Affordable 223 shooter under a 1000 bucks

Singh1313

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Looking for some suggestions here. So far i have only shot 9mm,22 Lr and an sks . Absolutely no experience with bolt action rifles. Are savage axis II any good ? should i take the hit and spend money on a tikka instead ? I will only be using it for target shooting (200 yrds max).
Also looking to learn reloading.
 
Lots of decent budget friendly options out there. Have a look at Howa, Ruger American, Savage Axis. That being said I love my Tikka, but they are at a different price point.
 
You can not talk about a ruger american or a savage axis and a Tikka in the same sentence, there is absolutely no comparison. The Tikka is almost guaranteed to function properly and be accurate with quality workmanship. The other two are basically over priced bargain basement specials with little to no resale value when you decide to upgrade. Function and accuracy are a total crap shoot. Buy once, cry once, but you will be satisfied and happy.
 
I am in the same boat. I too would like to find something a step up from the .22 for range use, but I don’t have a whole lot of knowledge or experience yet to figure out suitable options.
 
The axis generally shoot well but the bolt lift sucks, the quality of the stock is about as cheap as it gets. The Ruger American would be a better choice, a Howa mini even better while keeping you out of the price of a Tikka. If I had to buy a savage it would be the 110 hunter but savage is pretty lack lustre in general for me, handle as many as you can and you’ll know right away which is the nicest in your hand or shouldered.
 
I don't mind the Savage Axis at all. For a budget priced rifle it's hard to beat either the Ruger American or the Savage Axis. They are both definitely entry level but that's what OP is looking for. They have a decent trigger and accuracy potential has been good in several different rifles i have fooled with. I have less experience with the Ruger American but have seen good reports from people who tend not to BS about these things.

There is wisdom in the adage "buy once, cry once" but also keep in mind not every new shooter has the $ to go all out on every purchase. If his interest in shooting continues to grow, he can upgrade and the entry level rifle will still be sold easily.
 
I have multiple Ruger American .223 rifles with AR mag compatability, in both 20" and 16" barrels.

While the price has increased substantially they have been solid rifles. There was a dealer on herfe doing a clearance on the Gen 1 Americans so that may be a good deal.
 
I don't mind the Savage Axis at all. For a budget priced rifle it's hard to beat either the Ruger American or the Savage Axis. They are both definitely entry level but that's what OP is looking for. They have a decent trigger and accuracy potential has been good in several different rifles i have fooled with. I have less experience with the Ruger American but have seen good reports from people who tend not to BS about these things.

There is wisdom in the adage "buy once, cry once" but also keep in mind not every new shooter has the $ to go all out on every purchase. If his interest in shooting continues to grow, he can upgrade and the entry level rifle will still be sold easily.

Totally agreed. I picked up a second hand Axis .223 for the short range varmint work around my property and bought it rather than a more expensive unit as it’ll be bouncing around on the golf cart daily. I am impressed with the accuracy and pleasantly surprised with the longer range accuracy as well.
 
Ruger American rifles in .223 tend to be great shooters and there are two versions that use AR mags which can be nice.

Silly question...as that's a bolt gun, am I correct that there is no magazine capacity limit? Or is it, because it's a centerfire, no more than 5? An American magazine would be a great match for that American rifle (30+).
 
Silly question...as that's a bolt gun, am I correct that there is no magazine capacity limit? Or is it, because it's a centerfire, no more than 5? An American magazine would be a great match for that American rifle (30+).

Mag capacity is determined by what the mag was originally designed for, not what it will fit and function in. Ar rifle mags will always be 5rd, Ar pistol mags 10rd. Aics mags are originally designed for bolt guns, so no capacity worries as things stand now. Blackface and Windbag Wendy want to change that.
 
Tenda has the Savage Axis II on sale right now. Go for it. People often go for the Ruger Ranch or BCL Bison but for the price of the Axis II right now, you can add a whole bunch of ammo.
 
Mag capacity is determined by what the mag was originally designed for, not what it will fit and function in. Ar rifle mags will always be 5rd, Ar pistol mags 10rd. Aics mags are originally designed for bolt guns, so no capacity worries as things stand now. Blackface and Windbag Wendy want to change that.

:cheers:
 
You can not talk about a ruger american or a savage axis and a Tikka in the same sentence, there is absolutely no comparison. The Tikka is almost guaranteed to function properly and be accurate with quality workmanship. The other two are basically over priced bargain basement specials with little to no resale value when you decide to upgrade. Function and accuracy are a total crap shoot. Buy once, cry once, but you will be satisfied and happy.

Meh. I've owned several Tikka's. None of them impressed me for the $ they ask and they all got resold. My Ruger's are just as accurate and fit me better for $300 less.
 
I tried an ar mag Ruger with a 16” barrel

It was LOUD

I’d recommend getting a 20” barrel

I found the same with factory 55 grain ammo when i first got mine. I only shoot heavier 75 grain + and it makes a world of difference with the slower burning powders. That said the 18" predator gives a touch more velocity and is still pretty handy.
 
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