About 3 years ago (Canadian Dollar was stronger), decided I wanted a bolt action I could pest with, and that my kids could shoot. The obvious choice was a .223, as it is common, not that expensive to shoot, and has low recoil.
I have over the years had many different rifles in different calibers, but as I do not hunt, always end up going back to .223.
This was my criteria:
1. .223
2. Bolt action
3. Synthetic stock
4. Threaded barrel free floating
5. Detachable mag
6. Metal sights
7. 20" or less barrel
8. Adjustable trigger
9. After market parts sources
10. Proven design
11. Less than 600.00
12. No polished bluing
13. Not stainless
14. Metal posts in the stock for the action
15. Proper twist to shoot light and heavier .223
16. Over sized bolt knob
That narrowed my choices, looked at the Savage AXIS, Savage Hog Hunter, Tikka T3, Ruger, Mossberg MVP, Remington 700.
Ended up with the Savage Hog Hunter at 469.00. Had to make a choice, gave up the detachable mag, but got most of my requirements addressed.
I had QD rings, sling, bipod, scope, but ended up epoxying metal rails in the front part of the stock, using expanding foam and lead shot in the butt stock, added a cheek riser, bought a scope/muzzle cover for when we are driving in the bush. The matte barrel/action finish and heavier barrel is great.
Adjusted the Accutrigger way down, and after a few hundred rounds it really has settled in nicely.
Both myself and kids just love shooting the Savage, very consistent, but have only been able to shoot out to 300 yards.
Anyways, my buddy just bought a Remington 783 in .223 for his build, would love to see your budget fun builds. Most likely will be doing a MDT chassis upgrade so I can get the detachable mag option.
The stock work:
50 yard test just out of the box: Should have used bags instead of a bipod. Was shooting inside with a punishing .308 bullpup beside me.
Covered up:
Rifle pics:
300 yards shooting, the paper was destroyed by the slugs fragmenting: I could not do this but my ex Army buddy got on the ground with bags and shot very very slowly giving the barrel time to cool, way beyond my skills.....
MDT:
And yes I know it's fugly, but it is a truck gun for plinking not a safe queen.
I have over the years had many different rifles in different calibers, but as I do not hunt, always end up going back to .223.
This was my criteria:
1. .223
2. Bolt action
3. Synthetic stock
4. Threaded barrel free floating
5. Detachable mag
6. Metal sights
7. 20" or less barrel
8. Adjustable trigger
9. After market parts sources
10. Proven design
11. Less than 600.00
12. No polished bluing
13. Not stainless
14. Metal posts in the stock for the action
15. Proper twist to shoot light and heavier .223
16. Over sized bolt knob
That narrowed my choices, looked at the Savage AXIS, Savage Hog Hunter, Tikka T3, Ruger, Mossberg MVP, Remington 700.
Ended up with the Savage Hog Hunter at 469.00. Had to make a choice, gave up the detachable mag, but got most of my requirements addressed.
I had QD rings, sling, bipod, scope, but ended up epoxying metal rails in the front part of the stock, using expanding foam and lead shot in the butt stock, added a cheek riser, bought a scope/muzzle cover for when we are driving in the bush. The matte barrel/action finish and heavier barrel is great.
Adjusted the Accutrigger way down, and after a few hundred rounds it really has settled in nicely.
Both myself and kids just love shooting the Savage, very consistent, but have only been able to shoot out to 300 yards.
Anyways, my buddy just bought a Remington 783 in .223 for his build, would love to see your budget fun builds. Most likely will be doing a MDT chassis upgrade so I can get the detachable mag option.
The stock work:
50 yard test just out of the box: Should have used bags instead of a bipod. Was shooting inside with a punishing .308 bullpup beside me.
Covered up:
Rifle pics:
300 yards shooting, the paper was destroyed by the slugs fragmenting: I could not do this but my ex Army buddy got on the ground with bags and shot very very slowly giving the barrel time to cool, way beyond my skills.....
MDT:
And yes I know it's fugly, but it is a truck gun for plinking not a safe queen.
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