have you already, done a review on the Bergara Premier Divide ? Just my two cents, but would love to hear an honest review of these rifles. Tikka or Franchi - 24hourcampfire Have you reviewed the werkman? I am about ready to purchase the Springfield Waypoint 2020 in 6.5 prc then, i see the Proof Elevation MTR is offered in a 7prc, as is the Rival in a 7prc I\m in northern Arizona and hunt in everything from dense forest to open desert, shots rarely over 400 yards. Same for Austria and Glock. Franchi designs some very good scatter guns, and this is their first rifle attempt. Browning X-Bolt Pro I like the X-Bolt Pro. Its a great suppressor. I know there will be a lot of hate because Ive been very frank about my opinions, but I test so many rifles that I just wanted one single post that I keep up to date where I can just say it how I see it without any politically correct crap. The controlled-round feed action is great. This gun is very accurate, has a great bump pad to absorb recoil (unlike most wood rifles) and has a threaded barrel for good measure. Will the new/faster twist rates make a difference to users? The reason I like the CVA Cascade over the Ruger American is because it has a much more rigid stock, a better action, and it still comes with a quality barrel. I like the reviews on the CVA but the Bergara is hard to beat, the Terrain Wilderness is the one Im leaning towards. It shoots some factory ammo sub moa as advertised but has been and uphill battle to get hand loaded 88grn eldm's to group consistent. 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. Regards kjetil A B Strandengen. If a person is willing to invest the money; would you recommend the reaper above all else for a do it all hunting rifle? Awesome at this price range. We have a complete post on the best rifles under $400 right here. Thanks for any input. I would like a 280 Ackley and Fierce only makes it in the Rival. Im considering a modern Win 70 as well. Hey Jim, love your reviews and videos, just wondering when we might start seeing 7mm PRC rifles becoming more available in stores? Best known for making value-priced shotguns, Franchi may well have taken a leap of faith by entering the highly competitive centrefire market. Unless you spend 4-5 G on a custom built left handed. Price points on the ammo dont put them too far apart when searching on Ammoseek, usually within 5 bucks a box depending upon brand. Is the quality that good? What do you think of the French after some time? For some unknown reason it really didnt like Gorillas super nice, match-grade ammo and that entirely unoffensive group above was really horrible by Franchi Momentum standards. Two of them shoot 270s and one in 25-06. 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. He is a well-known entrepreneur, having started many successful online brands, and lives in St George, Utah. 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? I load for better, but what would you choose? Iv shot most all Second is the on top the receiver scope mounts are based on Savage Accutrigger not Remington. What matters is on the paper for 550 dollars and a threaded barrel to boot. Yeah, the Reaper is pretty awesome. Weighs under 6 lbs. Ive seen your comments that fierce rifles have poor fit and finish and that customer service is also poor. There was getting to the point where I found I needed better but thats not how the first few years took off. Hello from Bozeman, MT! Why would anyone purchase a rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor when 7mm-08 will do everything the 6.5 can but with a bigger bullet, flatter trajectory, and comparable wind drift at typical hunting ranges? I agree! I have Burris rings for a Tikka T3 base which are basically the same as the Zee rings. LOL. Jim great reviews. x bolt is about 150 or more expensive. FRANCHI MOMENTUM ELITE True Price: $ 816.99. My assumption has been that given the limited rifles and ammos out, the x-bolt with browning ammo would have to work well together right out of the box. (I\m in Denver and could use a road trip). Gun #: 999725884. that blew my mind that an OOB rifle would have that much contact. 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. I had settled on this for my next rifle based on the Weatherguard coating, price and MOA accuracy guarantee but now it seems we may never see them. I expect to spend a few thousand or more to get what would meet my needs. With the Sako 85 you get better wood and more metal, but I would rather buy a Tikka T3. They are reviewing new rifles not old ones. Wont win any extra points for its weight but seems like a quality affordable and very accurate rifle. Phil. Thanks in advance. Looking at a Seekins Havak in 300 PRC. Its incredibly well built. Dumped lots of Deer, Black Bear and Moose with it. 