Used 223 Bolt Action?

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baddarryl

New member
Hi all. I am quite sick of buying entry level and budget guns, but cannot afford quality at new prices just yet. I would like to find a 223 bolt for long range target work and maybe varmit. What are the time tested better bolt actions that one can find on the racks besides 700's and 70's? I already know about those. Thank you.

On this same subject, what other calibers are similar to the 223 that are plentiful? That may be an option as well.
 
Boy, could you have picked a larger subject?
Especially when discussing caliber choices.
Firstly, what "long distance" are you thinking?
And how accurate are you thinking?
Sub minute angle?
Minute of prairie dog?
One of the most obvious answers is Savage.
They make very good rifles at affordable prices.
 
Ok, my bad. Let me narrow it down. I would like to eventually get into amatuer long range competion. I think the longest available around here is 400 yards. That would be 90% of its intent. As far as level of competition, not a serious one, just to have fun and challenge myself. We can stick with 223. I can read about other calibers elsewhere.
 
Not that many choices in bolt rifles in 223 and most are twisted for very lightweight varmit bullets, not the heavier target bullets. If you are committed to the 223 round you will find more target grade AR's set up properly. And the prices are going to be about the same, accuracy will be about the same too.

I'd look hard at the 243 instead of 223 in a bolt rifle. Especially for longer ranges.
 
That is why my original question was so 'broad' not even sure is 223 is the right caliber. I am a bit recoil sensitive and I know a lot of people shoot it so I thought about it.
 
Try to find a Savage 10FP or 12FV or any of the variants of Savage's heavy barreled rifles. They are mostly 1-9 twist rate barrels,but some model 12's also have 1-7 twist rates. I shoot 75 grain bullets all day long accurately with my 1-9 twist model 12 FLVSS 223.
Remington,Howa-Weatherby Vanguard,Tikka T3,and CZ all make heavy barreled 223's,but you need a barrel twist of 1-9 / 1-8 / 1-7 in order to shoot the heavier match grade bullets if you want to shoot longer ranges.
You need to know the twist rate,because there are a lot of factory rifles that are a 1-12 twist rate and they won't work with the heavier bullets over 62 grains.
The 223 will shoot accurately out to 600 yards,but the wind is your enemy with a 223 at long ranges.
 
I have an extemely accurate early Kimber M84 I picked up at a gun show. My only gripe is it has a 1 in 12 twist barrel and it shoot way to good to mess with. Coyotes and varmints fear that rifle. :D:cool:
Paul B.
 
I have a Ruger MKII target .223 that came with a 1:9 twist barrel and it shoots the heavier bullets great. If you look long enough you might find a deal in a used one of those.
 
My Ruger 77 Mk II in .223 is a light sporter. 1:10 twist. I put a Timney trigger in it, which made the half-MOA easier than with the original tort-liability trigger. I disremember; maybe 1997 vintage.

I mostly load 50- to 55-grain, but it does just fine with a round-nose 70-grain bullet.

It works quite nicely on prairie dogs to 300 yards. :)
 
I go to gun shows, gun stores, and pawn shops to buy guns.
In the Pacific Northwest, there are some guns that are under represented:
1) Glocks with no paper trail
2) AR15s with no paper trail
3) Used 223 bolt actions for less than the cost of a new one.

I have a .223 reamer and lots of .223 barrels, all I need an action.
They are hard to find.

This one cost me $250 to throw away the stock and barrel.
I could get a 308 bolt face rifle for $25 in 2000. Now they are at least $100.

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Savage, Tikka and CZ all make very popular rifles that are used for varmint hunting.

Other calibre choices to consider are 22-250 and 204 Ruger.

Personally I'd look into a Savage or a CZ in 204 Ruger as it is a sweet little calibre, failing that 22-250 or 223 are both good options.
 
With this economy, hock shops are loaded with good-used bolt-action rifles. They generally have about half the asking price invested in the gun.

Argue and bargain for a best price if you find something that would suit you. A bit of exploring and legwork can save a bunch of money.
 
I ran across a Sako mini-Mauser with a heavy varmint barrel last weekend with a Denver-made Redfield Varmint scope on it for about $700. It was in cherry shape, and chambered in 222 Rem Mag. I seriously considered buying it, chopping a half inch off the breach end of the barrel, rethreading the shank, and rechambering it in 223.
 
You might check gunbroker for use Zastava mini mauser rifles in 223. I had one many years ago and like an idiot I sold it. I beleive these have a 1/12 twist so about 55gr bullets are as heavy as they will stabalize. Also the remington branded 799 which is the same gun but with a laminated stock.

If I were on the hunt for a 223 I would be trying to find a used Ruger MKII ultralight. They have a 1/9 twist.

Its not what you are asking about but if you like single shots look at the H&R Handi rifle. I have one and its a shootin' SOB. I was surprised how well a rifle that cost $250 OTD shot with no work done to it. It could stand to have a trigger job but its usable as is.
 
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