I was looking at buying a 223 or 222 in stainless synthetic. I would really like a Sako 75 but was a little shocked to see there is no 223 in this configuration. The closest is stainless varmint with laminated stock and heavy barrel. Or stainless/walnut that I could change to a synthetic stock (epen$ive option). I am leaning towards the varmint. What do you guys think of this rifle?

What other rifles would you recommend? Must be stainless/synthetic and in 223 or 222 (or 22ppc). How about remington vssf, steyr scout or prohunter, weatherby, others? How do these compare to the 75?

BTW, do you think a heavy barrel is worthwile in a 223?

The Sako varmint is a good choice! one of the best i have seen!!
About the others you mentioned the Remington and steyr rifles are probably good rifles but i have heard about accuracy problems with the weatherbys!

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BTW, do you think a heavy barrel is worthwile in a 223?

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If you are varmiting or target shooting it is!
What are you going to hunt with the rifle?

Regards Ben
Iceland

The Sako 75 in a Varmint Laminated Stainless configuration would likely serve you well. The heavy barrel issue is perhaps a question of preferance but I would say yes it is worthwhile.

Another thing popped up, the CZ-527 Varmint Kevlar, although not available in a stainless configuration does not look entirely bad at all.

Regarding the Steyr, they do have a good reputation for accuracy and workmanship.

Regards

IEATROOS...

While I can't really compare the Sako with the Remingtons, I can confirm that the Remington 700 VSSF is a great rifle. I have it in .223, and am very pleased...I did swap out the stock trigger for a Jewell, and the Sako may come with a better trigger pull out of the box. The stock Remington is adjustable, so you can play with it to make it better.

You seem to be settling for a varmint type configuration, which makes me think you were hoping for a sporter type rifle? If so, a good compromise might be the Remington 700 LVSF in .223 (it also comes in .221 Fireball, which is what I got), which is lighter and shorter than the VSSF, and is generally in between an all-out heavy varmint/target configuration and a lightweight sporter...the LVSF is definitely a better option than the VSSF if you plan to carry it alot...