Any decent .223 bolt action rifles for under 600.00 out there?

randyhub

randyhub

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A buddy wants to get into varmint and plinking (no hunting), I let him know that a .223 bolt action is nice package for out to 500 yards.

He is looking for a bolt action, medium to heavy barrel, .223, that has a detachable magazine.

Any ideas out there for around 600.00 new or used?

Thanks
 
Mossberg MVP 5.56, love mine.

Here is the model I mean;
s39111_grande.jpg
 
There is the Norinco JW-105, but I haven't heard much good about it.
There is the Savage 11/111 Hog Hunter Bolt Action Rifle, which would be a much better choice for $730 at Cabelas. It has a blind magazine though, but even so a much better
rifle then the JW-105
 
Had the Mossberg short listed, but the way it gouges brass stripping from AR mags, and the bolt design really are concerning.

I bought my Savage Hog Hunter when they where at 469.00 and the dollar was close to par with Harper at the helm, but my buddy has budget and wants dbm.

He likes the beefy barrel on my Savage.



Thanks guys.
 
I do recall seeing a Browning A-bolt in .223 a Weatherby Vangaurd in .223 and prolly a couple others in there as well.
These are used firearms btw and not sure if they suit your taste buds or not, but ...
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
Uisge said:
Ruger American ranch has a fairly beefy barrel. Paid 620 for mine.
Click to expand...

I picked up a Ruger American Predator in 22-250 on sale for $539.99 @Cabelas, and topped it with a Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 4.5-14x42 scope with the mil-dot reticle using steel Weaver Grand Slam rings.

Things I like about this rifle.
1) the heavier tapered & threaded barrel [not that we can use suppressors, sigh]
2) the 1 in 10" twist which should stabilize heavier projectiles when using handloaded ammunition
3) the scope rail
4) the detachable mag
5) IT SHOOTS PRETTY DAMN GOOD!!!


Cheers
Jay






And here she is sighted in @ 100m.


And 200m... Both groups shot with factory 55 grain varmint ammo.
 
Btw my Savage Axis that I bought last January shot round number 927 at the range this morning shoots quite accurately 110, 150, 165, 168 and 175 grain bullets.

Original stock with rifle basix trigger
 
Uisge said:
Ruger American ranch has a fairly beefy barrel. Paid 620 for mine.
Click to expand...

I just picked up my Ruger American Ranch a couple days ago from a CGN sponsor for $639. I've yet to take it out shooting, but like the features it offered.
(ie. Cold Hammer Forged barrel, adjustable trigger, detachable #5 shot rotary magazine, lightweight at 6.1lbs. for my 16" version, picatinny rail for scope mount included, .223/5.56 capable, 1 and 8 twist threaded barrel...)

They are available in a 16" and 22" plus others lengths possibly (and other calibre's too).

These Ruger American rifles aren't at the same level quality wise as say a Tikka or Remington 700, but you're not paying as much either. The Mossberg MVP's while I've read decent reports of accuracy, the bolt did not inspire any confidence as it was so sloppy to cycle...

Ultimately the accuracy of the Ruger American rifles seems good from several CGN'ers so far and with no mention of reliability issues they appear to be a decent rifle for the money. Saying that several have mentioned they dislike or do not approve of the Ruger American at it's current price(s) citing it's a low budget rifle with poor machining/stock etc. (Fortunately MDT and Magpul have or will have replacement stocks available that may offer an even better shooting experience.)

I'm happy with the fit and finish of mine, but recognize that you don't get a premium rifle for $600 new anymore, as most all firearms have really dropped in quality over the past decade or two (while prices haven't).

I have a thread going called "Thoughts regarding a Ruger American Ranch for plinking out to 500metres" in this section that will offer a little insight into this rifle.

Cheers D
 
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Really appreciate all the comments guys. You are right about the Mossberg, the bolt is very sloppy compared to most others. I like the concept, but the bolt design with shell pick up, seems it would break off easily if ice or something foreign got in there.

Still like the AR mag potion of the MVPs.
 
randyhub said:
Really appreciate all the comments guys. You are right about the Mossberg, the bolt is very sloppy compared to most others. I like the concept, but the bolt design with shell pick up, seems it would break off easily if ice or something foreign got in there.

Still like the AR mag potion of the MVPs.
Click to expand...

I've put over 500 rounds through mine. Most target shooting and the rest for groundhogs. Never had an issue other than an occasional light primer strike when using 1995 milsurp. It's very accurate and surprised the hell out of me when I first took it out to sight in. I use the Beowulf mags with this as well as normal AR mags. I later moved it into an MDT stock, just before Mossberg put out the new version in the same stock, and it's now one of my top/fav rifles.

I did have the scope mount come loose this winter when target shooting with family in -20 temps. Seems Mossberg doesn't use loctite...
 
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