
The Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles in 2023
Creedmoor is the new black when it comes to big game hunting, target shooting, more or less everything to be honest. The best 6.5 Creedmoor rifles are rock stars.
This narrow, long, lightweight cartridge can target rabbits, wild boar, deer hunting or big game. It has even taken over the sniper rifles business, largely.
This relatively new caliber, which was thought of as a target shooting novelty not so very long ago, is now firmly esconced in the hunting community. 308 Win Mag kind of reigns supreme to 400 yards, but tthen there’s a proper case to be made for Creedmoor.
It is giving hunter’s clean kills with Elk, Caribou, deer, just about anything, and it’s providing epic control over your shot.
The Semi Autos are based on an AR-10 platform and that
Here are ur top picks for the best Creedmoor rifles in 2023.

1. Christensen Arms Modern Precision
- Price: $1,903.99
- Barrel: 22 inch
- Weight: 7.4lb
This company is turning the genre on its head with lightweight battle rifles and now this, a 7.4lb chassis rifle with a folding stock for ultimate portability. It lives up to the price tag.
Even basic hunters tend to have 20 inch barrels and yet this precision rifle is chopped down, with a short Picatinny rail, carbon fiber wrapped stainless steel barrel and that folding stock with a patented Magnelock system to restore the rigidity. It’s all genius really.
Target shooters will probably play it safe with a heavier 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action rifle, but the Christensen Arms MPR allows hunters to take a precision rifle into the field. You can even pack it in a backpack with the detachable box magazine separate. And that is a good thing.
The chassis is largely carbon-fiber and even the cheekrest is more of that fancy woven material that used to be a big deal on a Ferrari. Don’t forget you can get the shorter bolt action pistol, too, which has become one of our favorite hunting handguns.

2. Tikka T3x Lite Compact
- Price: $649.99
- Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel Length: 20 inch
- Total: 42.5 inch
- Weight: 5.95lb
- Capacity: 3+1 Rounds
Not everybody is a Special Forces operative. Some of you are just simple hunters and target shooters that want a light and dependable 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action rifle on your shoulder.
The Tikka T3x Lite Compact is pretty much it.
Sako Barrel is a Benchmark
You get 20
The Tikka comes with a single-stage trigger that you can adjust from 2-4lb. A new steel recoil lug helps prevent deformation and keeps the

3. Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro
- Price: $2,753.99
- Barrel: 26 inch
- Total: 44 inch
- Weight: 9.5lb
- Capacity: 10+1
The Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro is probably the ultimate sniper rifle and marksman’s tool, without getting into insane custom guns. It’s a top rated, high price, high spec rifle, but it isn’t crazy money.
The company’s AR-15 has pretty much taken over the world in the last 12 months, and this is a target specialist, as well as a special forces sniper rifle. It might just be the best rifle on the market in certain specialist ways, but the generalists will always win these contests.
That’s pretty much the target market, but then the modular aspect of the Delta 5 means it is turning into a viable alternative for people that want a Sako TRG, but can’t quite justify that kind of investment.
AR Technology on 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt Action Rifles
This is much more than that, though. The company behind the legendary AR-15s has brought a good deal of the Modern Sporting Rifle’s modular thought process to the traditional target gear and sniper platform.
The end result is a gun with a lot of neat touches that you normally only see on more expensive custom platforms.
The
They all come with a muzzle thread for a suppressor or a serious flash hider. It’s a mechanically-bedded stainless steel action, a three-lug bolt with a 60-degree throw and rotating bolt head.
Single Stage Timney Trigger is Top Class
The trigger is a single stage, adjustable Timney Elite that you can set for 1.5-4lb. The composite stock is carbon-reinforced polymer, the adjustable stock is fully adjustable and the Picatinny scope base offers 20 MOA elevation.
Military specialists almost certainly ordered this weapon, which now means that you can buy one off the shelf. So if you want to take the sniper approach to punching paper. Or you are, you know, an actual sniper, this could be your new tool.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P 10
- Price: $1,607.99
- Capacity: 10+1 Rounds
- Barrel: 20 Inches
- Total: 39.5 inches
- Total Weight: 9.05lb
The Smith & Wesson M&P 10 Performance Center rifle is the ultimate package of heritage, precision, price, weight, just about everything. It’s an all-rounder, a real Designated Marksman Rifle. If you can handle about 1lb more on your shoulder than you’d ideally like.
The Perfect All-Round Rifle
This is the second generation, with the first generations tiny faults ironed out. So yeah that makes this rifle nigh-on perfect.
The S&W is 9lb, which is just light enough. Maybe. I mean, I don’t know man… What do you think?
A Lightweight? Kind of…
This is a rifle you can manage, 9lb is really pushing it, and a lightweight collapsible stock or barrel and handguard would get the Smith and Wesson to around 8lb. But those are seriously expensive mods, for later…
This is a rifle from the firm’s famed Performance Center, firing a cartridge that has consistently amazed the firearms world with its accuracy. It has grown from a target bullet into a hunting round that has slowly taken over.
You get receivers machined from 7075-T6 Aluminum and it fits together perfectly. There isn’t any play in this gun at all. The 20 inches barrel is lightweight and made from carbon-steel and comes with 5R rifling.

