Birthday Rifle

[HB]

I'm turning 18 pretty soon so I'm looking to treat myself

I've got my bases covered as far as hunting rifles go and I have a good selection of .22's, but I have no mid-range target or varmint rifle! I'm looking for something that will shoot as well as my budget allows but has a decent appearance. I'm also not afraid of used rifles at all.

So far looking at Remington 700 SPS, their 799 in a Mini-Mauser action, or a couple of AR's. I have basically made up my mind that an AR will be priced too high for my budget and I'm not really a fan of them for bench shooting. I have a Savage in .243, and it shoots fine, but for whatever reason I don't really like their lines. I could go with one if it was not synthetic.

My caliber of choice is .223 for now just due to cost and availability of brass and bullets. I've shot a .204 but I can't justify one just yet. I'd love a .22 Hornet too if the price was right, any recommendations are appreciated too.

Budget without glass is about $600 because I gotta pay for this one just like the other guns I have. Parents don't like to shoot!

Thanks,
HB

 

[Arkel23]

Just look at my signature, and go for the .223.

 

[W.E.G.]

I bought guns for myself on birthdays in calibers to match my age.

Its now nearly at the point where I'd have to register it as a destructive device.

 

[HB]

Have you looked at the Kel-Tec SU-16? It can be found for under $650 and utilizes STANAG magazines.

Yes, I think they are sweet little rifles, but as far as target or varmint rifle go, they are probably a little too light. Kind of like an AR-7 all grown up!

I bought guns for myself on birthdays in calibers to match my age.
Its now nearly at the point where I'd have to register it as a destructive device.

Thats pretty good. I missed the .17 Fireball thought I'm not quite old enough for a .20 tactical...

HB

 

[trstafford]

Is a bolt action .223 suitable

Try a CZ 527 carbine in .223 light enough to stalk hunt accurate enough for longer shots and street price should be in your range. I have mine in 7.62 x 39 but if I get a chance to pick up one in 223 it will be mine

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-527-carbine/

 

[judodude]

Birthday

I own a ruger mini-14 racho, .223cal./5.56mm. Great for varmint. Super accurate iron sights. great range. Alot of kick though. reliable and fun to shoot. This is the rifle that the tower guards in prisons use. I got mine for $550 but have foung some at $500 & under. also. u can also purchase ruger 20rd. magazines for it. Avoid nock-off magazines as their springs are cheap and sometimes cuase jamming.

 

[flyingdog]

I have to agree with judodude, Mini-14. Because, it sounds like you're looking for an autoloader and a used Mini-14 is within your price range. It's a very reliable rifle and fun to shoot. It's too bad you don't live in Ohio, I'd sell you mine. I've rarely shot it since I bought an AR.

 

[shotgunjoel]

SKS.

 

[jcox265]

you can find an ar for the $600 range. dpms sportical

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

W.E.G. - That's great....is that just a joke or do you really buy something in a caliber per your age.

THat could be FUN! Get you to get a few things you might not have otherwise.

 

[Boris Barowski]

When you turn 60 you could buy 2 30-calibers Or is that considered cheating?

 

[blackops]

Remington SPS varmint in 223. Bolt, more accurate, and best bang for your buck.

 

[CH47gunner]

Go for the CZ527 -

There are three different types of CZ's, in .223. The Carbine (as trstafford stated), the American (sporter), or the Varmint (Heavy Barrel).
I bought the CZ527 Varmint in .223, a couple of years ago - really nice, accurate, consistant rifle. Get really good glass, I mounted a Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x40AO on mine & she'll shoot the eye out of a squirrel.
I haven't needed it but, CZ's customer service is supposed to be real good - Remington's, not so much.
Here's a pic of the CZ527

Good luck,

Bruce

CZ527 Varmint .223 w/ Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x40AO, & Warne Maxima rings.

 

[Big Bill]

Buy a Savage in 25-06. It's the best of all worlds.

http://eastcoastgunsales.com/product.php?ID=5047#

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26396

Or, a Stevens..

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=86725

http://personalsecurityzone.com/cgi.../PSZ/?Template=ProdDetail.htm&ProductID=24676

List of guns...

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=9935_13987_14246_14278&sort=3a&page=2

 

[Big Bill]

Here's a list of .223s - low to high...

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=9935_13987_14246_14248&page=1&sort=5a

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

The Ruger Mini 14 with the heavier barrel was available at my local WalMart for $607.00 brand-new. The owner's manual states that it's suitable for .223 Remington/5.56x45mm NATO. It's handy and more accurate than the older Mini 14s.

ECS

 

[Uncle Mike]

p/n = part number

Savage Model 25 Lightweight Varminter p/n 18526 in .223 caliber.

Savage 12 FV p/n 01282...same caliber. Also offered in 204 Ruger and 22-250.

You might be able to find a Savage Model 10 FP, p/n 01060 for around 6 bills.

Remington SPS Varmint in .223, p/n 84215. There is a $40 rebate on any caliber of the SPS Varmint right now.

The SPS Varmint is around $20 more than the standard SPS, dealer cost, so I would opt for the heavier barrel SPS Varmint, unless.....

On average, the Savages will shoot circles around the Remington SPS V but to each there own. I set up a SPS V a while back that shot groups you could cover with dime, and have change left over at 100y, and at 200y groups approached, but was smaller than a nickle! Yup, a .223 Remington SPS V.

 

[Eb1]

Marlin XL7 in .25-06 is a very, very accurate rifle. Also later you can replace the barrel with an aftermarket barrel if you like. It uses Stevens barrel nut.

They are $259.99 at Academy, and then you can get some really good glass and mounts.

 

[dagger dog]

Check out the Howa bolt guns, they have a couple nice looking carbines in .223 come with Houge stocks ,everything I've read or heard has been OK, and the pricing ain't too shabby either!

 

[stubbicatt]

I'd also recommend a CZ in whatever caliber suits your fancy, young man! I have never been disappointed with one of their products.

 

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

+1 on sks

 

[elkhunter101]

a 22-250 is a great distance varmint gun

 

[mshootnit]

Get one of the older Ruger M77V rifles with the tang safety. Some really nice old rifles that shoot sub moa. Easily within your budget too. They have a "magical" barrel contour in my estimation. Its a heavy barrel but the overall rifle feels great shooting in field positions. Not to heavy, not too light. I personally prefer the 6mm's.

 

[Maverick223]

judodude, his birthday was 5mo. ago, I am certain that he has already chosen and purchased his BD rifle...give it another 7mo. and perhaps he will ask again.

 

[Ol` Joe]

The 223 is great for target and varmits. It is all you need for paper out to 600 yd + and will tackle varmites like Chucks @300 not problem.
I`d stay with something like the Savages or Remingtons already recommended, and would look at a faster twist to allow the heavier bullets for longer range target work.