.223 bolt gun recommendations

I

Ike666

New member
I'm ready to add a .223 bolt gun to my collection. I want it primarily for target shooting out to 500 yards, and the occasional varmint hunt. I have a strong interest in accuracy. I also have some appreciation for the aesthetics of the rifle.

What do you recommend and why?

Manufacturer?
Barrel profile and length?
Stock material type?
Scope, mounts, and bases?
 
I have a strong interest in accuracy. I also have some appreciation for the aesthetics of the rifle.
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Walnut and blued steel rifles do have the eye appeal over synthetic/stainless rifles: Remington 700 BDL or CDL, CZ550, Ruger 77, TC Icon, Sako 85, Browning X-Bolt, Weatherby Vanguard, Cooper, Dakota Arms, and Winchester.
Stainless/synthetic rifles are very functional and appeal to some folks: Remington 700 XCR, TC Venture, Weatherby Vanguard Sub-MOA, the lists go on and on. Go handle as many rifles as you can and evaluate them for fit and appearances, then make up your mind.
Savage 200
Because it's a proven performer that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
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Sorry, but Savage rifles (in this case, a Stevens rifle, the economy line of Savage) look like they were built out of spare plumbing parts by a high school committee. Although they shoot well (for a while, at least, until the sear fails), IMO they are not aesthetically pleasing in the least (that big old barrel nut hung on the barrel, and all the stamped sheet metal parts).
 
Savage makes great shooters

I have this particular rifle in 308. A friend of mine has it in 223. They are our favorite guns. Actually these are LE sniper models. They are a bit heavy due to the bull barrel. I love that AccuTrigger. They ship out at 2#'s. It may just be more accurate than I will ever be.:D

I prefer synthetic stocks on all my long guns for one simple reason: I USE THEM in the field. If it belongs in a glass case, leave it there.


http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10FPSR
 
Winchester 70 Heavy Varmint.

In terms of accuracy, it'll blow out the 'X' ring with a variety of bullet weights.

As for aesthetics, what exactly are you looking for? Mine gets called a 'sniper rifle' by my non-shooting friends because of the black finish and black synthetic stock, and to be honest, it does have the 'tactical' look about it. All in all, though, a great rifle, and one that I think would serve your purposes nicely.
 
I should probably mention that I'm currently shooting a Remy 700 PSS, a Win Mod 70 LE (new with CRF action), and a Savage 10FCP McMillan - all in .308 caliber. All big, heavy barreled stable shooting platforms.

You may notice the trend here - black on black - although they are all cammied up with bow paint at this point. All of them great shooters, sub .5 MOA when I do my part.

So, what I'm leaning towards is a rifle around 6#s with an American Walnut stock - something a little different than the big, black rifles I've been shooting.
 
I've prowled around a lot of gun stores recently, just looking at what the various gun companies offer. I specifically wanted to have a look at the bolt rifles that have been getting talked about on this forum. To catch my interest, it has to be attractive, shoot well, and feel good in the hands. After my 'research' I know again that I'm not fond of the look of Savages. The Tikka, though a fine rifle, just didn't look that good to me. I liked that short barrel Remington that has the heavy triangular barrel. The barrel is odd looking, but I'll bet it shoots great. I'd buy one of those. I like the look of Brownings and Winchesters. I couldn't find a CZ to handle. I did get to handle an FN with a short heavy barrel, and I'd own one of those. The 223 I own and shoot is a Ruger Hawkeye with a sporter weight barrel, and I like it a lot, though I had to do some work to find just the right combo of bullet and powder. If I didn't have the Ruger, I think that Remington with the odd barrel would be my choice. It had the look of a serious rifle, and even with the heavier barrel, it handled real well.
 
CZ 527 Varmit

I just purchased a CZ 527 Varmit 223 Walnut. I put a brand new Weaver T36 scope on it with the rings that came with the rifle. No where did it say the rifle came with rings but they were included. Rifle and scope seem to mate well. I had to buy the rifle without handling one but none of the LGS that handle CZ rifles had one for me touch and feel so I took a chance.

I have only had it to the range 2 times and not settled on a load for it yet but it looks promissing. I also need to do some work on my bench setup to find the mechanical accuracy of this gun. If you are serious about shooting at 500 yards you probably should look at the laminated or Kevlar stock options. If I had it to do over again I probably would have gone with the laminated stock if it was available.

Anyway please see attached picture of mine. Hope this helps.

James
 
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JT: I've been giving serious consideration to the CZ 527 M1 American. I wanted to see what similar rifle others would recommend.

We have a local Gander Mtn - no CZ to handle - and they are the only "authorized" dealer. I won't buy from them but they usually have an example to handle,

If I get this rifle, I'll probably buy it on faith since it doesn't look like I'll be able to pull one up to my shoulder first.
 
Ike, the American would be in the 6 pound range you mentioned in you second post. I question it for 500 yard target shooting unless you have more time between shots than I can spend to let your barrel cool. Maybe heavy varmit barrels are over-rated for 223 caliber, I have wondered about this.

Anyway, good luck with whatever rifle you purchase.

James
 
For what you are describing, I would personally go with the CZ. I haven't shot their centerfires but if my 452 is any indication, they are as accurate as I have heard. As much as I love my Savages and they are extremely accurate, they aren't exactly the prettiest rifles out there. The CZs on the other hand are very nice, imo.

Once hip pocket national bank will float me the loan, my next rifle will be another CZ.
 
I would recommend this one:


SAM_0245.jpg
 
Savage all the way.When you say good looking lots of rifles come to mind,but when you throw the word ACCURACY into the pot,now you have narrowed it down to one-SAVAGE..

PS-Jim-You and that rifle--Ha HA -I finally ordered me the same stock you have,Should be here Wednesday this week.
 
See, now I'm torn. I love my Savage 10FCP - tack driver right out of the box. Could'nt ever get a load for the 175 SMK tuned for it, but it'll flat shoot some 168 SMKs and 155 Palmas into the proverbial gnat's eye.

I don't think they are particularly ugly, but they're no beauties either.

I'm still leaning towards a CZ 527 M1 American, although I'd like a 1:9 without having to re-barrel it.
 
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