5. Sig Sauer Cross
- Price: $1,599.99
- Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel: 18 inch
- Total: 35.3-35.5 inch
- Weight: 6.8lb
- Capacity: 5+1
The Sig Sauer Cross might finally be the rifle for all seasons and all things. It’s basically down to you guys to put this on the top spot. It’s that good.
From the start the Cross was designed with the help of hunters, target shooters and military snipers to create the best of all three worlds. Now it sounded like a mythical unicorn and people were skeptical. But damn it, you know, this might just have done it.
The Cross is a super lightweight 6.5 Creedmoor. In fact it’s the lightest in its class. What class is that? Precision, we think, although these bolt-action rifles really do work in the field. It really is whatever you want it to be. And that’s kind of amazing. A Cerakote finish is available for more dollars too.

6. Savage MSR 10
- Price: $1,460.99
- Barrel: 18 inch
- Total: 41 inch
- Weight: 8lb
- Capacity: 20+1
One thing this list has driven home is how weight sensitive people are. 9lb is just too much for a casual hunter, but 8lb seems to slip under the bar.
If weight is a real issue for you, then the 8lb Savage MSR 10 Hunter might just be the AR platform you have been searching for. It’s a good price point too, a nice pistol grip, everything really.
The receivers are hard coat anodized, the M-LOK free floating handguard is all good and this is a solid patrol rifle with an 18″ barrel. I would still rather have the Smith & Wesson, but it’s your shoulder on the line here…

7. Savage Axis II XP Compact
- Price: $439.99
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Total: 39.5 inch
- Capacity: 6.25lb
This is a light, cheap rifle that is just about the perfect starter rifle.
Don’t expect the Savage Arms Axis to last a lifetime, but it is low price point and it comes with a Savage barrel. So it’s fine for hunting at anything like sane distances and you can shoulder the Savage Arms Axis all day.
Savage Arms Axis: Simple, Basic, Effective
As you would expect for a 6.25lb rifle, there really isn’t much in the way of creature comforts with the Savage Axis. The barrel is carbon steel, the stock is
For this money, what more do you want? The Savage Axis is a solid choice.

