Fondled some bolt guns today.

[CPJ 2.0]

Stopped by a LGS to kill some time. Got to compare several new bolt guns.
Got to see the new Ruger American.
I’m pretty impressed. Fit and finish it’s pretty good, and working the bolt doesn’t feel like a fat girl wearing corduroy pants rubbing her thighs together.
Stock is significantly more stiff than the previous model. BUT, whoever chose that compound for the buttpad was high on crack and retarded all rolled into one. It sticks like glue to your clothing. Not worth a crap.
Using good quality (AICS) mags beats the poop out of the previous garbage Ruger factory offerings. Probably will be terrifying for grandpa to see a mag hanging out, but that’s ok.
Overall looks pretty decent. Worth $200 more than the old model? (Throwing out inflation etc) maybe not. I think I’d still prefer a different stock. (Give me a barreled action, please) but certainly a nice gun.

Compared it to a new Ruger 77 international, it felt about the same action wise. Which is disgusting. I was VERY disappointed. Disgusted is the correct term. Ruger should be ashamed for putting out that garbage. They certainly aren’t made like they used to be.

Then I grabbed a “Weatherby”. (Howa) It put both Rugers to shame. As well as a Savage, but not by much. Which honestly the Savage surprised me.

Then I grabbed the Begara. It put them all to shame.

Yeah. American gunmakers are dog squeeze in comparison to the Begara. Yes, I was/am comparing a more premium price point rifle. (Except the embarrassing 77 intl) But damn. That’s a NICE weapon. And I’ve never seen a new US made rifle feel that nice.
If I wanted a gun that I could buy and be happy with leaving stock, it would be the Begara.

Anyway, random thoughts.

[mitdr774]

I have been impressed with my Howa Mini 6.5 Grendel. The stock leaves some to be desired, but for its price point I was willing to deal with it. My Ruger Americans leave a lot to be desired between the stock, trigger, and bolt feel being about as smooth as a Detroit road after winter.

[shotgunshooter3]

Which Bergara did you look at, and how was the stock. I've eyed them a few times. A Bergara (along with a Weatherby 307 and others) is on the list of guns to consider if and/or when I get tired of monkeying with my 7mm Rem Mag.

Also good to know on the Ruger. One of those in 7mm08 may find its way in my collection this year.

[shotgunshooter3]

...Compared it to a new Ruger 77 international, it felt about the same action wise. Which is disgusting. I was VERY disappointed. Disgusted is the correct term. Ruger should be ashamed for putting out that garbage. They certainly aren’t made like they used to be...

I have had a Ruger 77 AW in .223 for maybe 20 YEARS that was my first centerfire bolt gun, which is to say that I shot it a lot and probably manipulated the bolt 100x per shot. I haven't messed with it in years but I don't recall it being all that smooth either. Maybe I'll drag it out of the safe later this year. To my memory it only shot a MOA group maybe once, but that was likely partly due to my inexperienced hand. I'll never get rid of it because it was a gift from a family member, but to me the 77 series has always fallen short performance wise for the price.

Thread drift a bit, but if the barrel is thick enough it might be a candidate for cutting down to maybe 18" and threading for a can, as well as putting into a better stock. Possibly.

[CPJ 2.0]

Which Bergara did you look at, and how was the stock. I've eyed them a few times. A Bergara (along with a Weatherby 307 and others) is on the list of guns to consider if and/or when I get tired of monkeying with my 7mm Rem Mag.

Also good to know on the Ruger. One of those in 7mm08 may find its way in my collection this year.

Several.
One with a fancy CF stock and barrel. One walnut. One composite. Can’t recall the model.

[Bigslug]

Compared it to a new Ruger 77 international, it felt about the same action wise. Which is disgusting. I was VERY disappointed. Disgusted is the correct term. Ruger should be ashamed for putting out that garbage. They certainly aren’t made like they used to be.

Don't know what specifically you ran into - I hunted my Ruger 77 GS Scout from 2017 to 2022; started with a recently discontinued part number of stainless Hawkeye last year; have played with a lot of Ruger revolvers. Ruger seems to have a thing for allowing the parts to final polish themselves in, and it's pretty nice when they get there. Some chance the "made like used they to" have just had that wear-in. Being basically Mauser spawn, there is the same play in the bolt at the back of the stroke that you'll find on real G and K 98's, which may not be there on some of the more modern "tube-y" actions.

But I'm not a fanboy that's going to say they're infallible - just the path I've tread with 'em.

[CPJ 2.0]

Compared it to a new Ruger 77 international, it felt about the same action wise. Which is disgusting. I was VERY disappointed. Disgusted is the correct term. Ruger should be ashamed for putting out that garbage. They certainly aren’t made like they used to be.

Don't know what specifically you ran into - I hunted my Ruger 77 GS Scout from 2017 to 2022; started with a recently discontinued part number of stainless Hawkeye last year; have played with a lot of Ruger revolvers. Ruger seems to have a thing for allowing the parts to final polish themselves in, and it's pretty nice when they get there. Some chance the "made like used they to" have just had that wear-in. Being basically Mauser spawn, there is the same play in the bolt at the back of the stroke that you'll find on real G and K 98's, which may not be there on some of the more modern "tube-y" actions.

