I headed out into the Adelaide Hills to catch up with a couple of mates of mine recently. We had been planning the catch up for a week or so and were pretty keen. The plan was to do a comparison test between three rifles and judge their merits based on performance, finish, feel and a long list of other comparisons. The rifles retail at three different prices and we were keen to see if the more expensive rifle would out-perform the other's or if indeed, we saw benefit in paying more for one over the other and what benefit there may be for the additional money. 

To do the comparison fairly we were using the scope and bipod on each rifle and would rotate the shooters across each rifle and compare various factory ammunitions across all three. We wanted to make the comparison as controlled as possible. All rifles were in 6.5mm Creedmoor. (The caliber) 

- Ritter and Stark SLX (Approximately $5000 - Marks rifle)
- Tikka TacA1 (Approximately ($3300 - Pete's rifle)
- Ruger Precision Rifle (Approximately $2300 - My rifle)

![2bP4pJr4wVimqCWjYimXJe2cnCgnJM1jxnfyE66iSfp.jpeg](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/galenkp/yCMENI8Q-2bP4pJr4wVimqCWjYimXJe2cnCgnJM1jxnfyE66iSfp.jpeg)

*Ruger to left, Ritter and Stark in the centre and TacA1 on the right. You'll note only one wears the scope and bipod. This is the optics we were going to run across all three. (Author's photo)*

Unfortunately the weather didn't come to the party though with winds blowing at 15mph and gusting to 23mph. Of course, we *can* shoot in that environment however it was not conducive to obtaining even results across each rifle system. A shot taken in 15mph wind would differ from a gust of 23mph for instance. The test was not about our shooting ability, it was about the rifle systems. We were completely bummed out. Of course we were able to compare finishes and feel across all three however our comparison test would not be complete without performance testing. We abandoned the day and will be reconvening at some stage as soon as possible to have another attempt. Instead of wasting the evening we decided to head over to a cattle farm at which I cull feral pests and see what we could find.  

I have a very small group of friends and am very selective. I don't like the complications, drama and hassles that can come through interacting with other people and so I keep my friends group tight and quite closed. We all have similar hobbies and also hobbies and interests that are unique to each however one constant is that we are respectful towards each other. Walking around the property last night and sitting waiting for opportunities was a nice change to how I would usually work on the property. Most times I am by myself and focus on the job at hand: Culling feral pests. We had a great chat, had a few laughs and also had some success with the rifles. 

So, we're all eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to get our comparison done and when we do I'll be posting about the results and our findings.