8. Christensen Arms CA-10 G2 Carbon
- Price: $3,130.99
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Total: 35.5 inch
- Weight: 7.2lb
Christensen Arms is a custom firearms company with some real substance in the material science department. So if you want a lightweight Creedmoor rifle and you’re prepared to pay, this is the 7.2lb Creedmoor rifle you have been looking for.
Extensive use of carbon fiber has helped them solve a pretty major handicap with the weight of the basic AR-10 and the end result is a dark horse that you might now have considered in this class. It ends up as a high price, high spec battle rifle.
There’s no getting round the fact that the Christen Arms CA-10 G2 is an engineering masterclass.
Carbon Fiber Wrapped Stainless Steel
That 20″ barrel is a thinner wall of 416R Steel, carbon fiber wrapped. The button-rifled barrel alone is more than $600 and it literally explains where the extra money goes compared to others here.
The upper and lower receivers are machined from billet 7075 Aluminum, again to cut the final weight. A match rifle trigger adjusts from 3.5-4.5lb, you get a flared magwell, an M-LOK Handguard and a BCM Gunfighter stock.
Premium Engineering = Light Weight
It’s also 7.2lb and that makes it one of the lightest 6.5 Creedmoor rifles on sale.
It’s a powerful USP, together with the Sub-MOA accuracy, that we think is going to turn this gun into a halo weapon for Christensen Arms.
They smashed it out the park with this one, and it’s a serious contender. Check out the cheaper burnt bronze cerakote finish G2, too. It’s quite the thing.
9. Tikka T3X TAC A1 24-inch
- Price: $1,998.99
- Capacity: 11 Rounds
- Barrel (Inches): 24
- Total: 43.5
- Weight: 11.25lb
Yes it’s another Tikka right up in the top spots. And plenty of you think this 6.5 Creedmoor precision rifle should be the overall winner.
This gun is one of the open secrets of the community. Almost anybody that’s considering getting into big distances ends up looking at the Tikka TAC-A1.
It is a bargain in terms of value for money too. Owners reckon it is a total match for weapons that cost several orders of magnitude more.
It’s a fully adjustable, fully customisable weapon with comb height and everything easy to fix. I mean it’s heavy and it’s really first and foremost a target rifle, but it is magnificent.
This is too much gun for running along trails. It’s a stakeout kind of weapon, though, where you set up a hide and shoot like a sniper. I mean you get sling swivels, but you’re a tougher guy than me if you use them.

10. Bergara Woodsman B14 Timber
- Price: $949.99
- Weight: 7.1lb
- Barrel: 22 inch
- Total: 42 inch
- Capacity: 3+1 Rounds
This is another one that has scorched through the ranks thanks to its lightweight natural wood chassis that means you could shoulder it all day without any pain.
The natural walnut stock gives it an real olde world feel, too.
A Traditional Look With 1000 Yard Reach
The barrel is 4140 Chrome Moly Steel and it received a simple blued finish. It looks like a traditional bolt-action rifle that is an absolute tack driver out to 1000 yards. Some people will just dig that.
The 22″ barrel rifle features in Bergara’s heavier chassis as a target shooter, so it goes without saying it’s got the goods in the field. It’s a 1:10 rate of twist and the trigger pull is a simple, clean breaking single-stage trigger that breaks at 3lb.
It’s a lightweight 6.5 Creedmoor that ticks all the boxes. The Spanish firm will sell you a heavy barrel weapon and heavy chassis rifles, but this is the one we really like.

11. Daniel Defense DD5 V5
- Price: $2,652.99
- Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Total: 35.3-35.5 inch
- Weight: 8.9lb
- Capacity: 20+1
The DD5 V5, which is also a smash hit on the 308 Winchester circuit, brings all the convenience of an AR-15 to the bigger round.
AR-10 Platform Shrunk to AR-15 Size
The engineers have done an awesome job to shrink the basic AR-10 platform down to 8.9lb. There’s room to go further with a
In short, nobody will be unhappy with their Daniel Defense DD5 V5. It’s a safe option, backed by a reputable company who keep producing outstanding firearms that are greater than the sum of their parts.
This comes with a fully adjustable gas block so you can run a suppressor, which is especially handy when you’re hunting or in, ummm, tactical situations.
Kill Shot Up to 1000m+
When you are, this Designated Marksman Rifle is good for a killshot at 1000 meters.
That’s more than most of us will actually ever use. But if you want to go all special forces sniper then you can strap a serious rifle scope up top, smear shit on your face and hide in a ditch for four days while you wait for a deer to take a drink in a distant river. It’s all good man and there’s a thread for a suppressor too.
Small Game, Medium Game Hunting, Big Game Hunting Through to Home Defense
You can also rely on this for more or less everything else, from Whitetail hunting through to hunting big game. The fact you can do all that with the convenience of a patrol rifle is very cool indeed.

12. Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon
- Price: $2,703.99
- Barrel: 26 inch
- Total: 46 inch
- Weight: 7lb
- Capacity: 4+1
The Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon is a legend that has helped forge the company’s reputation in recent years.
Black Synthetic Stock Not the Cheap Option Anymore
Here you get a consistent grip and weather-proofing. The composite comes with a molded texture that is a step forward from the polished wood stocks of days gone by.
The company says this is the Browning X-Bolt for hardcore hunters and shooters who like to hit things really far away.
Of course there are cheaper, but the Browning X-Bolt is an icon and one of the value packages on this list if you listen to seasoned hunters.

