ideal rifle - looking for suggestions

G

gringojosh

New member
My ideal rifle is:
-either .223 or .243
-bolt action
-accurate (goes w/out saying)
-comfortable either offhand or on a bench
-less than 10 lbs
-available with iron sights (this one narrows it down)

Any suggestions?
 
We need to know what you are going to use it for. At the range only. Are you going to carry it in the field hunting? If so does it include big game, or just varmits? What is your budget? What do you consider accurate? I'm curious as to why you said less than 10 lbs. That covers almost anything. Very few bull barreled target guns will weigh that much. Most bolt action hunting rifles in those calibers will be 6-7.5 lbs.

Finding a bolt rifle with irons in those calibers is almost impossible unless you add them later.

With the requirement of irons sights a heavy barreled AR 15 comes the closest to meeting most of your requirements. Leave off the iron sight requirement and most any bolt gun is a good choice.
 
Finding a bolt rifle with irons in those calibers is almost impossible unless you add them later.
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Not true there are still rifles offered with iron sights. CZ as previously mentioned, Remington M700 BDL, Savage Pighunter (correction Hog Hunter), and Sako 85 Hunter to name a few. They just usually don't offer sights on an entry level rifle. If you want a M70 with sights you'll have to add them yourself or learn to shoot a Safari Express in .375 H&H.
 
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Didn't say they weren't there, just "almost impossible" to find on a new rifle, in those calibers. There are a few more options in big game calibers

The BDL has been all but discontinued and only available in very limited numbers. It is no longer chambered in 223.

Haven't heard of the Pig hunter before now, but it looks interesting.

You have to admit, iron sights on any bolt gun are getting pretty rare.
 
First of all, decide what you are going to do with the firearm, then pick the cartridge. Next, go to your local shops and handle the rifles chambered in the cartridge you are interested in. When you find the one that you like best, purchase it. Iron sights can be added by a gunsmith for a small fee.
 
Thanks for the recommendations.

I plan to use it for varminting and target shooting. The Safari Express would make an interesting varmint gun.
 
Didn't say they weren't there, just "almost impossible" to find on a new rifle, in those calibers. There are a few more options in big game calibers

The BDL has been all but discontinued and only available in very limited numbers. It is no longer chambered in 223.
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Jim they aren't impossible to find on a new rifle like I listed before several are available (pighunter should be hog hunter). The OP will have to special order them because they aren't what sells at the big box stores, most people want optics. As for the BDL the OP said either .223 or .243.

Ruger Hawkeye 77 African .223

CZ 527 FS .223

CZ 527 LUX .223

CZ 527 Carbine .223

CZ 550 FS .243

SAKO 85 Hunter .223 or .243

Savage Hog Hunter .223

Remington M700 BDL .243 is still current as of 2011 no 2012 catalog yet.

Steyr Mountain and Full Stock .223 or .243

The unknown???
Browning X-Bolt Medallion, Stainless Hunter, and Stainless Stalker are listed with sights, these are new and didn’t have a listing of chamberings. I'm going to assume they will be offered in .243 at the least.

The problem with some of the CZ rifles will be the shape of the butt stock as there might be too much drop in the comb to use optics effectively. The hogs back style of butt stock is great for lining the cheek weld up with the irons but not so much a scope. All the rifles I mentioned will more than likely be special order as they aren’t the hot sellers at the big box stores but if you find a little boutique gun shop they might have one or two models on hand to try.

The little Ruger Hawkeye African looks like a sweet little .223! The Savage Hog Hunter will be the most affordable I'm sure of all the rifles listed. Plus if you check the auction sites you might be able to pick up a used rifle with sights like Parker Hale 1200 or Interarms MarkX in .243's or some Mini Mausers in .223 that might have sights. You can always add sights to any rifle you want but a good set of sights will cost you as much as a good scope by the time you have them installed.
 
If .308 was an option I'd suggest the Ruger Scout.
It's the one rifle to have if you only can have 1 rifle. (at least thats what the reviews say). I handled one at Cabelas. I will own it some day.
 
gringojosh, One problem your going to have is finding a rifle in calibers you want and being able to handle rifle before you buy, not many dealers going to get in a rifle that you may or may not buy.

Might want to check with local dealer see what he can get in.
 
Sounds like you need to find a Parker Hale in .243. They're built from surplus WWII German Mausers sort of like a factory custom. Parker Hale rifles are genuine keepers!

Other excellent choices are Winchester 670 and Remington 660.

Photo shows my Remington 660 in .308. Very short and handy for hunting in rough country.

Jack

660muley-1.jpg
 
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