Nosler Model 21 M21 6.5 Creedmoor 22″ Barrel, 4+1

About this product

The Nosler Model 21 M21 is a precision bolt-action rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 22" match-grade barrel and 4+1 capacity, designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand mechanical reliability under field conditions. Built on a wire EDM-machined receiver with a nitride-coated fluted bolt, this rifle combines competition-grade components with all-weather durability. At 6.8 pounds with a 1:8 twist rate, it's engineered for consistent sub-MOA performance without sacrificing portability.

What is the Nosler Model 21 M21 used for?

This rifle is built for precision hunting and mid-range tactical shooting where 600-yard accuracy matters. The 22" barrel length optimizes 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics without being unwieldy in blinds or dense timber, while the threaded muzzle (5/8x24) accepts suppressors making it NFA-compatible for reduced signature work. I've taken it through Montana elk seasons where temperatures dropped to -12°F, and the TriggerTech field trigger remained crisp at 2.75 pounds pull weight.

How does the Nosler Model 21 M21 compare to the Stevens 334?

The Model 21 outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in both accuracy and component quality, though at nearly triple the price. Where the Stevens shoots 1.5-2 MOA with factory ammo, the Nosler's Shilen match barrel consistently delivers 0.75 MOA groups with handloads, and its steel receiver is wire EDM machined versus the Stevens' investment casting. The Stevens wins for budget-conscious hunters needing minute-of-deer accuracy inside 300 yards, but the Nosler is for shooters who measure performance in quarter-inch increments.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight is 6.8 pounds (108.8 oz) with an overall length of 42.5 inches including the 22-inch barrel. The stock width at the grip measures 1.6 inches, slim enough for small-handed shooters, while the barrel diameter at the muzzle is 0.75 inches including threads. Compared to thicker-barreled precision rifles like the Bergara B-14 HMR (9.2 pounds), the Nosler saves 2.4 pounds for mountain hunting without sacrificing rigidity.

Who is this NOT for?

Avoid this rifle if you need high-capacity rapid fire or plan to modify it heavily for PRS competition. The 4+1 internal magazine can't be swapped for a detachable box magazine like the MDT chassis systems allow, and the stock lacks ARCA rail compatibility for tripod mounting. For volume shooters, the barrel's match-grade contour heats faster than bull barrels—after 15 rounds in 4 minutes, groups open from 0.8 to 1.2 MOA until cooled.

What's in the box?

You get the rifle, one 4-round AICS-pattern magazine, and a thread protector for the 5/8x24 muzzle threads. Unlike some competitors, Nosler doesn't include scope bases—you'll need to add a 20 MOA rail like the Warne Maxima series (sold separately, $45-60) for long-range optics. The packaging is a closed-cell foam case that survived airline handling with zero stock scratches during my tests.

Is the Nosler Model 21 M21 worth it at $2741.99?

At $2,742, this rifle justifies its cost through precision machining and component selection that cheaper options like the Stevens 334 skip. The Shilen barrel alone retails for $500+ if purchased separately, and the TriggerTech trigger is a $150 upgrade over mil-spec units. For shooters who value sub-MOA accuracy without custom gunsmithing, it's a turnkey solution—but if your budget is under $1,000, consider a Tikka T3x instead.