Need help to choose a .223/5.56mm target rifle!

Travis_m said:
I wouldn't go with the 700 unless you want to put money into it for a trigger and stock. Remington 700 would be good for a long term project but my opinion is that if you are on a budget there are better choices that will get you shooting pretty accurately right out of the box. For starting out I would look for a Savage with the accutrigger and accustock. I have an fcp-k in 223 and it is a shooter with off the shelf ammo. I can't wait until I develop a hand load for this gun. I put a Bushnell fixed 10x on it for a scope.
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Accutrigger/stock are both pretty mediocre. For the money you pay for them, you can get a less fancy model, AND buy a rifle basix trigger and a boyds stock to go with it...
 
Savage 10 FCP-K or a Rem 700 SPS. However, neither are 20" inch barrel lengths.

Used price on either is around $750-800. Both will be under MOA with good factory. Better with handloads.
 
I own a 20" Remington 700 SPS bull barrel in .223, This is my first PR and I couldn't be happier! With a developed load and mounted in an MTD LSS chasis you wont be disappointed, I manage a few 1/4 moa groups at 100 meters. Shes capable of this level of performance just have to do my part. The chasis will put you over your $ limit but thats the great thing u can just keep upgrading her over time. Once you get yourself into a chasis u can get 10 round boxs mags from MTD, makes for proper shooting :)
 
Suther said:
Accutrigger/stock are both pretty mediocre. For the money you pay for them, you can get a less fancy model, AND buy a rifle basix trigger and a boyds stock to go with it...
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Sure that is another route but they are better out of the box than what you get with the 700. I've never owned an aftermarket trigger or stock because so I can't really speak about them but I get great results with the accustock and accutrigger.
 
Tikkas are good performers. My bone stock t3 varmint has shot a .349 at 100 yds with honaday 75gr match. I'm not a reloader. So I'm sure would do better with hand loads.
 
I had a Remington 700 varmint. I had nothing but trouble with extraction. Ended up taking it back. Other have had better luck, not knocking them, just my personal experience.

I bought a Model 11 international predator hunter .223, had the camo stock on it and a 3-9 scope on it. I bought it for the same purpose as you. The scope went onto a model 93 22 magnum, and the stock is now a mdt lss. I also own a 10TR. If I were to do it again I would either buy something cheap to start with (Axis 2) and upgrade the stock later on or spend a little more an get a model 10 with a decent stock. I wish there was a 10TR in .223, that'd be my first choice. There may be something similar now as I'm not very familiar with the new lineups.
 
Here's a stock SPS I purchased used / unfired from a LGS. Stuck a scope on it and zeroed at 100m.
Set a target at 350m/383 yds and checked my dope for 3 shots dialed to 350m with factory ammo.
Although a 700 in.308, 700s will shoot. So will Savage 10s.

I saw a Savage fcpk for sale in the EE for 600 with extras in .223

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In terms of 20" barrels your best choices are: savage 10 precision carbine, remington 700 tactical and Tikka CTR. The Tikka may not even come in .223 and is over budget.
I think a good option would be a savage 10 predator hunter with the accustock. It's a 22" fluted/medium profile barrel and comes with "essential" upgrades over the remington 700. It fits your budget too last I checked.
 
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I'd be having a look at the SPS Tactical or if your budget allows and you find one for a decent price, the Remington 700 XCR compact tactical (20" tri-fluted barrel)
 
another vote for the tikka from me....i have seen the mossberg MVP at the range, buddy behind it was doing really good with his reloads but im not a fan of the accutrigger on the savages or the mossberg. the savage axis are pretty cheap, not my cup of tea. from your list i would likely go with the rem 700. there is a TON of aftermarket support for them and from what i have heard, they tend to be decent shooters right out of the box (not arguing that there are lemons from time to time)
 
I think you should have a look at a Howa 1500 heavy barrel, also a nice rifle,I sold mine before i found there is a manufacturer of detachable magazines / bottom metal.
 
I have a Savage model 25 Walking Varminter and it is a laser beam sub moa rifle! I think the three lug lock up helps with the accuracy! I have a Boyd's stock on mine now however they come from Savage with them as well. Price point is awesome which helps a lot!
 
Look at a Remington 700 tactical ACC-SD in 223 has a 16.5" threaded barrel. then dump the Hogue stock for a Choate Tactical or Magpul 700 hunter stock. I have done mine up with both stocks,
I liked the Choate stock better but switched to the Magpul 700 hunter stock for weight & boxed magazine option, it's a bit lighter.
 
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