12. Stag Arms Stag 10 Tactical
- Price: $1899.99
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Capacity: 20+1 rounds
- Weight: 8.2lb
If you want a lightweight 6.5 Creedmoor rifle and you don’t want to pay space age prices, the Stag Arms Stag 10 Tactical might just be perfect for you.
This is a true patrol rifle at 8.2lb, that just happens to have a 20 inch barrel, insane range and fast follow up shots. As a battle rifle, it’s hard to fault.
Because you order direct from Stag Arms, too, you can specify a Left Hand version, which will be music to the ears of approximately 10% of gun owners. You’re a niche crowd, you left hand gang, but we try and take care of you when we can…
California Compliant and New York Legal…
You can also order your AR-10 with a pinned 10 round magazine. Which helps with the restrictive gun laws in New York and California. Obviously check your local gun laws, but the company makes it easy with State specific rifles to order
You also get nice touches like an infinite shot guarantee for your barrel and a lifetime guarantee for the non consumables. That is standing by your product and a lot of customers are repeat customers.
Weight Matters More Than Ultimate Range?
If you’re punching paper and ringing steel, there are other rifles here for you. But if you want to take your Semi-automatic 6.5 Creedmoor rifle out into the field, the Stag 10 ticks a lot of boxes.
8.2lb is about as light as you can expect to get without getting into expensive material science. For that reason alone, this is a tempting proposition.
You can order a longer barrel for this DMR, but then it becomes lost in the crowd in terms of weight. With this barrel, it stands out much more and the user adjustable stock is full on precision gear.

13. Benelli Lupo
- Price: $1,513.99
- Capacity: 20+1 Rounds
- Barrel: 24 Inches
- Total: 46 inches
- Weight: 7.1lb
Benelli makes some of the finest semi automatic shotguns on this earth. The Lupo is its first bolt action rifle and, so far, it looks like it will be a star.
Sub-MOA accuracy is guaranteed out the box and Benelli has bought a number of user adjustable modular chassis rifle features to a basic hunting rifle stock. It’s a neat touch that allows you to tailor a relatively cheap rifle with the same precision as a custom gun.
Let the OG Hickock talk you through it…
14. Patriot Ordnance Factory P6.5 Edge
- Price: $2,025.99
- Capacity: 20+1 Rounds
- Barrel: 20 Inches
- Total: 39 inches
- Weight: 9.5lb
We did name the POF Edge as the winner, but you weren’t having that. Reader feedback pushed this Designated Marksman Rifle down the order. The reason? It’s awesome, but it’s on the heavy side for a hunter.
This is everything the military could ask for in a sniper rifle that doubles as a patrol weapon. It’s a specific tool,, but it’s everything the Colt M4 and current crop of 308s aren’t when it comes to accuracy from 500-1000 yards.
This is a sub-MOA AR-platform with a threaded muzzle brake, triple port, what’s not to love? It’s just a touch heavy for a complete service rifle, but it’s close…

15. Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor
- Price: $1,556.99
- Barrel: 22 inch
- Total: 42 inch
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
- Weight: 8.9lb
The Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor is light enough to go anywhere, precise enough to take big game at unreasonable distances and cheap enough to be a best-seller.
So far it has proved a winning recipe for the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter, which is still a relative newcomer. But compare Ruger American Predator pricing with this and you’ll see a gulf, with a reason. It’s easy to justify going up in class with your centerfire rifle.
The Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter gets a Mauser type controlled feed action and a one-piece stainless bolt. The muzzle brake is sexy and it is fun to shoot.

16. Wilson Combat AR-10 Super Sniper
- Price: $3,467.99
- Barrel: 20 inch
- Total: 40 inch
- Capacity: 20+1 rounds
- Weight: 8.9lb
The Wilson Combat Super Sniper is an elite semi automatic sniper rifle designed for supreme accuracy and rapid follow up shots.
Now that can work for long distance hog hunting, a couple of other forms of hunting and, well, less savory purposes. The clue is in the name.
WIlson Combat semi automatic rifles are really, really expensive. But they tend to be the only rifle you’ll ever need in that caliber and the first one you pick up.
This will be a special relationship and almo0st nobody bitches about the money once they own one. That’s high praise in itself.

