Looking for opinions on choosing a .223 rifle

kawicrash

kawicrash

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I am looking to get a new rifle in .223, and would like to hear some opinions.
I used to have a Colt AR15 Sporter Match H-Bar years ago, but I traded it when they went restricted. I have tons of brass, bullets, dies etc. so I want to stick with .223
I don't have a large budget, so my choices are limited. I am looking between the Ruger American Predator, Weatherby Vanguard S2 and Mossberg MVP.
I would love to hear your opinions or experience with any of these rifles, or any suggestions of similar models.
Thanks!
 
Low budget ---》 savage axis can't go wrong for the price
If you got money to burn can't go wrong with a Tikka.
Also depends what you will be using it for ...
My two cents
K
 
kawicrash said:
I am looking to get a new rifle in .223, and would like to hear some opinions.
I used to have a Colt AR15 Sporter Match H-Bar years ago, but I traded it when they went restricted. I have tons of brass, bullets, dies etc. so I want to stick with .223
I don't have a large budget, so my choices are limited. I am looking between the Ruger American Predator, Weatherby Vanguard S2 and Mossberg MVP.
I would love to hear your opinions or experience with any of these rifles, or any suggestions of similar models.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

From these three, the Vanguard S2 is imo the better choice, followed by the Ruger and by a clear mile behind, the Mossberg ! :redface:

A used but in good condition Tikka T3 price is almost the same as a brand new S2.
They are everywhere and you can upgrade/customize them with alot of aftermarket parts.
They are good, well built, accurate and will last for many-many years.
So Tikka or Vanguard S2, can't go wrong with any of them.
 
Weatherby Vanguard s2 would be the best of those mentioned. Also a good used CZ527 or Tikka T3 would be great but new would be pricier. Depending on your weight tolerance as the Vanguard is noticeably heavier than the others mentioned. I am partial to the Vanguard as they are very accurate, have a great feeling stock, and I love the new trigger more than any factory trigger, including Sako, Tikka, accutrigger ect
 
Anything but the Mossberg... I'm not a fan of the Vanguard's (CGN Flame-Proof suit donned)... if you are on a budget, I would rather see you shop the used market for a deal on a better used model.
 
I've been looking at the used stuff here, and it seems like people are out to lunch...... or smoking crack or something. I can't believe what they are asking for used.....
 
I really like my .223 Savage Hog Hunter for 479.00 it fit my non safe queen rule for a field gun and once I adjusted the Accutrigger down as far as it would go I have a good feel for the let off.

Just waiting for better glass, the 1 in 9 twist loves 75 grain Hornady ammo, can hardly wait for gopher season. The rifle is beefy enough to handle getting bounced a round.

The Mossberg bolt slop and fragile sights concerned me, Remington's recalls concerned me, if I could have found a Tika or Vanguard with a heavy threaded barrel and heavy duty metal sights for around 500.00 I would have scored one but I had a budget.

Randy

 
I bought the Ruger America predator part way through the year last year and I really like it. Put a glades armoury bolt handle on it and it does what I want every time. Hits steel at 440 yards at the range. Most of the time but to be honest that's probably just my own inexperience missing more than the gun. Great fun and there was one at P&D on Saturday.
 
Thanks to all.
I was never 100% comfortable with the Mossberg, and they don't seem to have any fans here. I just don't like Savage.. no reason really, just like I wouldn't take a Dodge for free, they just do nothing for me.
I would love a CZ or Tikka, (I have a M55 Deluxe in .308, and used to have a M55 Sporter in .243) but it seems people are asking astronomical amounts for used ones.
I want something to carry in the field for varmints or predators, but I also want to shoot for fun at the range or gravel pits.
I'm in no rush, so I'll keep looking around and hopefully get some more opinions, thanks again!
 
nowarningshot said:
Of the three you mentioned....the Vanguard.....Mossberg would be a no.....Axis(someone suggested) is a hell no.

Used better quality gun would be prefered
Click to expand...

The Savage Axis rifles shoot moa accuracy out of the box for less than price of an old beater-car. At least in my experience, sighting in the .243 Axis Youth my friend bought for his son's first hunting rifle. Weatherby? Sure, you can buy better, but you'll never pay more!
I love my Remington 700 SPS Varmint .223 especially after the $100 upgrade to a Boyd's stock. My Remington shoots a solid 3/4 moa and no, I've never had a problem with the safety malfunctioning on my 700. Also my longest confirmed (with laser range finder from the varmint back to shooting position) kill on a gopher is 356 yards. For slightly more than the cost of an old beater-car I'd recommend the Remington 700, which is also extremely common with large availability for precision barrels. Browning also makes some excellent rifles if you're willing to fork out more money.
Don't let anyone tell you a rifle is crap because it's not expensive and as far as used goes... There's a saying within the gun community, "No one ever sells a GOOD rifle."
But I would agree with avoiding a Mossberg, they illustrate the difference between inexpensive and cheap!

My last two cents; 1. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits YOU comfortably. Disregard what anyone else says "should fit you right" unless they're actually measuring YOUR length of pull, cheek height, etc.
2. Don't cheap out on the scope or mounting components thereof. That is, too often, the weak link between a decent rifle and its shooter.
 
Potasz said:
What's wrong withe the savage for the money it sells for and what experience do you have with it ??
Click to expand...

I actually have no experience with Savage, I just don't like them the same way somebody doesn't like a Dodge or a Ford or a Chevy or whatever.... no rational reason, I just don't like 'em.
 
I was the same about Savages until I talked to my buddy at his gun store and did some research and handled a few different makes as well. Lower priced Savages are nowhere as refined as a gun costing 100.00s more but I do love the trigger and enjoyed leaving my targets with tight groups on the bench at the range when I was shooting against much more expensive rifles. :)

If you lots ofmoney buy the best, me with a family I need to show balance on want and need.

Comes down to what works for you, me it was budget, value, and groups.
 
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Trunk Monkey said:
The Savage Axis rifles shoot moa accuracy out of the box for less than price of an old beater-car. At least in my experience, sighting in the .243 Axis Youth my friend bought for his son's first hunting rifle. Weatherby? Sure, you can buy better, but you'll never pay more!
I love my Remington 700 SPS Varmint .223 especially after the $100 upgrade to a Boyd's stock. My Remington shoots a solid 3/4 moa and no, I've never had a problem with the safety malfunctioning on my 700. Also my longest confirmed (with laser range finder from the varmint back to shooting position) kill on a gopher is 356 yards. For slightly more than the cost of an old beater-car I'd recommend the Remington 700, which is also extremely common with large availability for precision barrels. Browning also makes some excellent rifles if you're willing to fork out more money.
Don't let anyone tell you a rifle is crap because it's not expensive and as far as used goes... There's a saying within the gun community, "No one ever sells a GOOD rifle."
But I would agree with avoiding a Mossberg, they illustrate the difference between inexpensive and cheap!

My last two cents; 1. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits YOU comfortably. Disregard what anyone else says "should fit you right" unless they're actually measuring YOUR length of pull, cheek height, etc.
2. Don't cheap out on the scope or mounting components thereof. That is, too often, the weak link between a decent rifle and its shooter.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I actually have two 700's. A Varmint Synthetic .308, and a custom 22/250 with a Gaillard barrel, trued action, 40x wood stock, oversize recoil lug, reworked trigger etc and I really like them. The 22/250 weighs a ton though.
The bottom line is the Ruger is $500 and the Weatherby is $600 and people seem to be asking near new prices for used. I can't spend whatever I want like I could before the family came along, so the $$$ is the bottom line.
 
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