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. Anyway, love the Backfire channel. The rings came with friction paper. Instead of light gun oil, I wouldwipe gun with a rig rag. Im extremely satisfied with this rifle, for a hunting rifle. Yes, thats five rounds as always. How us that helping? Ive owned a Lupo chambered in 30-06 for several months now. bolt turn was a bit rough out of the box. Adjustable from 2 pounds to 4 pounds, my sample fell right in the middle of that range. Great review. But honestly these are not deal-breakers (or at least I think so). stock not sticky yet? 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. Your email address will not be published. Another group was slightly more evenly distributed but similar in size. Any thoughts? I mean, I realize you use supersonic ammunition and would have liked to have heard how home-rolled subsonic ammo performed. I would not even try and shoot a moose with the Creedmore but its no problem with the 6.5 Swede with its 1 in 7.8 twist with the 160 grain slugs. In case anyone is wondering and didnt click the link, its available in 6.5Creedmore. 1) the quality from rifle to rifle I have a bunch of ARs and tactical style stuff but sold the only bolt action I had before I ever fired it(Tikka CTR). Im sure the leupold would be better, but for a 700 dollar difference, Ill see how I like the Burris. 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 really isnt much to complain about on a Bergara B-14. 1 is the Footprint for the Action is proprietary, It is NOT made by Bergara. (Momentum 2018 followed by the Momentum Elite 2019). Thanks for your thoughts and time! Thanks Jim. Keep up the good work! It has the accufit system but they did not put it in that rifle I assume its to save weight. I just took the first shots with the Winchester XPR in 6.8 Western today. In regards to the Howa 1500 I got one in 300 PRC, it had a Houge stock, I installed a Bell & Carlson, put a Konos M30 on top and got a group the size of a 50 cent piece at a 100 yards. I\m relatively new to the channel & website, and it has quickly become a favorite of mine. Thats a nice collection. 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. My main criteria is staying sub 6 lbs if I can for the rifle only and sub moa guarantee. I stewed over it for a minute but he made me answer, and I said to go with the Tikka T3x Lite. And I need it in a shorter stock. Ill use my customized REM 700 in 300 win mag for elk. i have a momentum in .308. stock looks a bit odd, but handles my frame very well. The internal box magazine holds four rounds. Im thinking a 6 creedmoore with a proof carbon barrel, MDT onyx chassis, timmey trigger but cant decide on the action. Both good guns, I would worry about Franchi suddenly stopping production of this rifle and parts availability going to zero. First available in 1936 for Petes sake. So how do you choose between them? Slim Fit Leather Jackets brings this iconic jacket from animation to reality, especially for all the fans of this video game. It is aggravating that the stock hugs the barrel on one side, but it doesnt contact on mine. Try that some time with a modern made low budget piece of shit. Its a good option for light cartridges, but the light weight and stock design dont make for a good match on heavy cartridges. If you want an accurate rifle with a threaded barrel and a decent trigger, it doesnt seem like you can go wrong with this one for under $500. I watched each individual rifles review from you and the best option under $350, but I would like to hear your feedback from either a new video or just through here about which of the 3 rifles you think is the best in that category since you havent put them head to head in that category. Great comment, Frank. I also like the Fierce Reaper and the Sako S20 for heavy-recoiling cartridges. You must log in or register to reply here. I decided to go a different direction by changing out the barrel for a 20 inch Proof. Ok I concede your right to a degree but there are tons and tons of older made deer rifles on the market. The one I tested was in Badlands camo, and is probably the most common edition I see on store shelves. Jim Harmer is a host of the Backfire Youtube channel. Have you ever made a review of the Schultz & Larsen rifle? 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 . Bergara B14 Hunter? The stock feels really cheesy. You mentioned in your latest live video that youre off the Savage Ultralight these days. Just how it shot when the time came. I know you get requests for reviews a lot but Id be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the CVA Cascade line of bolt action rifles. How is it Franchis fault again? There are a few really nice ergonomic details that Franchi has implemented on their stocks. 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. Trigger pull is most critical for me. And true to their ads, it is a sub-MOA shooter. And although most of my center fires are Deluxe grade, the aforementioned still holds true. The best part of learning how much I love hunting was how little I first put in. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My brother and another buddy bought one (223 and 22-250) because mine shot so well and they had similar results. Would you take the Waypoint over the Seekins? Heres a link to that rifle in .30-06. Just easier to carry in hand, never a sling. 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. However, if this was not a ringer and indicative of the accuracy to be expected, it would be a great entry level rifle. Any opinions/guidance would be much appreciated! I absolutely love the 2020 waypoint! I think in theory controlled feed is better, but they also generally dont feed well (or at all) if you try to feed by dropping one in, rather than mag feeding. I sent my Rival back for repair and after six weeks it came back with the same problem. It also really liked this 147 grain MEN stuff that I bought in bulk cheap some years ago basically just for semi-auto plinking use. Its just so short, light, and accurate. 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. Ruger Americans are fantastic. I have not seen a semi-auto in 6.5 PRC, should I wait? Would this interest you? Then I bought an Alaskan 338 Win Mag Laminate in Stainless. Just a few examples of what is out there on the used market so why in the hell would anyone be dumb enough to buy modern made piece of garbage. Unfortunately now I see it for $1700. Would you please review the a CZ 600 Alpha? 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.". Just doing a bit of research on the Momentum because the local gun store has a bunch on sale. I really have enjoyed watching your YouTube channel and reading some of your articles on backfire! Luckily I was at a store on vacation that let me handle both. What is your opinion on this gun? Bought a vanguard series 2 in 270cant wait to shoot it put a leupold 3x9x50 ..I have 1400.00 in it first expensive gun Ive ever owned.wish me luck, The rifle you are selling that is under $350 thats quiet what caliber is it and who makes it need more information please thank you. Just curious, have you had a chance to review the Benelli Lupo. Im holding my breath for the comments section on this post. Could you add another tier or two? Its like the girl you almost dated because you were such good friends and got along with great, but just never could fall in love with. I own a Fury in 6.5 Creedmoor that will shoot the smallest 5 shot group you ever seen. Its hard to find info anywhere on it. Nothing problematic, but clearly noticeable. and Im looking for ANY rifle with a floor plate, metal, and wood but the only two I find are model 70, and browning. Like I said not sure what you tested it in, but I just wanted to let you know. Why I Picked These Three Rifles Over the Competition. Plus, it uses an old-school sporter stock that just isnt what todays long-range shooter is looking for. (Solid review on your part.). I am between a Bergara B-14 Hunter and the Weatherby Vanguard. 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. Fierce are not perfect but over all compared to everything else on the market there really hard to beat. 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. I just bought a Savage Axis II XP in 308 after much research and debate amongst my hunting partners. Not real excited about paying for a custom build so wondering what you would recommend I consider? The molded-in checkering is clean and sharp but in no way uncomfortable. It and the Fierce Rogue are tight competitors. My initial impression is that it is a pretty standard budget bolt gun. 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. Vald, I love me some harbor freight. Gun #: 932303293. it seems well priced at about 600. superbly accurate with federal non-typical 150s (second load i tried). Franchi Momentum 300 Win Mag | Hunt Talk Franchi talks up the ergonomics of the Momentum big time on their website. People harp on me for recommending the Weatherby Vanguard because its essentially the same thing as a Howa 1500, but costs more money. Do you have any other recommendations or would you like to sell the Savage? A fine rifle like this is perfect for beating to shit while you learn the other basics. I'm looking at it in 300 win mag. I might add for a hunting rifle the 6.5 Swede is superior to the 6.5 Screedmore. An innovative modern design with folding buttstock, pistol grip. Of all the rifles I own, if you just said Grab a rifle and go hunting without any more specifics of where Id be hunting or what Id be hunting, Id grab that rifle. You lost when you bought junk because it will always be low cost junk and you lost when you went to purchase something of quality because the price went way up because you fked around too long before you realized you should have bought quality to begin with when it was still relatively affordable. I personally prefer the Bergara B-14 Ridge, but they are all good options. Jim, I think you misspoke about the Ultralite. Thanks for the info , it will certainly help those with no interest in spending too much to have a good rifle. Jim, would love to hear some