17. Ruger American Predator
- Price: $423.99
- Capacity: 3+1 rounds
- Barrel (Inches): 22
- Total (Inches): 42
- Weight: 6.6lb
The Ruger American Predator is an intriguing example of the economies of scale in action. It’s pretty much 90% as good as the most expensive offerings, but it’s less than half the money thanks to the beauty of mass manufacturing.
The Ruger American rifle is also a lightweight and that’s a bigger deal than I first realized.
I got carried away with AR-platforms and military
Clean and Simple, But Done Well
The company knows all about this kind of firearm and has simply provided a
It’s a free-floating barrel thanks to the Ruger Power Bedding system. A 70 degree bolt plays nice with your optic, the stock is molded for a positive grip and everything just works.
The trigger is a fully adjustable Marksman Adjustable Trigger, so you can set it up for a hair trigger or a long pull.
Another Light Show
It’s 6.6lb, which means you can sling it on your shoulder and take it out for the day, before setting up and taking a 1000-yard White Tail or something bigger.

18. NEMO Arms XO Steel
- Price: $3,454.99
- Capacity: 20+1 Rounds
- Barrel (Inches): 20
- Total Weight: 8.2lb
NEMO Arms makes seriously expensive guns for elite fighting forces around the world. And you can buy one too.
A weird thing has happened too. These guns used to be cartoonishly expensive, but the prices have remained more or less constant while everyone around them has jacked up theirs. So the Nemo doesn’t look like such a white whale anymore. In fact it’s starting to look reasonably priced.
There are 22 inches of stainless steel barrel up front that turns this is Designated Marksman Rifle into a real sniper. That weighs in at 9.5lb, though, while this is still a hella accurate 6.5 Creedmoor semi-auto rifle that could take an eye out at 1000 yards. We know because it does.
Your urban warfare needs are hopefully pretty thin on the ground, but this can hunt hogs or defend your land from rioters. Also, these are match grade semi-automatic rifle

19. Remington 700 SPS
- Price: $665.99
- Rifle: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel: 24 inch
- Total Length: 36.1 inch
- Weight: 8lb
At first glance, the Remington 700 SPS looks like a winning recipe. Hunters don’t need 1000 yard sport shooting rifles. Quite often if it shoots straight and true to around 500 yards, it is a perfect option.
This light, high-velocity hunting round has won a lot of fans and now we’re starting to move away from the long-range target shooters to tailor-made hunters like the new Remington 700.
Remington has 50 years of experience and this is just an extension of the classic Remington 700 family.
Button Rifled Barrel With a Suppressor
You get a button-rifled barrel with 5/8×24 threads for a suppressor and you get a fully adjustable Crossfire trigger system set with a pull weight of 4.2lb from the factory.
A SuperCell recoil pad helps soak up the recoil, which is minimal thanks to the lightweight round and the polymer frame that absorbs some of the impact by design.
Considering how short that barrel is, the final weight on this F
20. Accuracy International AX 6.5
- Price: $7, 911
- Rifle: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel: 24 inches
- Total: 49.2 inches
- Weight: 15lb
The price is insane and this is way too heavy to be an all-purpose firearm, but this could just be the ultimate modern sniper.
The fact that this precision rifle exists at all, and we can buy it, is a clear indication to me that special forces teams and Law Enforcement around the world are already using this cartridge. Accuracy International makes the best rifles for the elite, after all…
So I would bet a
Specialist Sniper
It’s a pure sniper attached to a
We actually like all-rounders for the most part and this would actually be a PITA if you had to hike with it. But if you want accuracy and you’re prepared to pay, then this would be a great place to start.
21. Ruger Precision Rifle
- Price: $1,547.97
- Rifle: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel (Inches): 24 inches
- Total Length (Inches): 42
- Total Weight: 10.7lb
This Ruger Precision is a target gun, rather than a field weapon. That’s down to the weight really, which is going to stop all but the most determined hunter running
AR Platform Without Sacrificing Accuracy
The Ruger Precision rifle is a beautifully simple 6.5 Creedmoor that was, essentially, modeled on the AR platform. So the end result is really aimed at less demanding precision shooting.
It’s a long range precision rifle meant for paper punching and the near infinite level of adjustment reflects that. You could spend a day tuning the stock, and adjustable length of pull, on the Ruger Precision.

