Modify what I have, or sell and buy something else?

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HoLeChit

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That's why I say a Tikka. They shoot awesome every time, and the actions are the smoothest factory action you can get IMO.
That’s true. I’ve been impressed by their actions for sure. Never shot one though. Bass pro used to have a bunch of tikkas on hand, now I can’t find any, aside from the rare one or two that H and H have occasionally.
Again what caliber are you wanting????
I am wanting .223 Remington like the rifle I currently have. I already have the ammo, components, and dies for it.
Good lord lose that scope and get a reasonable 3-9 or 2-7. That will shave a couple pounds off, looks like
Lol it would shave off 14 ounces to be exact, and is definitely under consideration. I do really like the objective size and the sunshade though.
That’s where I priced the >$1000 barrel installed. Going with a stainless sporter barrel with no frills but cerakoting is gonna run me just under $800. You feel it would be worth it?
 

PBramble

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I'm all for switch barrels. Several of my rifles have them now. But it seems to fit the bill for you and is available. On that note, I've switched to the AR platform for all my .223. Good enough for the shots you've indicated you'd be taking.
 

swampratt

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I vote to take that 24" barrel to 18"
You will be amazed at how much wider the accuracy note gets.
You could lighten the stock also if it is heavy.
Take the buttplate off and drill holes into the stock.
It took me 2 years of shooting and working loads in different temps before I gave in and cut my 24" heavy barrel .308.
I was super happy with the accuracy gained and the wider accuracy notes and the fact it was not picky with loads in different temps.

Now I want all my rifles to have shorter barrels.
My rifles are for hunting and a bit of paper punching and I do not shoot competition and the short barrel swings much easier.
 

HoLeChit

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I vote to take that 24" barrel to 18"
You will be amazed at how much wider the accuracy note gets.
You could lighten the stock also if it is heavy.
Take the buttplate off and drill holes into the stock.
It took me 2 years of shooting and working loads in different temps before I gave in and cut my 24" heavy barrel .308.
I was super happy with the accuracy gained and the wider accuracy notes and the fact it was not picky with loads in different temps.

Now I want all my rifles to have shorter barrels.
My rifles are for hunting and a bit of paper punching and I do not shoot competition and the short barrel swings much easier.
I may look into getting the barrel cut/turned down, I figured cutting it wouldn’t remove enough weight, but I would make it easier to transport and swing. But doing both may be the ticket.

my concern is that if I start committing to ifgtening the existing rifle I may end up going in too deep when I could have just bought something else. I’m also not guaranteed of results when modifying something. If I take my ≈$800 rifle and spend $500 modifying it, and replace the stock with something that costs roughly as much as the current one, am I really that far ahead of just going out and purchasing a boutique rifle with guaranteed results for $500 more?
 

HoLeChit

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I really want a heavy barrel 24” in .308. That’s my dream rifle because that’s what I trained on for years. I actually kept all my old data books even because they didn’t want it when they took the rifle back lol. Supply people smh.
I think Howa makes a barreled action that would fit the bill, you would just need to find one in stock. My 20” Howa 308 heavy barrel is a fantastic shooter.

I feel you on seeking familiarity. There’s other calibers that would work better predator hunting, but the 223 is no slouch and my familiarity with the ballistics and such is a huge plus to me.
 

HoLeChit

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I'm all for switch barrels. Several of my rifles have them now. But it seems to fit the bill for you and is available. On that note, I've switched to the AR platform for all my .223. Good enough for the shots you've indicated you'd be taking.
Yeah, @retrieverman got me on the blaser train, and I’m hooked on the multi barrel option. But the cost though….

Im heavily pondering just using an AR for a while, selling my Howa, and saving up for the Christensen/talking with a Smith about the cost of building something similar. Many would just use the AR, but man, I just can’t get behind using one as a hunting rifle. After dragging one around in the Marines I understand it’s a great rifle, and plenty useful, but it’s just lost it’s appeal to me. I really prefer bolt or lever guns for hunting.
 

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