best value .223 bolt action rifle combo? separate scope? bolt or semi-auto?

[andrewshogun]

I'm looking at either the Howa 1500 ranchland combo,which comes with the Nikko scope or a Savage Arms 223 package gun, which also comes with a scope (don't know the brand). I know packages are usually not the best way to go, but due to budget this seems to be the most cost effective way to get started. Looking to get feedback on which packages you guys recommend. If there is a route to buy scope/rifle/rings separately that is superior and similar in cost, I'm open to hearing about those as well. What makes the combo scopes so bad anyway? In other words, what difference am I really going to get by getting a non package/combo scope? and last question - should i be looking at a semi-auto rifle instead of a bolt action if varmint hunting/plinking will be the primary use? thanks.

 

[12many]

Perhaps someone more qualifed that me can chime in . . .

I would go with a bolt action.

I think the packages are fine for your uses. I don't know if there is a difference in the rifle itself, or if they just put a cheap scope of the rifle in the package deals.

 

[avordman]

Best value .223 bolt action rifle...

I bought a Savage 11FL in .223 last year for less than $500. This is the left handed bolt action with the synthetic stock and the blue finish. I love it and it will shoot groups under 1" at 100 yards all day long. It may do the same at 200 yards but I haven't tried it yet.
The bottom line is that I think it is an excellent rifle for the price. I also own the same model in .308. It too is a great rifle.

 

[ECVMatt]

Hey there,

The scope and the mounts are usually the weak link in the combo package. They are there to build the appearance of value in the package, but really can be problematic. The mounts are usually not the best and the scope are the same.

I would suggest looking into the rifle, scope, and mounts as individual items. The exception would be rifles like the Ruger that come standard with good scope rings attached to the rifle.

I would suggest a Remington, Ruger, Savage, Stevens, Howa Rifle, a good set of rings and bases like Talley, Leupold, or Burris and a scope like a Leupold VXI, Nikon Buckmaster, Simons Atec.

Look at it this way, if you are keeping the rifle for a while then set it up right from the beginning. I would be willing to be that you will have to replace the scope or the mounts not too long after you purchase the rifle if you use it often.

Good Luck,

Matt

 

[52grain]

Watch out with packages sometimes the guns are different. An example: Savage offers packages with and without the accutrigger. As others have noted, the scope, mounts, and rings can be of a lesser quality, particularly at lower price points. What's your budget? You might be surprised what can be found in lower end bolt guns these days.

 

[Jackal]

I have the Howa .223 with bull barrel and Hogue stock. I installed a $150 ebay Pentax Lightseeker, 2-5x. It will put 5 rds into 1 hole at 50 yards and hold 1.5" at 220 yards. Not bad for a total investment of approx $650.