[HIPOWER]

Hi folks. I thought I'd request a little advice on an upcoming purchase. I'm going to buy a bolt-action rifle for shooting targets and groundhogs out to 200 yards, probably no more. I'd like to get it in 223 Rem. because I think that would suit my intended purposes nicely, and I have 2 other guns chambered for that round.
My experience with bolt-actions is limited to the Savage brand and milsurps. I like Savage just fine but I'm thinking about something different, maybe better. I'm hoping to keep the entire package, rifle and scope, under a thousand bucks. I just want something that is respectable in the accuracy department.
What would you recommend?

[rbernie]

A CZ 527 (http://www.cz-usa.com/product.detail.php?id=10) or a Ruger 77 Mk2 (http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7819) would be my first two choices. Both can be had for under $500, leaving plenty of money for a decent scope.

[Preacherman]

If you're interested, right now a local dealer has a used Browning A-Bolt heavy-barrel .223 with BOSS installed for under $400! It's that cheap because round here (Louisiana) varminting isn't really a big hunting activity. If you want to know more, PM me and I'll put you in touch with the dealer.

[Detritus]

I like Savage just fine but I'm thinking about something different, maybe better.

Define "better"......

under your proposed spending cap, and with the specs you give, i think you're going to be hard pressed to find a better rifle than a savage.

now as for what i'd advise as a "i want something other than savage for the variety of it" gun that comes close to fitting your needs, a Howa 1500 in the heavy barrel config (can't recall what they call that model at the moment), would do nicely. that's what i would get if i didn't get a savage and had those same requirements.

based on what i've seen in the past 6-7 years i'd stay away from "remchester" rifles, their decent guns but they are NOT what they used to be and sorry to say they no longer compare well to Savage or Howa. they are GOOD rifles but they are much mroe prone to being in need of a tweak to become "acceptable" accuracy wise.

[Dave R]

My advice would be a Tikka T-3.

There are lots of options...

[Art Eatman]

I have a 77 Mk II in .223. It doesn't seem to care what brand or what bullet weight I use, it gives three-shot 1/2 MOA groups. I did install a Timney trigger, which makes life easier when not shooting from a benchrest. The original trigger is about as good as any el-cheapo .22 rimfire: IOW, suction rules. :)

I also like its light weight...

Art

[mustanger98]

Here's another vote for the M77 Mk2 Ruger. For glass, I'd advise a Simmons 3-9x40 like I have experience with, but I'm thinking to mount sights on one- Lyman #57.:D

Savage Model 11 (short action) comes to mind- priced right and all- I've always heard a lot of good about Savage.

[rust collector]

I am generally not a Ruger fan, but traded for an M-77 Mk 2 ultralight that surprised me. It's light, handy, and puts Black Hills blue box into nice tight groups so long as I don't heat it up too much. Perfect for a walking varmint rifle. It's great when a rifle does better than expected. You may want to give one a try.

I have a Tikka T-3 in 308 and am very happy with it as well. If you may be doing long sessions, a Howa laminated thumbhole bullgun might fill the ticket at a reasonable price.

Happy hunting.

[ROAshooter]

Best kept secret ........CZ 527!!!!!! Since I discovered CZs...my beloved Rugers are being sold off!! CZ can be had in a carbine...standard rifle... or varmit-bull barrel. Sure with some "Luck" others brands will shoot ok.sometimes needing handloads...but my CZ527 is amazingly accurate right out of the box. Trigger work-replacement is a common fix with other brands.......wait till you try the "Set Triggers" on the CZs..WOW!!!!!
I just bought my fourth CZ.......and Im not done yet!!!

[ECVMatt]

We have about 10 M77's spread amongst my groups of friends and not one of them shoots a group larger than a 1/2 inch. I just shot my .260 yesterday and it was shooting into quater sized groups. I have a .223 as well and it is one of my favorite rifles. It has seen tons of abuse and still shoots great. If you buy a Ruger .223, grind off the tabs on the magazine follower and you can get an extra round in the magazine.

Hope this helps you


Matt

I forgot, all my m77's are MKII's and all have Timney triggers...

[atek3]

http://www.ozarkguns.com/rifles/tikka/tikkacontinental.htm

has a few m595 tikka's left. My m595 based match rifle in 223 will put 5 shots into a sub .2 inch group from a bench all day long with handloads. My friend puts 52 gr. match kings into similar groups with the factory 1-12 twist barrel, thats pretty incredible.

atek3

[45crittergitter]

We have about 10 M77's spread amongst my groups of friends and not one of them shoots a group larger than a 1/2 inch. I just shot my .260 yesterday and it was shooting into quater sized groups.

uhm, a quarter is almost 1" diameter....

[BevrFevr]

Tikka T3 or Browning A bolt

I love cz products but I haven't found a 527 where the bolt wouldn't bind like a SOB.

Savage is ok, accutriggers are nice. If you can find a Remy that cheap it's worthy of consideration. Winchester too, as they are pretty cheap at wally world.

I wouldn't buy a Ruger if I was spending someone elses money. Defintely buy a howa before you get a ruger.


But I didn't put a T3 at the top of the list for nothing. It is your best buy by a long shot! pun intended. You will not find a better bolt gun for the price.

-bevr

[BevrFevr]

I would heartily reccomend a nikon monarch or a burris fullfield II. Very nice for the price. Good Good Stuff.

-bevr

[Cindog]

Yet another vote for the Tikka T3, any version is nice but I am partial to the T3 Lite stainless/synthetic.