Help pick a .223 rifle

H

HALLAUSTIN

New member
It seems like all I do now is hunt coyotes. So I would like a rifle in .223, Im thinking either a bolt action or a mini14. Any thoughts, recomendations, or input would be nice. Please don't suggest any other calibers, Im set in 223. Thanks

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
 
I would say that if you feel the need for quick follow up shots (frequent encounters with multiple critters, for example) go semi-auto. Otherwise, get a bolt action and spend the leftover money on more ammo:D
 
My Mini-14 never got any negative feedback from Ol' Wily. They just lay there, real quiet.

Same for my Ruger 77 Mk II light sporter. Granted, it shoots a tighter group than a Mini, but inside of a couple of hundred yards it's not enough to worry about.

Unless you're in really wide-open, short-grass country, it's pretty hard to get a second shot on a coyote if you miss the first. He's rather rapid about practicing being elsewhere.
 
20 years ago I would have said get a good bolt action but the new mini's and AR's are pretty near as accurate, extremely fun to shoot, and that fast follow-up shot is hard to beat.
 
AR many to choose from

I would say Smith M&P15 can't go wrong for the money. I like mine and it don't care what mag or ammo I slap in her, she goes bang everytime! :-)
 
the mini 14 gets mixed reviews. a lot of guys dont have problems with them and a lot say that they are garbage. I dont have any personal experience with them and dont know anyone that owns one so I wont make further comments on it. it is hard to go wrong with any of the major branded bolt actions out there.
remington 700
savage model 25
ruger m77
are all very decent rifles that will have no problems putting a bullet into a coyote.
 
Last edited:
The mini 14 are fine for coyotes as long as you stay within limits of the cartridge.

If you plan on longer ranges then you need something in the format of 2x-xxx


I have a mini with a 3x9x40. It really needs a lower powered scope, but the 3x9 works well enough and they can be bought off the shelf and are very common.

The mini needs a threaded muzzle for a flash suppress device or brake, the flash and dust kicked up can be bothersome at night.

If heavy use is expected, I would suggest a synthetic or after market stock. My wood is starting to show its battle marks. The hand grip is like shiny glass, polished by the constant contact of my hand. The forearm is dimpled from various causes, but I look at them as 'notches' chronically marking my now numerous outings.

I overall, am satisfied with the rifle.
 
Don't forget to consider barrel length and twist rate. I chose an upper with a 16" barrel and 1:8 twist. I chose portability over the extra 100-200 extra fps velocity I'd get with a 20" barrel. I chose 1:8 twist because I'll be shooting some 75gr bullets but probably never any heavier (longer).
 
Budget? Other info would help narrow the choices I might suggest.

Since you included a Mini-14 I'm assuming at least $600. There are lot of bolt action rifles that will be tack drivers at 1/2 that price and will easily outshoot even the best Mini-14 ever made. Do you want a heavy varmit barrel, or something lighter to carry a lot?

Not bashing the Mini's at all. They are what they are and I actually do like them. But if you want a semi you can buy an AR that will easily out shoot the Mini for basically the same money. Lots of folks settle for a Mini thinking they can't afford an AR. Some just don't like an AR, and that is OK too. Just choose with all the correct info.
 
budget

This will be after tax returns, and the "last" rifle I will buy. So as long as its under 800 then its within budget. I have glass taken care of. And I am leaning more and more towards a bolt action, I mean I doubt a follow up shot is possible for my skill level on a coyote.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top