looking for my first target rifle in .223

R

r106

Regular
Rating - 100%
11   0   0
Location
b.c.
As the title says I'm looking for my first " target " rifle. I have decided to go with the .223 .. but now comes the hard part becuse I'm on a tight budget , new house with new payments :redface: .. I'm trying to keep it under 500$ so probaly a used rifle. I would like a wood or laminate stock.. I have heard good things about the stevens but they only come with a synthetic stock, also heard good things about savage.. there is a savage 11G for sale but I can't find much info on that model.. it's in the right price range and I won't need optics right away that could be a christmas present :D:D I'm only interested in it being a good 300-400m gun any other thoughts or more info on the savage 11G???

Thanks
 
The Savage is a nice rifle. The Stevens is the low end line for Savage. I also have heard good things about them but I am not sure about the trigger quality on the Stevens.

A year ago I bought a used Savage model 12 ( no Accutrigger ) in .223 for target work & although it was not that expensive ( $ 400.00 ) with good loads it will shoot half inch groups at 100 yards. It has gone as low as quarter inches on a good day with no coffee.
 
Your choice of calibers is excellent, but understand that your budget (and believe me, I think we can ALL sympathize with your position!!!) will make it very difficult to buy a true "target" rifle.

Stevens makes inexpensive hunting rifles. They are no more or less accurate than 99% of rifles that cost twice as much so if it will fit your budget, at least it gets you shooting.

I would suggest that a "varmint hunting" rifle might make a good compromise for you; they are usually made with barrels heavy enough to withstand shooting long strings of ammo and their stocks are more conducive to prone and off-the-bench shooting.

One rifle I think is a good buy is the Remington 700 SPS varmint, but it is a few dollars more than your budgeted $500 (I think they run around $600). I have one in a different caliber for gopher shooting and I am quite pleased with its feel and features. (and i have a safe full of full-on customized target rifles)
 
My First (and only for now) .223 is a Remington 700 SPS Varmint.

it is a bit over your budget but you want to put some serious thought into it.

VERY accurate
Fun and Easy to shoot
Target/varmint barrel
reliable Remington 700 technology.
Ammunition can be cheap (8 or so for a box of 20)
looks great
etc :)

I am not disappointed AT ALL, heck I almost went out and bought a second in .308 but stopped myself so that the Wife did not freak out.

Luc
 
Keep your eyes on the EE

I bought my Savage 12FV with scope for $600 on the EE... I know it has a synthetic stock... but it works... the accutrigger takes about 20 rounds to love...

I have shot this .223 out to 900yds, hitting the V-Bull (not every shot of course... but most)... I now use hand loads, and hold 1 MOA consistently to 600yds (haven't tried 900 with hand loads yet)...

Think of the 12FV... and if you want, change the stock... but otherwise, there's nothing to change on this rifle...

EB
 
Thanks everyone for the replies.. I have rem 700 sps in 30-06 and it is a great gun but I'm looking for something different.. for 500$ I'm just looking for a foot in the door :) just something to have some fun with.. any info on the savage 11G
 
Last edited:
All Savage/Stevens rifles share the same quality of factory parts. Big difference is the trigger and stock colour.

The Stevens in 223 can shoot very well but the triggers are hard pressed to go under 3lbs (working on options). The synthetic stock works very well but if you like wood, then the G series is for you.

The Savage will come with Accutrigger if of current manf. A much better trigger and can go to around 2lbs which is plenty light in a hunting rig. The lighter contoured barrel will heat up faster then the HB but will still allow you to shoot 5rds+ before cooling.

Just bed the action, load up some Amax and enjoy...

Personally, I would head for the 12FV.
Jerry
 
The metal doesn't matter and I see no benefit to either for a range rifle. CM/Blued for $100+ less suits me just fine.

The only 'upgrade' I might consider is going to the lam stock. Think these are BVSS. The stocks have a nice fit for the bench.

They should all have the same accuracy potential once they are properly bedded.

Jerry
 
Remington 700 SPS Tactical .223Rem, about $680 for the rifle... very accurate. The entire package will probally cost you about a G-Note, but you get what you pay for, if you plan to keep this rifle for a while as your primary target rifle, it's best to spend a little more (if you can) to get quality. If it's not that important to you, some sh*tty $500 or less rifle will have to do.

SPS2006.jpg

50 yards
SPS2005.jpg

200 yards on very windy day :)
200yards2011.jpg
 
Last edited:
Wow Pieto beretta looks like that crappy sps, is not crappy at all :eek:
0.5 MOA at 100m is pretty damd sweet from a cheap gun.
 
keep looking & talking to guys around. I just (last sat) got a rem 700sps varmit in 243. The guy through in bases & rings ,Leopould, and after the deal was done he said he would send me the loads he was using to shoot coyotes. Said 1/2" at 100. this gun had only1 mark & was 8 mt old.& in your price range. good luck AJ. PS sorry I don't know about the savage
 
what about the savage 25 varmint? it's only 540 new it has the heavy barrel, laminate stock and accutriger.. Is this a decent rifle ??
 
If you don't want to tinker with the rifle in the future, it can be a nice rifle. Definitely no tack driver (sub MOA possible for sure) and there is no way to improve it except bedding. The barrels are a semi permanent install.

Given the price point of the Stevens, I am hard pressed to consider the 25.

If it was $140 cheaper, I would buy one to try.

Jerry
 
Dsiwy said:
Wow Pieto beretta looks like that crappy sps, is not crappy at all :eek:
0.5 MOA at 100m is pretty damd sweet from a cheap gun.
Click to expand...

Just to clarify, the rifle is actually a Remington 700 SPS TACTICAL....slightly different than the standard SPS...but VERY sweet .223 Rem for the $$$. The trigger really helps alot being the new ProX trigger (all new Rem rifles have them standard)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom