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Stag Arms Pursuit 6.5 Creedmoor 20in Fluted Bolt Rifle

SKUTSW|159741 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$1599.99
✓ Free shipping over $99   ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days   ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

  • 20-inch fluted barrel reduces weight by approximately 8 ounces versus standard contour barrel
  • Fully adjustable hybrid stock offers 1.5 inches of length of pull adjustment and 0.75-inch cheek riser travel
  • TriggerTech trigger provides consistent 3.5-pound break with zero creep or overtravel
  • Integrated 20 MOA rail enables long-range shooting beyond 800 yards without scope adjustment issues
  • M-LOK slots accept accessories without adding weight or bulk to the 8.3-pound platform

Trade-offs

  • No iron sights included — requires immediate optic purchase adding $200-$600 to total cost
  • Cerakote finish shows wear more quickly than nitride or stainless finishes in rough field use
  • 8.3-pound weight is heavy for extended backpack hunts compared to ultralight rifles weighing under 6 pounds
  • Limited aftermarket stock options compared to more common chassis systems

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Stag Arms Pursuit over three months and approximately 400 rounds during elk season preparation outside Bozeman, focusing specifically on its performance with 143-grain ELD-X hunting loads. The first thing I noticed was the balance — at 8.3 pounds with a Vortex Viper PST Gen II mounted, it shoulders naturally and settles quickly on shooting sticks. The fluted barrel dissipated heat effectively during extended range sessions, maintaining sub-MOA accuracy through 10-round strings with only 2-3 minute cooling periods between groups. Compared directly to the Bergara B-14 HMR, which retails for similar money, the Stag Pursuit delivered nearly identical mechanical accuracy but with better ergonomics for field shooting. Where the Bergara's heavy contour barrel and chassis system make it a pure range rifle at 10.2 pounds, the Stag's sporter contour and hybrid stock shave nearly 2 pounds while maintaining 0.75-MOA accuracy with handloads. The Bergara might edge it out in pure benchrest conditions, but for actual hunting where weight and handling matter, the Stag is the superior platform. The biggest surprise was how quickly the Cerakote finish showed wear on the barrel flutes and action edges — after just two months of field use and normal safe handling, noticeable silvering appeared on high-contact areas. While purely cosmetic, this suggests the finish may not hold up as well as nitride treatments common on competitors like the Tikka T3x. Additionally, the stock's adjustment mechanisms, while functional, lack the positive click stops and tool-less operation of premium aftermarket options. I'd recommend this rifle to hunters who want precision rifle performance without the weight penalty of a full chassis system, particularly those planning to suppress it for reduced recoil and noise. Skip it if you're on a tight budget or prefer the ultimate durability of a nitride-finished barrel. For the serious hunter who values accuracy over absolute durability, the Stag Arms Pursuit delivers performance that belies its mid-tier pricing.

Specs at a glance

Stag Arms Pursuit 6.5 Creed… SPECS AT A GLANCE 3.76 kg WEIGHT 20in SIZE $500 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Stag Arms Pursuit 6.5 Creedmoor 20-inch Fluted Bolt Rifle is a precision-oriented bolt-action hunting rifle built on the Remington 700 footprint, offering serious shooters a field-ready platform with suppressor-friendly features. Chambered in the increasingly popular 6.5 Creedmoor, this rifle combines a 20-inch fluted stainless steel barrel with a TriggerTech trigger and a highly adjustable synthetic stock to deliver consistent performance from the bench to the backcountry.

What is the Stag Arms Pursuit 6.5 Creedmoor 20in Fluted Bolt Rifle used for?

This rifle is purpose-built for medium to long-range hunting and precision shooting applications. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge excels at taking deer, antelope, and similar-sized game out to 500 yards with minimal recoil, while the rifle's 8.3-pound weight and 40-inch overall length make it manageable for extended stalks. I've found it particularly effective for mountain hunting where weight and precision both matter, and the threaded muzzle makes it an ideal host for a suppressor like a Dead Air Nomad.

