Ok, guys, I've been wanting a rifle that I can practice a lot with (read: cheap) for some time now, and I've decided it's time. I want a rifle in .223, since I can still find reasonably priced ammo for it around here. Now the kicker...which one? I thought I definately wanted an AR-15, but now I'm not too sure. I want the rifle to practice for hunting shots out to 200 yards, maybe 300, and while the AR wouldn't be bad, I don't hunt with semis...all bolts for me thus far. Anyway, most of my hunting rifles are Remington 700s, so I guess that would make sense, but I'm open to any suggestions you guys have. I'm not afraid to spend a few bucks on this one, but keeping price down wouldn't be bad, either. Like I said, this gun will probably just be for practicing, maybe I'll occasionally take it out for a walk for ground hogs, but no serious hunting. Thanks for any suggestions you guys can give me.

CZ 527 American. or Stevens Mod 200. OK for walking around rifles and resonably priced. roger

BRNO 601. I like the safety better than the new one.

Would not discount the AR15 platform due to it being a semi automatic. Accuracy is at worst equal to typical bolt gun and more than likely even better. They work and work very well. Perhaps PA does not permit semi autos in the hunting fields??? but that 15 is awful hard to beat for the money. Usually can build one for under 800.00 that will provide 1/2moa accuracy at ranges out to 600 yards or more. Not too shabby!! Good luck on whatever you select.

Had a Brno 601,have owned several Bushmasters last one being the Varmint version have owned 2 mini 14's including one Ranch Rifle vesion. Currently have what I believe is a keeper. I have a Remington 7615Police that makes ,to me, a perfect knockabout gun. It is small (16" barrel) with parkerized finish and black composition forearm/slide handle and buttstock. Came with iron sights. Replaced the open rear with a peep and now have settled on a scope. Shoots good groups,is handy beyond belief, and I believe a keeper. Not exactly cheap however. Takes AR15 magazines.

Do you handload, or will this just be shooting factory ammo?

If you can still find one of the Remington LVSF's in 221 fireball, you can have it re-chambered to a 223 and you'll have a very fine .223 target rifle.

For a no compromise .223, I'd have one built using a 1-8 twist match grade bull barrel, stock it in a MacMillan A-5, and top it with a Leupold 3.5-10 tactical scope in a 20 moa base. With the heavier bullets you'll have an honest 1000 yd target rifle that will have almost no recoil, and will be inexspensive to feed.

The AR-15's are a neat platform, but if you're looking for true precision, and don't want to chase brass, you can't beat a good bolt gun.

Savage Model 12 Low Profile Varminter

quote:

CZ 527 American. or Stevens Mod 200. OK for walking around rifles and resonably priced.

I would second that opinion, either would make a nice platform to build something better later on. The savage is quite a lot of bang for the buck, and accurate too....

Dave

My favorite is a customed Interarms Mini Mauser and I also like my Brno 601.

Hmm, interesting suggestions, guys, not what I thought I was going to hear. One thing maybe I should add, I want the rifle to be a sporter weight, since this is to practice for hunting situations (I have a .22-250 in a varmint gun that could be used for this, but I can't shoot it too well offhand).

dsiteman,
No, PA doesn't allow semis to be used for hunting (rifles, anyway).

It's not that I didn't think an AR wouldn't do the shooting I want it to, it's just that since I'll be using a bolt action rifle for my hunting, I thought a bolt would be best to do the practicing with. I don't know if it's that big of a deal, because I have been shooting bolts all my life and am used to the action, just haven't had a whole lot of range time with them practicing from field positions, which is what I really want to do with this rifle. Thanks again for all the suggestions, guys, keep them coming.

Well, I have access to 223s in the following platforms..

Remington 700, ( ADL, VLS, VSF)
Winchester Model 70 ( Featherweight and custom barreled Sporter with a heavy varmint taper..)
Savage 12 BVSS
Ruger 77 Mk 2 ( VT and the Sporter weight)

They all are worthwhile rifles.. the round is pretty darn accurate.. all the factory ones are darn good shooters...

I really don't think there is a real bad choice in a 223 bolt gun...
Savage and Stevens have some super options and wonderfully accurate rifles...

Remingtons, and Rugers never seem to disappoint their owners.. unless it is the trigger and that can be taken care of...

I don't think you have any wrong choices really...

I have a Rem 700 VLS & like it. No felt recoil at all. it is a little on the heavy side.

quote:

One thing maybe I should add, I want the rifle to be a sporter weight, since this is to practice for hunting situations (I have a .22-250 in a varmint gun that could be used for this, but I can't shoot it too well offhand).

The savage/stevens would be sporter weight and very $ effective. You could however decide to build into any style rifle at a later date with the fact they are so parts interchangable. Very respectable accuracy for a practice rifle also.

Dave

CZ 527 is my choice. Inexpensive and well known for excellent accuracy.


http://www.cz-usa.com/products_smallbore_rifles.php

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Originally posted by JustinL01:
...most of my hunting rifles are Remington 700s, so I guess that would make sense, ...

Hey Justin, Take a look at a M7 before you decide. With 50gr, 52gr, 53gr, or 55gr Bullets(one will do it), you can normally adjust the Load to duplicate the Trajectory of your Big Game rifles and still get excellent accuracy.

I have the S&S M7 and it surprised me when I took it out of the stock - no glob of Bedding compound. Decided to shoot it anyhow and it shoots great.

I agree that a 223Rem is perfect for what you are wanting to do.

Best of luck to you.