Best Budget 223 bolt gun

I went thru the same over a year ago.Ended up selling my .308 and moved back to a .223 for varmints and plinking as I don't shoot past 600 yards and .223 is cheaper.

I had the scope and bipod so looked for a sub 500.00 platform.

I wanted the following, .223, 1 in 9 twist (so I can shoot any grain .223 round), plastic stock, back up irons, adjustable trigger, threaded 20" barrel, heavier barrel.

That was a tall list for 500.00!

Tried the Mossberg MVP but the mag lockup, floppy bolt with the flimsy bolt shell pick up, and plastic sights, moved it to number 2 choice. Loved the T3 but it the non threaded barrel and lack of sights plus price took it off the the list but it sure shouldered nice and the trigger was great. Looked at the Rem 700, but recent recalls concerned me. Liked the Savage AXIS but wanted a heavier barrel and back up sights. Liked the Howa but it lacked the base requirements for a bush/field bargain shooter.

Not much left now under 500.00 then I read about a rifle designed for field shooting and not bench shooting. That pushed me back to Savage.

The CDN dollar was higher bought a .223 Hog Hunter for 479.00 CDN.

The stock is green, hollow and like tupperware. I added a adjustable check riser, added lead shot and expanding spray foam to the hollow stock cavity, and epoxied metal rails to the inside of the forend to keep things rigid as the barrel is free floating.

Bought another stock of the EE for 40.00 so I have both choices.

My Army buddy showed what it could do at 300m in the wind even with a cheap scope, I am very happy.

Anyways do you research and make sure what you buy fits your criteria, all rifles in reality have their pros and most are pretty accurate even the lower cost Savages.

Both my 11 yr old daughter and 13 yr old son can shoot this rifle very accurately!



 
Last edited:
The Weatherby may have an ugly paint job on the stock, but that whole thing is F-U-G-L-Y
I went thru the same over a year ago.Ended up selling my .308 and moved back to a .223 for varmints and plinking as I don't shoot past 600 yards and .223 is cheaper.

I had the scope and bipod so looked for a sub 500.00 platform.

I wanted the following, .223, 1 in 9 twist (so I can shoot any grain .223 round), plastic stock, back up irons, adjustable trigger, threaded 20" barrel, heavier barrel.

That was a tall list for 500.00!

Tried the Mossberg MVP but the mag lockup, floppy bolt with the flimsy bolt shell pick up, and plastic sights, moved it to number 2 choice. Loved the T3 but it the non threaded barrel and lack of sights plus price took it off the the list but it sure shouldered nice and the trigger was great. Looked at the Rem 700, but recent recalls concerned me. Liked the Savage AXIS but wanted a heavier barrel and back up sights. Liked the Howa but it lacked the base requirements for a bush/field bargain shooter.

Not much left now under 500.00 then I read about a rifle designed for field shooting and not bench shooting. That pushed me back to Savage.

The CDN dollar was higher bought a .223 Hog Hunter for 479.00 CDN.

The stock is green, hollow and like tupperware. I added a adjustable check riser, added lead shot and expanding spray foam to the hollow stock cavity, and epoxied metal rails to the inside of the forend to keep things rigid as the barrel is free floating.

My Army buddy showed what it could do at 300m in the wind even with a cheap scope, I am very happy.

Anyways do you research and make sure what you buy fits your criteria, all rifles in reality have their pros and most are pretty accurate even the lower cost Savages.

Both my 11 yr old daughter and 13 yr old son can shoot this rifle very accurately!



 
They'll be asking MSRP.
If you can scrounge just a few more dollars, keep a keen eye on the EE for a Savage 10 or 16 in .223. You will be happy with the accuracy, and generally the rifle overall for that price. I do agree though that as soon as someone who bought one of those Vanguards decides to sell it here, you should buy it.
 
The Weatherby may have an ugly paint job on the stock, but that whole thing is F-U-G-L-Y

Didn't buy it for a safe queen bought to use in the field and to be knocked about.

Not really into benched safe queens and drinking Starbucks while texting on my Iphone.
 
No need being a goof here and making a personal comment about my kid and what he feels comfortable wearing (and yes he out grows clothing) while we were on holidays.

The beach towel is what was in the truck that's all we had with us after driving up a cut line while on holidays.

But thanks anyways for being an asset to our gun community...........
 
You're right, I apologize.
Still think that gun's ugly though.
No need being a goof here and making a personal comment about my kid and what he feels comfortable wearing (and yes he out grows clothing) while we were on holidays.

The beach towel is what was in the truck that's all we had with us after driving up a cut line while on holidays.

But thanks anyways for being an asset to our gun community...........
 
I've got an axis in .270 and i love it. Replaced the spring for the trigger and it's sooooo much better. The scope that came on it is functional but nothing special. It'll go on my 22 when i upgrade the 270s scope. At least that's what i keep telling myself, haven't felt a need to replace it.

Later this year I want to pick up a 223 something for coyote, and as long as the price is right it'll be another axis. Probably won't get one as cheap as my 270 was though, WSS had it on sale and savage was offering a mail in rebate so it cost about $235 all said and done, and that was for the XP package that comes with a scope...

That said, i totally would have gotten one of those vanguards on sale if i only had money on hand right now.
 
Back
Top Bottom