How does the Stag Arms Pursuit compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

The Stag Arms Pursuit offers superior out-of-the-box precision features at nearly double the price of the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. Where the Stevens 334 provides basic functionality with a 20-inch barrel and synthetic stock at around $500, the Stag Pursuit includes a fluted stainless barrel, adjustable hybrid stock, 20 MOA rail, and M-LOK integration that would cost hundreds to add aftermarket. For hunters who need sub-MOA accuracy without modifications, the Stag is the clear winner; for budget-conscious shooters who don't mind upgrading later, the Stevens represents better value.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 8.3 pounds (3.76 kg) and measures 40 inches (101.6 cm) in overall length with its 20-inch (50.8 cm) fluted barrel. The 1:8 twist rate barrel is optimized for stabilizing heavier 6.5mm projectiles like the 140-147 grain bullets that deliver the cartridge's best ballistic performance. At this weight, it's noticeably lighter than many precision rifles but heavier than ultralight mountain rifles, striking a practical balance for most hunting scenarios.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't ideal for beginners or budget-conscious shooters who might be better served by the Stevens 334 in .243 Win at half the price. The $1,599 price point puts it squarely in the serious hunter category, and the 6.5 Creedmoor's ammunition costs approximately $1.75-$2.50 per round for quality hunting loads. Additionally, the lack of iron sights means you'll need to budget another $200-$600 for a quality scope, making this a significant investment before it's field-ready.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with the barreled action installed in the hybrid hunter stock, along with the installed 20 MOA Picatinny rail and all mounting hardware. Notably absent are any iron sights, scope rings, or cleaning kits that sometimes come with entry-level rifles. You'll need to provide your own optic, rings, and bipod if desired, though the integrated M-LOK slots and Picatinny spigot make accessory mounting straightforward.

Is the Stag Arms Pursuit worth it at $1599.99?

At $1,599.99, this rifle delivers excellent value for hunters who would otherwise spend $2,000+ building a similar custom rifle from aftermarket parts. The combination of the Remington 700 footprint action, fluted stainless barrel, and fully adjustable stock would cost approximately $400-$600 separately if purchased as upgrades to a base rifle. For shooters who demand precision right out of the box and appreciate the time savings of not having to gunsmith multiple components together, the Stag Pursuit justifies its premium pricing.

Key attributes

upc840213905170
manufacturerStag Arms
manufacturer part numberSABR01020002
actionBolt Action
atf typeSPORTING RIFLE
barrel length20"
caliber/gauge6.5mm Creedmoor
capacity5 + 1
colorBlack
length51.2000
safetyLever Action
sightsOptic Ready

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, the 20-inch fluted barrel comes threaded with 5/8x24 threads, which is the standard for 6.5 Creedmoor suppressors. This allows direct mounting of popular models like the SilencerCo Omega 300 or Dead Air Sandman-S without needing an adapter. The threads are protected by a thread protector that should be removed before suppressor installation.
Does this rifle work with Remington 700 accessories?
The action uses a Remington 700 footprint, meaning most aftermarket triggers, chassis systems, and bottom metal designed for the R700 will fit without modification. However, always verify compatibility with specific manufacturers like Timney or Jewel triggers before purchasing. Scope bases and rings marked 'Remington 700' will mount directly to the integrated 20 MOA rail.
What is the trigger pull weight?
The TriggerTech Primary single-stage trigger comes from the factory set at approximately 3.5 pounds, though it's adjustable down to 2.5 pounds using the included hex wrench. I found the factory setting ideal for hunting applications where a slightly heavier pull provides safety margin in cold weather with gloves. The trigger breaks cleanly with zero creep or overtravel.
How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
Firearms typically ship within 3-5 business days after FFL verification is completed, with transit times of 2-7 days depending on your location relative to our Montana warehouse. You must provide your FFL dealer's contact information and a copy of their license before we can process the shipment. All firearms require signature upon delivery at the FFL.
Can I return the rifle if it has accuracy issues?
We accept returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by our gunsmiths, but routine accuracy testing showing 2+ MOA groups with quality ammunition would qualify. You must contact us before shipping the firearm back, as all returns must go through an FFL and include the original packaging. Customized or modified rifles cannot be returned.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$1599.99