Suggestions please for a 223

I really like this one
Browning x-bolt varmint special stainless
X-Bolt-Varmint-Special-Stainless-MID-035267-l.jpg
 
What is that?

Browning x-bolt varmint special stainless

The Browning X-Bolt Varmint Special Stainless features a black laminated Altamont Paladin stock that has been specifically created for prone shooting with a bi-pod and has unique cooling vents in the forearm, along with a checkered / stippled grip area. It also benefits from a detachable rotary magazine, a top-tang safety, along with an adjustable Feather Trigger and a Bolt Unlock Button. Browning sells this model with sling swivel studs and an Inflex Technology recoil pad.

Category Brand Caliber Barrel Length Overall Length Weight
Model 1 Bolt-Action Browning 223 Rem. 24 43 3/4 8.8
Model 2 Bolt-Action Browning 22-250 Rem. 26 45 3/4 8.11
Model 3 Bolt-Action Browning 243 Win. 24 43 3/4 8.10
Model 4 Bolt-Action Browning 7mm-08 Win. 24 43 3/4 8.10
Model 5 Bolt-Action Browning 308 Win. 24 43 3/4 8.10
Model 6 Bolt-Action Browning 300 WSM 26 45 3/4 8.11
Model 7 Bolt-Action Browning 270 WSM 26 45 3/4 8.11
Model 8 Bolt-Action Browning 7mm WSM 26 45 3/4 8.11
 
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Lots of ideas here...the price point is all over the map.

Here's the deal, go down to a large sports store and check out the selection available. Remingtons have a solid reputation, but are not completely without issue. I own one and will not part with it. Next is figure out what kind of shooting you want to do. When I first bought mine, it was going to be a varminter. In practice, I needed more reach so upgraded. Now it is a shorter range varminter/gopher evaporator.

Now comes the hard part...deciding. Pick up each and every one of them. Imagine you are in the field. Which feels better? Do you want a mag, top load or floorplate? Do you want rapid fire or an accurate one shot-one kill rifle?

Price out rings and the scope. If the $800 is a ceiling, you will reach it PDQ with a few entry level rifles with any sort of good glass.

If I were looking, my first choices to look at would be (in that order) Weatherby (S2 or Vanguard), Remington, Savage, CZ.
 
Tikka works for me, personally i think by going only stainless your eliminating a lot of good options. I would go stainless if hunting in an adverse environment like Alaska where it may rain for two weeks straight during hunting season. Where i`m at in the prairies it would make sense for a stainless shotgun during goose season but you see few stainless shotguns out in the field. I don`t own any all stainless steel firearms just one 700 with a stainless barrel. Shinnnnny tools yes, not my rifles though.
 
If I were looking, my first choices to look at would be (in that order) Weatherby (S2 or Vanguard), Remington, Savage, CZ.

I don't particularly agree with your ranking here:pirate:

I have a Howa 1500 in 308 win. Which as far as I understand is the same as the Weatherby vanguard. I have also tried lots of savages and some remingtons too. I just got my first CZ, as seen before in this thread, and I must say everything about this weapon feels slightly better than in the other brands mentioned.

It is free floating, the wood is great and the overall fit of the stock is great. The action is great, made to fit the short 223 bullet. It has not had any issues with ejecting and reloading. (I have only shot it twice. 38 shots only) Basically I got a total crush on my new weapon.:)



And the trigger gives me confidence.

The only draw back is the bolt lift clearing the scope. I had low rings, and I couldnt use them, used the ones that came with the rifle, and without extra cheek support it's no good. But there is lots of bolt, so it can be shaved down to make clearance. But I will keep it as it is. My eye is flush now.

I still want a S2 though, in a medium game caliber, but based on my experiences with the Howa 1500 the CZ seems better to me.


Edit: My ranking would be: CZ, Weatherby Vanguard/Howa, Savage, Remington. Based on the rifles I have tried.
 
As you can see, all will do the job. A heavy target or varmint barrel will be the way to go. While some don't like Rem 700 SPS varmint, mine is a tack driver. Ruger HB also shoots exc. I have a 222 in Rem 700 bdl that I can not shoot as well as. I do not have a Savage 10 or 12 but have used both & would not hesitate with either. The T3 i shot was good too. Find what you like and enjoy. It is all good & very little difference in target score with any. (the new Mossberg is getting some good press)
 
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