Looking for 223
- Thread starter Chris137
- Start date
My current .223 bolt gun is a Savage Precision 10 Carbine and I love it. I use it for varmint hunting only. Only range time it sees is load testing. If I were setting out today to buy a .223, I would be looking at a Savage Hog Hunter first (less $ than the PC10) then a Remington 700 tactical. I like the shorter barrels.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
Ruger m77, and cz 527. Controlled round feed, wood, steel, there is nothing else.
There are a lot of choices and it will probably boil down to what you like the look and feel of. So try to look at and feel as many as you can and shoot some if you can. You'll know it when you see it.
Some people will "like" this and some will "like" that. CZ owners "love" them.
Some people will "like" this and some will "like" that. CZ owners "love" them.
You never mentioned budget. I'd look at a Savage Model 12 FV. Should be about $695, matte blue, heavy barrel, accuTrigger, 1-9 twist 26" barrel. Or a Remington 700 VLS with laminated stock, heavy 26" barrel for around $900. Remington has a 1-12" twist though so I'd look for something with 1-9.
Im a fan of the 700s for varmints. Lotsa other good choices out there tikka, weatherby vanguard, etc. I always come back to rem 700 in varmint rigs. Lotsa aftermarket upgrades available for it. The sps tactical is a nice option with the 20'' bbl and 1/9 twist i believe.
I'm sure I'll catch flack for this but just received my Norinco JW-105 and had a chance to take it out to the range. For the price point it seems to be an incredible bargain. Must be a second (or third?) generation rifle as there were none of the fit 'n finish issues I've heard mentioned in internet forums, and the wood finish is superb. Test fire @ 80 yards resulted in tight groupings with the iron sights (not to mention I was slightly shaky today). Action wasn't totally smooth though I expect it to get better as it is used. No complaints!
Finish appears to be done to look like dark walnut.
** Edit to correct typo
Finish appears to be done to look like dark walnut.
** Edit to correct typo
Instead of buying the cheapest possible new rifle , why not look in EE for a better quality used setup.
My choice for a walk - around varmint rifle was a Tikka T3 Lite in 223, just over 7 lbs. with a 12X Leupold in Talley mounts.
It has an 8" twist and delivers superb accuracy with any bullet weight I've loaded so far.
It has an 8" twist and delivers superb accuracy with any bullet weight I've loaded so far.
everyone else suggested FAR nicer guns then I have, but if you were looking for super cheap and easy barrel change and lots of upgrades available
I picked up a stevens 200 in .223 (stock barrel) off EE with a slightly tuned trigger (had an older Bushnell elite I stuck ontop, and a Caldwell bipod on the bottom) and I seem to be able to hit a blue Maxwell house coffee can @ 300+ shooting off the hood of my jeep with American eagle and surplus FMJ.... not sure how hunting rounds will differ, I just hunt coffee cans.. either way it was CHEAP and it HATES Maxwell house cans and that's the coffee I drink so it works out. also there's a load of different 'heavy / match grade / target' barrels I could screw on it if I don't like coffee at greater distances. cost me less then I drink in coffee for the year...
I picked up a stevens 200 in .223 (stock barrel) off EE with a slightly tuned trigger (had an older Bushnell elite I stuck ontop, and a Caldwell bipod on the bottom) and I seem to be able to hit a blue Maxwell house coffee can @ 300+ shooting off the hood of my jeep with American eagle and surplus FMJ.... not sure how hunting rounds will differ, I just hunt coffee cans.. either way it was CHEAP and it HATES Maxwell house cans and that's the coffee I drink so it works out. also there's a load of different 'heavy / match grade / target' barrels I could screw on it if I don't like coffee at greater distances. cost me less then I drink in coffee for the year...
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