Suggestions please for a 223

rdl212

rdl212

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Looking to purchase my first 223 in bolt action to be used primarily at the range for target - may possibly use for varmint at a later time. I am quite partial to stainless barrel - what version/model would be a good choice considering I would like to keep it less than say $800? Thanks.
 
rdl212 said:
Looking to purchase my first 223 in bolt action to be used primarily at the range for target - may possibly use for varmint at a later time. I am quite partial to stainless barrel - what version/model would be a good choice considering I would like to keep it less than say $800? Thanks.
Click to expand...

If you are a thumbhole stock target fan?.... look up "remington 700 vhss th"
 
I could be mistaken, but if you're set on a stainles barrel in a 223 you'll find limited options. If you're open to blued heavy barrel that most varmint rifles have, you have numerous choices available. I was looking for a 223 myself and just got the Savage model 25 which was the only one in that price range with a nice laminate stock instead of the boring black plastic most of my other rifles have. Savage also has the accutrigger standard on everything except the edge/axis lineup. If you're absolutely set on stainless, checkout the Savage model 16fcss or tikka also offers the T3 lite ss in 223
 
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I have an axis at the moment but what something else so the other day went looking at some options. He is my opinion everyone else's may differ.

Savage: (it was $770 not sure on the model) The wood was nice. Stock felt good. Action didnt feel any better then my $300 axis.

Cz: Everything was darn near perfect except the action felt like it was full of gravel. The open sights were a bonus no one else had.

Tikka t3 Once again a solid feeling rifle. Great smooth action. All in all really well put together

Browning xbolt: Nothing bad to say except that the bolt unlock button was a bit weird.

I would pick a tikka or browning. I wont be getting another savage centerfire.
 
My T3 hunter 223 has a really smooth action, crisp trigger and accurate. T3 uses same long action for both long & short.

Actually like feel of my XBolt 30-06 better, trigger more crisp. Would get the Xbolt 223 over the T3 if I had to do it again.

Favorite is XCR-L but that's another story.
 
Seeings how this is the H&S Arms forum, I'm thinking you want something to shoot targets with yet also carry in the field. A Ruger Hawkeye SS would fit the bill well. 22" Sporter barrel, sittin' pretty at what? 6.75 pounds bare? So...8 pound mark scoped. Should be plenty accurate and still light enough to carry all day :)
 
I have a Savage Model 10 Predator Hunter with a 22" barrel, but it's not the lightest rifle out there. Accurate though. I might rebarrel it and go to 20".
 
if you have an 800 dollar budget not counting optics i would get the tikka.
wholesale sports does have a weatherby vanguard varmint on sale right now, the sub moa model for less than 700 pretty good deal also i think.
 
I know Jo Brook had one of the Sub Moa vanguards in 223 as well for a good price, I really wanted it but went with the CZ 527 varmint in stead because of the faster twist.

Very happy with the CZ, only shot it twice but it already groups better than I can shoot with factory PPU 55 gr SP:dancingbanana:

Edit: Some pics





Group is @ 100 meters.
 
I have a tikka as a big game rifle and love it. That being said I just bought a savage axis for a varmint rifle. $370.00 for a rifle and bushnell scope`. Cheap as they are you can`t go wrong. The barrel might be a bit light, but it will be enough to start with.
 
X3 for the savage model 12. I have the fvss model and it's a tack driver. with 26" barrel it gets some good Velocities. 24gr Vareget with a 70gr berger vld is very accurate in mine. The first time I shot it with Federal gold metal match ammo ( 69gr SMK ) I covered a 5 shot group with a nickle @100y. But it is heavy.
 
boy, oh boy, oh boy... you seem to have more suggestions than you can shake a stick at! This couldn't have helped make you choice any easier. I think you should add a poll if its not to late. Short recap.

Savage model 12
CZ 527
Tikka T3
Browning xbolt
Ruger M77
remington 700 vhss

I would toss my Vote in for the T3, great firearms, well built.
Good Luck!
 
T3 Varmint - Big money, nice trigger, smooth action, detachable mag, top notch quality.
Savage 12 - Less money, nice laminate stock, thumbhole available, nice trigger, rough action, proven accuracy out of the box.
 
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