22. Howa HS Precision
- Price: $586.99
- Rifle: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel: 22 inch
- Total: 42 inch
- Weight: 7.6lb
- Capacity: 4+1
Americans have been taking into this basic recipe into woods for some fun or basic survival for decades. The Howa 1500 is a legend and still features heavily in shooting gear reviews.
The free-floating barrel has a solid reputation for accuracy. It’s a lightweight 6.5 Creedmoor rifle that you can shoulder and hike with. And then shoot like a pro at targets at the end of it, if you’re not really into killing stuff.
23. Springfield M1A Precision
- Price: $2,089.99
- Rifle: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Capacity: 10+1 Rounds
- Barrel length: 22
- Total: 44.3
- Weight: 11.4lb
The Springfield M1A is certainly reminiscent of the M14 military rifle that replaced the M1 Garand in the hands of the American military, if only for a brief time from 1959 to 1964.
The gun didn’t really work as a full automatic machine gun and was difficult to control. Variants were kept, however, as the M14 proved an exceptional sniper.
Iron Sights. Good Luck.
You get the iron sights as standard and those rears are adjustable match-spec irons on the Springfield M1A.
You can fold the iron sights away. The Springfield Armory comes drilled and tapped ready for your preferred optic and, in the right hands, this is a long range precision rifle.
Check out some $1000 rifle scopes for sale in 2023 here.
Modern Take on Vintage Design
The Springfield M1A is a bewitching blend of vintage firearms and modern material science. The stainless steel barrel has four grooves and a 1:8 rate of twist, the ported muzzle brake is a work of art and it’s almost infinitely adjustable. That includes the adjustable length of pull and the comb height.
There are elements of Sako TRG-42 about this gun, although obviously it’s a budget option, and you could still easily take aim at 1000 yards with this bad boy. While it is heavy for big game hunting, you could…

24. Mossberg Patriot 65
- Price: $491.99
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
- Barrel: 22 inches
- Total: (inches): 42
- Weight: 6.5lb
This is basically the ‘I hunt with Creedmoor 6.5 Starter Pack’ and the Mossberg Patriot Predator is another multi-caliber rifle that has good chemistry with the Creedmoor cartridge.
Predator a Great Start
The Mossberg Patriot Synthetic stock has a 22-inch fluted barrel and not much else. It is a basic bolt-action rifle, but it comes at a basic price and should be good enough for you to get your eye in.
25. Bergara B-14 Wilderness 6.5
- Price: $757.99
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
- Barrel length: 24
- Total (Inches): 43.5
- Weight: 10.95lb
You can opt for the much more expensive Bergara Premier HMR Pro, but we really like this middle ground mini chassis rifle that comes with alot of the premium features.
Bergara has its own button rifling process that has elevated the threaded barrels to the top tier. They regularly star in custom guns and now Bergara wants to build on its success with its own proprietary guns.
Bergara Offers Sub-MOA Accuracy
It is a fiercely accurate gun with an adjustable trigger, adjustable length of pull, as well as everything else down to the adjustable cheek riser. Essentially this is still a chassis rifle, but the chassis is molded composite. It’s a bold take.
The gun is based on the footprint of the Remington 700 and you can order a Bergara in a range of calibers and you can opt for a simpler synthetic stock platform.
Bergara Offers Range
Bergara offers the HMP, which is a lot simpler and almost as capable, and the Bergara B-14 HMR, the Premier Mountain and more. Incidentally, the Bergara B-14 Hunter is a 7lb lightweight you might love and the Bergara B-14 HMR steals a lot of the headlines.
You give up the rigidity of the AR-style chassis, but you’ll only feel it if you’re punching paper at big distances. They make for great hunting rifles, too, and are a much bigger brand in Europe. The Bergara Premier is quite the thing. Maybe next time we’ll include it…

26. Proof Research Elevation
- Price: $2,999.99
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
- Barrel length: 24 inch
- Overall: 44 inches
- Weight: 6.5lb
The patented cf wrapped barrel is a thing of beauty. But you still might be right to question whether this is worth $3000.
The carbon fiber stock and that coarse finish barrel that really does show off the space age tech are all good. So is the TriggerTech system. But it’s still a hell of a lot of money for a carbon fiber stock.

27. Weatherby Vanguard Weatherguard Tactical
- Price: $779.99
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds
- Barrel: 24 inch
- Overall: 44 inches
- Weight: 7.75lb
The rest of the name is useful, though, as it is totally weatherguarded, with a fully-enclosed bolt sleeve. It is guaranteed in all conditions. To be honest, though, most should be these days.
You get 24 inches of threaded barrel and a polymer stock for a decent price, which could make this an ideal starter rifle for novice shooters.
Cheap Sub-MOA 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
It’s a guaranteed Sub-MOA rifle, too. There is a two-stage match-grade trigger. It comes with a fluted bolt, an integral recoil lug and a hinged floorplate. You have got a very convincing firearm for a bargain price.
The Weatherby Vanguard is an accurate rifle and you should be able to shoulder it for a whole day of hiking. It weighs in at just 7.75lb, despite that monumental threaded barrel, and that’s one of its major strengths.
28. Savage Arms Impulse Hog Hunter
- Price: $1,161.99
- Capacity: 4 Rounds.
- Barrel (Inches): 20
- Total (Inches): 38.5
- Weight: 8.5lb
With a 20″ barrel and basic layout, this gun has real potential for ridiculous accuracy and an overall cost-effective hunting package.
Get a great optic or red dot and you can throw your 308 and 338 away, or sell them. The Savage Impulse Hog Hunter has all the performance you need.
This gun weighs in at 8.5lb, so it’s much heavier than some. But that extra accuracy and heavy barrel could make it worth hauling round the extra few pounds.
It also has that custom sniper look about it. That’s worth something, we think…

29. Savage Arms 11 Hunter
- Price: $1,071.99
- Capacity: 3+1 Rounds
- Barrel: 26 Inches
- Total: 46.25 inches
- Total Weight: 8lb
Sometimes you don’t want an AR platform you can shoulder for the day. Sometimes you just want a really accurate barrel strapped to a stock with a detachable box magazine. That’s what this Savage Arms 110 Apex Hunter bolt action rifle was built for.
There is a heavier rifle, but this is the lighweight you could carry. You could also set yourself up in a hide and take pot shots at things that could be animals on the horizon. I mean who is going to stop you?
With a seriously accurate
Threaded Barrel Increases Accuracy
26 inches of supremely accurate carbon steel barrel makes up for an awful lot of tech. Especially with these long range precision rifle cartridges.
So Savage really could keep it simple while building an absolute tack driver. It has become a legend with long distance shooters and the sniper style of hunters.
Lazy hunters, they used to be called.
It’s so basic that it’s a favorite in long-distance shooting competitions. It really is a precision shooting masterclass. The AccuStock, a free-floating button-rifled barrel and Target AccuTrigger technology that means you can set the trigger pull from 6oz to 2.5lb.
There’s an elegant compensator, a small scope rail for a scope and not much else. Sometimes that’s enough in a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.

