Help me pick a 223 bolt rifle!

If you're on a budget, take a look at the Savage "Edge" package. Sell the Bushnell scope that comes with it on the EE and pick yourself up a new Leupold VX-II 3-9X40mm scope and re-use the factory rings. If/when you decide to upgrade the stock, you can, but as it comes from the factory, it really is one of the nicer OEM synthetics, without moving up to the much more expensive fiberglass or kevlar/graphite stocks. Even with the new Leupold you should still be under your limit if you shop around. The Savage offers an accurate barrel and good trigger as well. For a novice hunter or shooter on a budget I was impressed with the one a friend of mine bought for the price and I have a safe full of expensive custom and semi-custom rifles to compare it with. I'll admit, I was tempted to pick one up just for the value it offers. I think the Stevens 200 line, (also produced by Savage) is in for some stiff competition from its little cousin.
 
I really want to say I like the 527, but the dang bolt getting in the way of the scope making high rings a requirement bothers me a lot. I don't like the look of high rings on them.
 
Stainless Vanguard. Seriously. It's great. I have a stainless vanguard in .223. I don't know if you've ever seen some of the targets I've posted here but the damn things hoots 1/3 MOA at 100 yards.
 
AWOL said:
Don't sell your purchase short, you did better than "Just Settled"!!! CZ makes a great product. You won't be dissappointed...
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I was being humble! I'm really excited about this! Its the Kevlar version and will fill a big gap in my safe. All my big game bolt guns are CRF...now my varmint gun is too! I really like the mini-mauser action.

y2k said:
do they make it in .223 with open sights?
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Not in the Varmint configuration but other models do have open sights.

Fracture said:
I really want to say I like the 527, but the dang bolt getting in the way of the scope making high rings a requirement bothers me a lot. I don't like the look of high rings on them.
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You can reshape the bolt so a 40mm objective scope will sit about 1/8" above the barrel. I wish it were that way from the factory but its a very easy fix.
 
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you bought the right gun, don't forget CZ makes it in 7.62x39 which allows you to shoot surplus ammo cheaply, Great rifle, not as accurate as the 223 but loads of cheap fun.
 
Fracture said:
I'd like to keep it under $900, wood or laminate, stainless is a plus but not required.

I've found these that piqued my interest:

Savage 11 BTH or if I had to, the GCNS.
CZ 527 Varmint
Ruger M77 standard
Tikka t3 hunter just squeaks in under the $900 mark as well.

There is also a T/C venture in camo/blue I've found, it's about $600. Any thoughts on it? How's the plastic stock on these?

I think I prefer the CZ's looks, but haven't held any of these in my hands personally.

Can any owners of these rifles give me some advice?

I'm open to other recommendations as well, this is just what I've found so far.
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I have a Brno ZKK 601 in 223 and it is a great rifle, a true miniature mauser scaled to the 223 cartridge. The bolt appears to be scaled down even from the standard 601 which is for the 308 family of cartridges.

If you like the CZ you will probably like the ZKK as both are from the Brno /CZ family but the ZKK's come in 3 action lengths and do not have detachable magazines but use the magazine well with floorplate design. The beauty is your 223 is an exact miniature for your 30-06 and your 375 H&H.

The ZKK's appear more traditional although a little clunkier but IMHO you can't beat the ZKK action.
 
I decided on a cz 527 varmint in walnut. The gun and some warne high rings was $827 to my door. If the tikka hunter wasn't $900 plus tax and I would have chosen that. I also liked the t/c venture, but wanted a wooden stock.

I figure the varmint should be a good compromise between a walk-around gun and a sit and shoot gun with its 24" barrel and 8 1/2 lb (give or take) scoped weight.

It will be here by thursday or friday, should be fun.
 
Fracture said:
I decided on a cz 527 varmint in walnut. The gun and some warne high rings was $827 to my door. If the tikka hunter wasn't $900 plus tax and I would have chosen that. I also liked the t/c venture, but wanted a wooden stock.

I figure the varmint should be a good compromise between a walk-around gun and a sit and shoot gun with its 24" barrel and 8 1/2 lb (give or take) scoped weight.

It will be here by thursday or friday, should be fun.
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Great choice!
 
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