Another guy looking for a new rifle.....

[go_fish]

I have a couple of 22lr's and a 30-06. I am looking for a new rifle, in a 223, or possibly a 243 cal. I do own a Savage 30-06 and 22lr, and a Remmington 22lr. I have been reading a lot of threads that seem to recommend Savage rifles, but usually are also considering budget constraints in the same line of thinking. I am not oppossed to getting a Savage, but I would like some feedback on the Weatherby Vanguard series, along with the Winchester model 70, and the Browning A-bolt. The intended use of the rifle is Varmit and target mostly. Since I have a 30-06, I really do not need it for larger game. My brother inlaw would like me to get a 243, (he wants one!) He would be using it for deer or possibly antelope along with critters. Am I limiting myself by not getting a 243? Is the cost of ammo that different between the two? I would like some input on quality and features of the rifles I mentioned. I have been reading the manufacturers pitch from their catalogues, now I would like users input!

 

[garrett1955]

i have heard nothing but good things about the savage line up, especialy if they have a heavy barrell, and the accu trigger. the browning a-bolts are nice. i own one, the stainless a-bolt stalker left handed in 30-06. i love it, still sighting it in but thats another story... i hear the vanguards are nice to a point. the only real thing i have against them is most people gewt them at walmart, and i am an anti wal-mart commie, lol. the winchesters are nice also very accurate. but since you are getting it for varmin i would suggest something in a heavy barrell. but they are heavier, you going to be doing a lot of walking???

 

[mustanger98]

I recommend...

http://www.savagearms.com/11g.htm

It comes in .223 and .243... I have the .243 and like it real well. But then, I bought mine to deer hunt. Load a lighter bullet and go for varmints... there's some leeway there as to what you can do with it. I know some folks like to shoot deer with .223, but I wouldn't based on selection of bullets (that's the bullet itself, not the whole cartridge). My Model 11 is the left-handed version and has sights on the barrel, although it is drilled and tapped for scope mounting.

I also recommend, out of liking for it, Winchester's Model 70 Classic Compact in .243... scope only. Nicer wood and hinged floorplate. Probably costs about $200-250 more than the Savage, but it's a nice rifle.

 

[go_fish]

What about the model 12fv? Does it also come with a heavy barrel? I am also anti-walmart, but that is another story for another thread. If I get a 243would that be more versatle by varying the ammunition for varmit, target, or larger game. Or would you stick to a 223 for target and varmit. I might do some walking, but the extra pound won't hurt me. I am looking at a synthetic stock.

 

[garrett1955]

i have no clue what the 243 has to offer never shot one or looked at the charts soooo... http://www.savagearms.com/12fv.htm thats a sweet gun. and yes it does have a heavy barell

looks like it doesnt come in 243 though...

 

[mustanger98]

That 12FV does too come in .243Win. Go for it if that's the version you want. You WILL have to glass it, but if it's the heavy barrel and synthetic stock you want, that's it.

 

[go_fish]

Thanks for the advice! Mustang - you mentioned your model 70, would you get that in a synthetic stock for what I want, or would you save a couple bills and go for the Savage? The nicer stock you mentioned may not matter as much going synthetic but I'm not sure. I also have not shopped the Ruger rifle line. I have a Ruger handgun and enjoy it, although I prefer my S&W, but that is for another forum...

 

[ECVMatt]

I am going to buck the trend and probably catch some flak, but

I would not get a Savage. They are very accurate, but are fragile. I have seen them fall apart from being bounced around in the truck. I think they make great range guns, but not so great hunting guns.

I think the Weatherby Vanguards are good soild guns. Both the bolt and the reciever are forged and the bolt body is a one piece construction. I would not over look the Legacy 1500 series wich is the same gun, but with different stock options. If you do a search will find lots of info about the accuarcy potential of the Howa guns.

I would also recomend the .243. It is a good all around cartidge. I used a 6mm
Remington for years when I lived in TX. I got to shot almost everyday. Took everything from deer and pigs to rabbits and other small varmints. I have also shot deer and pigs with the .223. It will work, but the .243 is much better.

Hope this helps.

Matt

 

[go_fish]

Thanks, I appreciate the info.

 

[mustanger98]

model 70, would you get that in a synthetic stock for what I want, or would you save a couple bills and go for the Savage?

Well, you said you're wanting a synthetic stock. The M70's wood is real purty, but... You might better save the $200 or so and get the Savage. But then, I haven't had the same experience ECVMatt is describing either.

Hey, if you can live without the heavy barrel, another good synthetic-stocked option is Remington's Model 7 which also comes in .243Win. It's a bit more expensive than the Savage, but I know somebody who really likes their's (in .260). It's a smaller lighter rifle, but it'll get the job done. Ruger's M77 is another great choice.

 

[el44vaquero]

Model 70 is a fine gun. Charles Daly makes a mini mauser in 223 that is a sweet looking rifle.

 

[1911 guy]

Varmints and targets

If you're not shooting anything larger than songdogs, go with the .223. The 243 is a great round, but I'm not sure you'd be gaining anything with the extra cost in ammo off the shelf and bullet selection is almost unlimited if you handload.
As far as rifle brands, I have had Remingtons and Savages that have made me happy and done all I asked of them. The .223 kills woodchucks so often it's boring and my Savage .308 has never given me any kind of snorts or hiccups when I need it to work. Both are very accurate. I won't plug for any other brands here because it would be just repeating what I've heard.

 

[go_fish]

I appreciate all the feed back, so this is the direction I am heading.

I went back to the sporting good stores and after getting more "hands on" time with the: browning, savage, remmington, winchester, ruger, cz, and weatherby...I narrowed it down to two. I liked the action on the Remmington 700 sps (at sportsman warehouse for 399.00), and the browning a-bolt, (same place for 699.00). Significant price difference, I just felt those two had the smoothest action and nicest feel personally. I know shooting may be a totally different thing, but with the price difference I am leaning toward the Remmington 700.

 

[ECVMatt]

Ithink you are in a win/win situation

both are great guns. I have some Remmies and a couple of Brownings. I think you will like either one.

Matt

 

[Essex County]

I own at one of each of those You are Considering

I love M70's for hunting rifles, I have a couple of Remmington Varmit rigs. I like them all...........But if I wanted something out of the box I'd pick Savage without hesitation. spend the diffrence on optics..........Sincerely, Essex

 

[Cueball]

I have the Savage 12FV in 223 and I love it. If varmits and target are your goal, it's the way to go. The 223 ammo is so readily available and much cheaper for plinking and paper punching. The accuracy is great. I'm shooting 1/2" groups @ 100yds. It's a good choice and a great value. With the savings you can get high quality glass and lots of ammo to play with.