Looking for opinions on choosing a .223 rifle
- Thread starter kawicrash
- Start date
lol
sorry just thought that was funny... lolAnyways
Late 80's bought my Vanguard "Weatherguard" in 223. Started off with a case of 1000 once fired brass and since then I have no idea how many times I have reloaded those cases along with many more as well. I'm always still blown away by how it still shoots tiny groups as if it was still new. 223 is a great choice and you can't go wrong with the weatherby or the Ruger or Mossberg.
This might turn out to be your rifle... check it out, nice rifle
If they have one in stock, I'm going to buy it tomorrow.
Last edited:
Didn't say they were crap, just said I don't like them. I like Heavy Music, I don't like R&B. It's not crap, I just don't like it. I like Ford trucks, I don't like Dodge trucks...... Oh wait, bad example....
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I bought the Axis 223 combo at a gun show a few years ago.....NIB from a Vancouver dealer that had a booth there.
The only thing attractive was the price. Extremely cheap and plastic...y throughout. Very weak and cheap stock, the trigger resembled a accutrigger...crackerjack box version, scope was the cheap Bushnell that i would bet savage pays $10 in bulk. If you need a 223 in the worst way, i could not imagine a worse way.
cdn1canhunt
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- southwestern ontario
Disregard the above. The savage axis may be the most accurate budget rifle a newbie can purchase. Accuracy for the price is what the axis stands for not necessarily the best overall fit and finish. Google some reviews more positive than negative . Check out the savage shooters forum if you'd like some cheap fixes for axis. For the $ it is a great entry level rifle. If you want something a bit nicer look at the savage trophy series, the vanguard, rem 700 ADL/CDL, possibly the ruger American ( although I think it's a rip off of the axis IMO) my son has the axis and 2 of my brothers law's they are all supremely accurate!
- Location
- the prairies
+ 2 for the hog hunter. I wanted a ride around in the farm truck gun that was also easy to handle in close country-I am down to a 4" group with the iron sights so far at 100m-only 20 rds thru it so far so I am sure it will do better when I do my part. For under$500 new with the ability to also put a scope on it I highly recommend this one in.223
I just bought the Ruger American All Weather (stainless) for 559.00, ordered a Boyds Laminated stock and a Bushnell Elite off the EE. Haven't shot it yet but the price swayed me. Could have bought a Savage Model 11 (not stainless) cheaper but I have a couple of 10\22 and a Mark 3 pistol and I'm very pleased with my other Rugers. Expect new inventory to take a price jump thanks to the $US. Boyds stock hasn't arrived yet.
[/URL][/IMG]
Last edited:
Thanks for the heads-up! I went on my lunch and got one today! Pretty much everything I wanted, 22'' heavy barrel, 1:9 twist, matte finish etc.. The stock is not quite as nice as the regular Vanguard synthetic, it doesn't have the grippy panels or the palm swell. It's more like the original Vanguard stock but hey, it's still pretty nice, and for the price I don't think you could go wrong! The staff at Winnipeg WSS was great too!
Once I get a chance to shoot it I'll post the results. It's going to -30c here tonight but I think the weekend is supposed to warm up a bit so hopefully I'll be able to get out this weekend or next.
I picked up a Mossberg MVP in 223 late last fall when I had to order a new barrel for my 22-250. I was quite surprised how accurate it is for a non-high end rifle. I'm good up to 300 yards for with 75gr steel match bullets for coyotes, Half of them drop on the spot while others make it about 30 feet. For a spare/stand-by rifle I got a lot more than what I was expecting.
- Location
- Haliburton County, Central Ontario
I did own an Axis (Edge) when they first came out and I can attest to the fact that their best use is as a tomato stake.
Quite recently, however, wanting an inexpensive beater in .223, I purchased a BNIB Norinco JW-105 on the EE. When the cosmoline was removed and the bits lubricated I attempted to use the rifle. I discovered that it simply would not function. Once I addressed all the little issues causing the problems, however, I took it to paper and was astounded to see how it shot. The rifle now functions perfectly. If you are handy with a file and some emery paper, and don't mind finishing the manufacturer's work, I believe this is the best value for one's money out there at present in an inexpensive and incredibly accurate rifle.
Quite recently, however, wanting an inexpensive beater in .223, I purchased a BNIB Norinco JW-105 on the EE. When the cosmoline was removed and the bits lubricated I attempted to use the rifle. I discovered that it simply would not function. Once I addressed all the little issues causing the problems, however, I took it to paper and was astounded to see how it shot. The rifle now functions perfectly. If you are handy with a file and some emery paper, and don't mind finishing the manufacturer's work, I believe this is the best value for one's money out there at present in an inexpensive and incredibly accurate rifle.
cdn1canhunt
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- southwestern ontario
Define a " piece of crap" If you think that a budget rifle under 300.00 in most cases that can drop five rounds into the size of a looney is a piece of crap. Then you define things differently than most and the 3 axis's that I have shot and seen shot have all been 1 moa or less. Not going to hijack the thread. And we certainly had enough threads about the savage axis. Fit and finish May not be the best but for the money the axis is a decent buy. My personal experience with these " pieces of crap" as you so put it.
accurate as any bolt action and more so then some more expensive ones. My sons has had one for 3 yrs now hunts with it every weekend through the winter no trouble so far. So reliability seem to be good. With that said if someone wants to shoot a lot and heads to the range at every opportunity. Then sure move up the ladder to a nicer finished rifle . Savage model 10,11,16 or tika, or what ever you pick up at the counter that fits you best. But I argue the the Axis is " a piece of crap" seems to be as I said a very accurate ENTRY level rifle.
OK, definition; It can hit a pie plate... hmmmm... hmmmm... nope, that's all I've got...
That doesn't mean that it doesn't have a niche in the market... great option for kids just starting out, or as a beater truck/quad gun, or if someone just wants to play with a different cartridge without sinking a lot of money into it... but there are so many better options if it is intended to be a serious, long-term rifle... or if you are taking an expensive hunting trip, or have drawn a tag that you are serious about filling... IMO, shopping the used market with a little patience will net a FAR better firearm for the same money.
Last edited:
cdn1canhunt
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- southwestern ontario
Not trying to pick an argument but seriously the used market.... Have you seen the prices some are asking for a used firearm? Not to mention how do you know you won't get a someone else's lemon? At least if you purchase new the mfg has some responsibility if the rifle turns out to be a lemon you can at the very least return for repair or replacement. What do you do for an example,you drop 1000.00 bucks on a used rifle from a jackhole you don't know and find out the rifle has crown damage or rusted out bore or extractor problem etc....
Let me guess be a educated buyer and buyer beware. Newbies may not see those issues because they're newbies.
Not that all used sellers or rifles are bad or damaged. Just that there is nothing wrong with someone with a limited budget and experience buying an entry level rifle. And IMO the axis is as good as it gets for the price. Just an opinion..... just like yours that you feel it's a POS. Again not trying to hijack, just that painting the Axis with the " biggest pos ever" brush isn't fair to the buyer. Just as it wouldn't be far for me to say the axis is the best rifle you can purchase period.
I said shop the used market with "PATIENCE..." be an informed buyer, don't pay more than you should... there are great deals to be had if you keep your eyes open... as for getting a lemon... I have had more problems with NEW firearms than the ones that I bought used... you can expect even more problems if you buy bargain basement guns like... like... an Axis... or something...
Turkinator
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Onterrible
Jesus is your barrel squashed or are you shooting squibs? .223 should go a hell of a lot farther than 30 feet!