30. Henry Long Ranger
- Price: $1,479.99
- Barrel: 22 inch
- Total Length: 42 inch
- Weight: 7lb
The Henry Long Ranger is a selection of lever action rifles, 6.5 Creedmoor in the chamber in this case and a 22″ barrel for long distances.
You’re going to love this Henry Repeating Arms or hate it and nothing I say here will make the slightest bit of difference.
So buy your Henry Long Ranger, or don’t. Your call.
Now Let’s Talk Ammunition
If you are looking for rifle ammo, handgun ammo, rimfire ammo, 9mm amm cans, shotgun ammo or something in between, then you normally end up at the same places. So it is with 6.5 Creedmoor ammo deals. Small game is less taxing, obviously.
Palmetto State Armory is generally our favorite bulk supplier of 9mm and 45 ACP. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge is a slightly special case, but Palmetto State Armory can help. As can the others.
- Palmetto State Armory – Small selection of 6.5 Cartridge choices.
- Brownells – Great deals on Creedmoor ammo. Handgun ammo, shotgun ammo too.
- Lucky Gunner – Lots of ammo in stock at great prices. Rifle ammo deals.
What Scope Should You Buy?
The scope is actually more important than the gun and will certainly outlive it. But I have done a separate post for $1000 scopes that you can read here and most of them went to 25x magnification. Because why not?
3-9×40 Scopes seem to be the most
Vortex Optics are a popular choice and the centerfire rifle with Vortex Crossfire II Scope combo is getting a lot of love. That’s a $200 scope, so it’s on the budget end, but the Vortex Crossfire does the job.
You’re getting into spotting scopes and range gear with a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, too. Probably gun cases too. Maybe knives, tools, other stuff.
6mm Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor rifles
6mm Creedmoor looks to be the Betamax of the short action cartridge war. it has lost the shooting gear reviews battle. So unless you want a complete collection, stick to the more popular rifles, 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action rifle options, that won the spin war in every way.
Despite its shortcomings, 308 Winchester Magnum is still the real rival and arguably it’s better to 400 yards. . Check out our picks for the top 308 Winchester Magnum rifles here and get everything from a lever action rifle through to a single shot bolt action rifle. Maybe even a single shot lever action too, and some gun parts..
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Most of rifles listed are too heavy for hunting
There’s a mix in there and people do use them. A lot of .308s are heavy, too, and that doesn’t stop people taking them out. I can understand wanting a lightweight gun, but not everybody does.
i agree with first comment. Too many rifles over 8lds on this list. I own a Tikka T3X TAC A1 in 6.5CM. It’s an awesome rifle but it’s not a hunting rifle, too heavy. I’m now shopping for a 6.5CM hunting rifle that’s under 8lbs. I’m leaning towards the Tikka T3X Stainless Laminated.
You might be right. I add to the lists all the time and the balance got out. I got a new partner, Euro Optic, with some incredible guns on there. I got a bit excited. But yep, I’m going to go back and add some more lightweight options. So point taken!
What is the most reliable and most accurate (perhaps just well build) Precision Rifle in your opinion? I narrowed down to Tikka T3X TAC A1, Savage Model 10 BA Stealth, Ruger Precision Rifle Gen 3, Springfield M1A, and the Bergara B14 BMP. Trying to decide between them by looking at the best deals. Any recommendations or something else I should look at?
People love the Tikka and it seems to be getting a lot more love than the Ruger. It also comes in a few flavors, but you know the one you’re after. The TAC A1 is meant to be fantastic, the Springfield is a retro and different kind of experience. The Savage is OK, but out the lot of them I think I would go with your first option. I think if it’s a target/long distance shooter, you’re basically right on the money.
What are your opinions on the Howa American flag Chassis 6.5 Creedmoor? I just saw it at our sportsman’s show has sparked my interest. It is a heavy gun but I am just looking at long range shooting as I am pretty comfortable with my big game hunting guns.
not sure why he picked the heaviest Tikka T3x TAC A1. All the creedmoore Tikka TAC are lighter than the Ruger precision except the one he lists (the one with no folding stock). So I would assume it too could be used in hunting, not just a tree house ambush and would also be able to take down an american white tail deer at 1000 yards without even thinking about it.
Sorry just an opinion but Kimber 84m 6.5 Creedmoor Leupold vx-3i 3.5x10x40 under 1100.00 and under sub moa and under 6.5 lbs. Just an opinion.
No probs, I like opinions! At the end of the day the lists are judgement calls, and I change them according to feedback and people calling me a dumbass, which happens a lot! I’ll bear it in mind and it might make an appearance!
You didn’t say what the trigger pull weight of the Q fix was. Do you have that number?
Thanks, Julie-Anne Baird
I honestly don’t and I’d say it’s theoretical at this point. I haven’t seen any rifles on the open market. If you have, let me know!
Regarding the Ruger American Predator 6.5 Creedmoor, you stated,,,” and you probably will have to replace parts on this rifle every season.” What exactly does that mean, replace parts every season, Which parts are you referring to? Do you have experience with this rile or have first-hand accounts of some failures?
I have friends that swear by their rifles have not experienced any issues with years of use.
I think Ruger would like to know which parts are prone to fail also.
Honestly I have experience with them. Nothing against them, cheaper rifles tend to need replacement parts sooner. I don’t think that’s a hugely controversial point. That’s the point of advanced materials, quality control and coatings, which tend to cost money. I’m not ragging on Ruger, though, it’s a great rifle. That’s why it’s here.