Shopping for a new rifle

[flatbutt]

I'm looking for a bolt or lever action rifle that is chambered for .223/5.56. Intended for general use/varmint control/fun on the range. Recommendations from those that know?

tia

[Seahawk]

We have a Savage bolt action in .22WMR.

Very reasonable price and has been a great performer.

https://www.savagearms.com/firearms/?type_check%5B%5D=Centerfire&caliber_check%5B%5D=223%20REM&caliber_check%5B%5D=223%20REM%2F5.56%20MM

[flatbutt]

Very good prices. How long have you had it?

[rfuerst911sc]

With the Remington bankruptcy filing maybe some deals to be had there ? Local guns shows generally have a good variety on display so you can touch/hold/feel the different brands . Might even luck across some used and save some coin .

[vash]

that Tikka rifle gets stellar reviews.

my buddy is one of those 1000 yard shooter that i dont understand. he told me out of the box, the Tikka is the best platform all the long rangers start from if they dont want to buy into a custom rig.

i shot a Howa in that caliber that was stupid accurate.

[id10t]

CZ makes a very nice bolt gun in 223

The Zastava mini-Mausers are/were nice if you can find one.

Howa now produces a mini-mauser action for 223 (and a few others)

The Mossberg 4x4 takes AR mags

Tikka is a good deal and gets stellar reviews

Savages are very accurate out of the box

Unless you want to buy and shoots lots of surplus ammo, I'd consider a different chambering - like the 6.5 Grendel. Cheap ammo available (about what 556 costs) BUT it is capable of medium to large(ish) game and extreme long range accuracy as well.

Knowing what I know now, I woulnd't have bought my AR in 556 last year, I would've gotten 6.5G

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Very good prices. How long have you had it?

Over 5 years.

It has seen a lot of wear and tear and remains accurate.

[vash]

i would get a bolt action in 6.5 creedmore if i had the need..

the day i meet a new BFF with land infested by rodents..i am shopping.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by id10t

Unless you want to buy and shoots lots of surplus ammo, I'd consider a different chambering - like the 6.5 Grendel. Cheap ammo available (about what 556 costs) BUT it is capable of medium to large(ish) game and extreme long range accuracy as well.

Knowing what I know now, I woulnd't have bought my AR in 556 last year, I would've gotten 6.5G

Thanks but adding a new caliber isn't what I want to do. Especially since I have all the dies for .223.

[Jeff Higgins]

Lots of great rifles have already been mentioned. The only one I would add would be the Ruger Scout Rifle. It comes in .223/5.56. It's a really handy, compact little bolt gun that takes detachable mags.

I would eliminate a lever gun right off the bat. As much as I love them, they just won't meet your accuracy expectations. That, and the Browning BLR is probably about the only lever gun that even might be chambered in that caliber.

There are essentially two classes of bolt action rifles in this caliber. There are the big, heavy, long barreled "varmint" or benchrest rifles that are meant to be fired for long strings without heating up too bad, and while maintaining accuracy. Think hundreds or thousands of rounds per day over a prairie dog town or something.

The other class is the sporter, a standard weight or lighter weight hunting style rifle. These are far lighter and handier than the big heavy varmint rifles, but no less accurate. You just don't want to shoot long, protracted strings from them.

Deciding which of the two you need will help narrow your search. There are plenty of wonderful examples of both available.

[fanaudical]

Full disclaimer - I've been looking for similar and haven't purchased anything yet. Am also interested in recommendations.

FWIW - Henry does make a lever-action .223 ("The Long Ranger" model). For accuracy, I'm sticking with bolt action.

I like the detachable box magazine options of the Mossberg MVP series but the reputation of the Savage and Tikka models looks very good too. I guess it's a "first world problem" to have so many good choices...

[id10t]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Thanks but adding a new caliber isn't what I want to do. Especially since I have all the dies for .223.

No problem, just one of those "i've thought along these lines..." things

Since I'm so good at spending other people's money, especially on spoons,

CZ 527 American

Usually come with really nice wood, really nice rifles, well built, good reputation for accuracy.

[Bill Douglas]

The silver colored one is a Sako .223. I'm a huge fan of Sakos

If you buy a gun that's accurate out of the box you don't have to spend a whole lot of time pissing about with it trying to get it to work properly.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by vash

i shot a Howa in that caliber that was stupid accurate.

I have a Weatherby Vanguard .30-06, made by Howa. Amazing accuracy at that price point.

[Jim Bremner]

Wish that l could own a can.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

Wish that l could own a can.

The closest gun is a .22 and I've got a can on that too. It just makes it a lot more pleasant to shoot. The gun in the middle is a .17HMR and it needs it's can.

[fanaudical]

Just out of curiosity - What did you get and how do you like it?

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

The silver colored one is a Sako .223. I'm a huge fan of Sakos

If you buy a gun that's accurate out of the box you don't have to spend a whole lot of time pissing about with it trying to get it to work properly.

Love sako's, but 556 would not be the rifle combo I would go with.

[flatbutt]

Still haven't decided but NJs new governor has a lot to do with that. His pending legislation will, if passed make some rifles instantly illegal. No grandfathering. So all is on hold.

[Craig T]

If you're looking for something a little more vintage and sexy, I have this on auction right now. A German classic from 1950s. Auction closes on Sunday. It was my grandfather's prairie dog rifle.

https://www.gunauction.com/buy/15117144