But I'm not a fanboy that's going to say they're infallible - just the path I've tread with 'em.

Rough is how I’d describe it. No smoother than their $600 “budget” rifle.
Sure. It could wear on after 500 rounds.
Or, it could be as nice as a rifle costing $500 less. (Howa)

Now hurry up and give me a PSA 700 bare clone action for $300 and Let me build what I want for less money.

[Zee]

I’m really impressed with Bergara. Just wish they chambered the .223 Remington.

[shotgunshooter3]

I’m really impressed with Bergara. Just wish they chambered the .223 Remington.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gea ... %20polymer.

[Diver43]

I’m really impressed with Bergara. Just wish they chambered the .223 Remington.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gea ... %20polymer.

The B 14 Ridge comes in .223

[Zee]

I’m really impressed with Bergara. Just wish they chambered the .223 Remington.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gea ... %20polymer.

Well crap. That’s never been on their web site that I saw.

Aaaaand it’s a 9T. Oh well. Back to Ruger.

[shotgunshooter3]

I’m really impressed with Bergara. Just wish they chambered the .223 Remington.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gea ... %20polymer.

Well crap. That’s never been on their web site that I saw.

Aaaaand it’s a 9T. Oh well. Back to Ruger.

https://bergarafirearmsusa.com/bergara- ... fle-w-det/

[Zee]

Shut up, you!!

[Kansashunter]

My lgs has a bergara in 6.5 sweede that I keep looking at. I like the rifle just not sure about the chambering.

[Diver43]

My lgs has a bergara in 6.5 sweede that I keep looking at. I like the rifle just not sure about the chambering.

Get one in .308, you will not be sorry

[mitdr774]

My lgs has a bergara in 6.5 sweede that I keep looking at. I like the rifle just not sure about the chambering.

What is your concern with the 6.5x55?

[Kansashunter]

Ron, I already have a 308 and I don't need another one right now. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 6.5 Swede but I fall for the newest greatest of the moment sometimes. I had been thinking about a 6.5 prc but my lgs got a good deal on this and I keep looking at it. I know the deer won't be able to tell the difference. If I hadn't retired it would be home already, but you know how it goes, first the rifle then a scope, dies, brass and bullets. I keep telling myself that less recoil would be nice as I am getting older and I am guessing this would be that.

[mitdr774]

The brass would probably be the hardest to get, but I stocked up years ago. Every now and then I see Hornady and PPU brass available, but Lapua is almost always available. I would have to dig in my stash but I think I even have a bunch of Norma and R-P once fired brass as well. Hornady dies are almost always available.

Yes, I see where the cost adds up quick. It's like having to buy a bunch of .270 brass to convert to 6.5-06 even though you have a bunch of .30-06 brass laying around.

[Diver43]

Ron, I already have a 308 and I don't need another one right now. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 6.5 Swede but I fall for the newest greatest of the moment sometimes. I had been thinking about a 6.5 prc but my lgs got a good deal on this and I keep looking at it. I know the deer won't be able to tell the difference. If I hadn't retired it would be home already, but you know how it goes, first the rifle then a scope, dies, brass and bullets. I keep telling myself that less recoil would be nice as I am getting older and I am guessing this would be that.

Understand. Don't think I would purchase a gun that is near impossible to get factory ammo for, let alone brass.
Once you settle into it, retirement is easy. I never realized how much it cost me to go to work

[mitdr774]

Factory Swede ammunition in the US is watered down for the most part. Currently from just a few source options for 6.5x55 you can get Nolser, PPU, and Lapua brass. I took a quick peek at 6.5 PRC and it wasnt a whole lot better for brass. Local to me you wont have much luck finding either factory loaded ammunition.

[ericb622]

My lgs has a bergara in 6.5 sweede that I keep looking at. I like the rifle just not sure about the chambering.

The 6.5 Swede is amazing. Grab it, you won’t be sorry.

[Wambli Ska]

My lgs has a bergara in 6.5 sweede that I keep looking at. I like the rifle just not sure about the chambering.

Well that just sucks…. And have a PILE of 6.5 Swede ammo I’ve been meaning to sell on GB and I really like Bergara guns and have been wanting a stupid reason to get one.

CRAP!!!!!!

[JunkCollector]

Well with a pile of ammo you definitely need the gun.
It's even CPJ 2.0 approved.

[Kansashunter]

Well it is confirmed that I am old and losing my mind. I stopped by today to look it over again and it is not a Bergara but a cz. I still like it but it takes special scope rings and it is heavy. The trigger is sweet, not real light but no take up or over travel $730 plus tax. I left it today but we'll see.

[shotgunshooter3]

Well it is confirmed that I am old and losing my mind. I stopped by today to look it over again and it is not a Bergara but a cz. I still like it but it takes special scope rings and it is heavy. The trigger is sweet, not real light but no take up or over travel $730 plus tax. I left it today but we'll see.

Go back and buy it. Those older Mauser derived CZs aren't made anymore and swiftly become desirable collector's items.