Looking for a .223 bolt action

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macpowa

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Hi, I am looking to get a .223 (bolt action) for target and coyote hunting. I looked at a bunch of reviews online and now I can't decide. A lot a brand name came up : CZ 527, Rem 700, Tikka T3 lite, Ruger M77, Savage ... I am very picky when it come to buying stuff. I don't want to buy a rifle and sold it after a few month to get an other one. What would you recommend?
 
You describe yourself as being"very picky" . Rifles that anyone suggests may just not appeal to you.My recommendation would be to visit as many stores as possible and view/handle as many of the rifles on your list as you are able to. You will know the one that appeals best to you after those store visits. Some things just require a little effort.
 
macpowa said:
Hi, I am looking to get a .223 (bolt action) for target and coyote hunting. I looked at a bunch of reviews online and now I can't decide. A lot a brand name came up : CZ 527, Rem 700, Tikka T3 lite, Ruger M77, Savage ... I am very picky when it come to buying stuff. I don't want to buy a rifle and sold it after a few month to get an other one. What would you recommend?
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I have a Rem 788 and a Rem ADL in .222 I could sell if you want a very accurate pair of bolt guns (albeit in a similar but different calibre).
 
Mossberg MVP predator in MDT LSS chassis.... my best group is .350 MOA!!!!

takes AR mags, compact, lightweight, but not really nice.... I mean, the bolt is certainly not smooth.
 
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I would suggest that for whatever brand you decide you avoid the heavy varmint weight bbls. A std sporter will work fine for coyotes and be a lot easier to carry in the field.
 
Went through a similar scenario a few months back. Out of all off the shelf rifles I chose a Tikka Varmint. Its an 8lb rifle plus the scope you chose. With 1:8 twist it shoots 75 gr A-Maxes into 0.4" groups at 100yds. Its easy to make an otherwise very accurate rifle better by adding a YoDave spring (set at 1.1 lbs ~$10), Talley Picatinny 20moa rail (~ $75), HSS clamp on muzzle brake ($150) and steel recoil lug,tactical bolt handle and aluminum shroud ($79). Modified magazine to accept 2.7" COL (my time). No gunsmithing required.
 
I suggest you go and handle every single gun you can before buying if you don't want to be disappointed. They will all fit you different. If you are picky like me you won't be happy til you try them all.

I currently use a Tikka T3, But there are any good choices. I just sold my M700 .223 but it was a great gun. I like the Ruger M77 as well, But the 3 position safety isn't for me. Although that gun was the best shooter of the bunch. Weatherby Vanguard S2 is a great gun as well, My brother just got one.
 
I will go take a look at my local gun store. It's not a big store, I hope he will have some to show me. I am gonna buy it online for sure, here in quebec taxes are high!
 
Just ordered a Savage today after so many trips to various gun stores, reading so much, and handling so many guns.

I almost went with the T3 but when I went over what I needed and what I did not get I went with the Hog Hunter.

If you have the funds go with the best you can afford, but having a family and therefore a budget this played into my decision as well.

What did I want:

1. Nice trigger
2. Poly stock
3. Iron back up sights
4. Heavier barrel
5. Accuracy
6. .223 due to shooting budget
7. Low recoil
8. Accessories
9. Threaded barrel
10. 20" barrel

After this the list of choices was incredibly small!

Tried the Mossberg but the sights and bolt really put me off, then tried the Hog Hunter and the Accutrigger was just so predicatble!!!!

All for 479.000!!!!!!

The reports of accuracy finalized my decision.

So what did the money I saved allow me to buy as opposed to dropping a 1000.00 from the get go?

1. Atlas bipod
2. Picatinny scope rail
3. Cheek riser
4. Muzzle brake
5. Sling
6. 20mm rails for the stock attachments
7.Ammo

Anyways once I get all the pieces and finish the build I will do a post. :)

Here are some pics of builds and the rifle.

Randy

Stock rifle:


Savage Varmint:


377.00 Savage Axis Package:


Mossberg and Savage:


Hog Hunter without irons:
 
tipper said:
Very nice. But why the muzzle brake?
Click to expand...

A bit for looks but I also heard while the .223 hardly kicks it does make a slight difference in helping keep you scope picture on target with a brake, if it makes no difference I can always spin it off and use the brake for one of my black rifles. :)

Randy
 
I did not like the plastic clip on the Savage mags was worried how it would hold up in cold weather use but I guess if I upgrade the stock I can always do a detachable mag mod just wish it took AR mags.

Randy
 
Why, the CZ 527, of course.
cz-usa-cz-527-fs.png
 
Very nice but I wanted a threaded barrel, poly stock, short OAL, a tactical flavor, and for less than 500.00 as my Hog Hunter is going to be a field gun.

Randy
 
Try numerous brands, barrel lengths and weights. Find one that fits and handle well if you walk, call and shoot.
If you are calling spooked coyotes over bait consider a heavier more of a hide and shoot type rifle.(heavier, bipod, etc.)

Regardless I would go with a DBM so that you can swap ammo depending on needs. But fit is a priority over other.
 
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