I would think a Model 96 in 6.5 as it was issued, is far from what one needs to go target shooting . They do shoot fairly good once you replace the trigger with an aftermarket unit as my experiance with a model 38 Husq..
After a bit of trigger work and lapping the lugs it became a fine hunting rifle .
I do have a few good accurate "hunting" rifles , but they are far from able to take 1000 yard shots as seen on TV with the New Savage rifle comerials ,and shown on with a cooper rifle
on the outdoor channel . The scope on these guns probably cost more than I have invested in just a rifle .
For your interst I would be looking more towards a 6.5 Credmore or something like a 6.5 284,offered buy Ruger and Savage , or just build your own with a heavy barrel .
The heavy bolt lift on a Savage to cock the rifle -to me is 3 times far worse than a rifle that cocks on closing , but then what ever you get used to .