feedback on Cooper firearms if you have any input? Delsin Rowe is the main protagonist and playable character, a young Native-American man who later realizes hes a Conduit with special powers. Alpha? I purchased Savage Axis II XP- 6.5 Creedmore from Cabelas. Using Burris Zee rings, I just applied a thin layer of silicone sealant inside the rings and remounted the scope. Advice? Some day Ill give one a more fair look. Also, I think the X-Bolt Pro just isnt bringing enough to the table for doubling the price over a regular X-Bolt. Love the guns review vid on ones under $500 and everything else! You know, turning ammo into noise kind of use. And the thought of upgrades on a new rifle seems stupid to me. Holy Moses, what an incredible rifle. Ive shot it twice and didnt like it either time. Thank you for your time and effort. The action quality, as well as the barrel, produces a very accurate rifle. Im really down to the Fierce Carbon Rival vs the Weatherby MarkV Backcountry. I have narrowed my next purchase down to those two. Great choice in a gun. A lot of states dont allow semi-autos for big game hunting so check your regs. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I have been considering the Winchester xpr spotter (walnut stock) in 308 Win. . I have watched your reviews on both, so maybe your opinion on whether itd be worth the additional money To go with the Waypoint. As did locking it. What would you like to know? My two next rifles will be a Weatherby Mark V and a Sako 85. Thanks. and the weathermark? Im surprised it didnt make the list. Its one of the best 3 out of 8 rifles we tested in this price range. Hello Jim, I really don\\\t need an other gun, but what is the best 7mm Mag you suggest? The Momentum is Franchi's hunting rifle, introduced by the Italian firm in 2018. Ruger precision is really heavy for hunting, but a cool rifle. Im not sure why Bergarra and other premium manufacturers dont do this but Im sure theres a reason. Keep the good work buddy on your show. Since recording the review of the Sig Cross, my copy of the gun did develop the issue with the safety where it doesnt quite go to the correct position. I owned one in .28 Nosler and it was a very poor choice for that heavy-recoiling of a cartridge. Everyone else says so but I figured Id ask. Love your reviews. Beater rifles go until they cant. I want your opinion on there trigger system. 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. Its way more fun to shoot than the other guns. Savage 110? 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. threaded barrel w/muzzle brake. Doesnt do it when there is no round in the chamber. Jim, between the Savage 110 Ultralight and the Weatherby Mark V which would you pick for accuracy? Feeler gauges became shims for my lathe and mill. I came over the years to loath short action rifles. See also Gluck. I know I have expediencies it. RECENTLY SOLD View More Data . What ammo are you shooting in your cross? Its a well designed stock, but the fit and finish feels cheesyespecially the checkering pattern they use. I am a big Fierce fan. If you go slow while trying to be quiet in a hunting situation, it may not feed right. Things happen and every animal is different, but I feel like its my duty to show that respect. under 9 lb 7 mm or 300 w m. Jim, I know you are a fierce fan. But I cant understand why offering left handed guns seems impossible to some manufacturers. Along with it is 2-position safety that . Hey Jim I recently found your stuff and have been doing a deep dive. 7mm mag, 300 Win mag and 30-06. Seems that they manage to work loose occasionally. Yes, it shipped with a knurled thread protector but I immediately lost it when I slapped my Dead Air Sandman Ti on. I was unaware of the QC issues with the Cross. So, here are my quick thoughts on some of the competition for the best premium factory rifle under $2,500. You sound like the new guy that is 25 and has 150 years experience. FRUSTRATING. $799.00 Add To Cart For Price. As i get older i am now back to 6,555 and 8x57IS and 308win when it come to calibers but that is more related to the hunting i do than the rifles .Love your tube videos and the fact that you have your own opinions an are not afraid to tell everyone about them. Overall * * * * So in general, pick the Tikka T3X Lite if you want a lightweight rifle with a fantastic action, and youre going to be shooting cartridges lighter than a 7mm Rem Mag or .30-06. So if I review it and love my copy, Id be convincing people to buy one and they very likely may not have the same experience. I appreciate the blunt honesty. I know you like the CVA Cascade, but there are 2 things very important to know about those! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Any help deciding? My concern is that with your test, the vanguard with a #2 profile barrel threw shot #5 basically everytime. Moving back-to-front, things start out with a cushy rubber recoil pad. 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?