I'm thinking about buying a T/C venture, because I'm wanting a bolt .223 to shoot and not wanting to spend a whole lot of money. I have plenty of the upper end rifles, but the bigger cals get expensive to shoot. Just wondering if anyone out there has any experience with these. I know they make a good smoke pole, but haven't heard anything about there rifles except what is on there website.
Bolt .223
- Thread starter Muley
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unwise11
Member
I'd go more mainstream with a Remington 700 or Howa 1500..
Just me though, I have been shooting a Howa sporter .308 for a few months and it's shown to be sub MOA out to 300 yards so far.
Just me though, I have been shooting a Howa sporter .308 for a few months and it's shown to be sub MOA out to 300 yards so far.
Waywatcher
Member
I decided on a .223 bolt gun for similar reasons; low recoil, low cost, fun.
Pay close attention to the twist rate when shopping for .223 and match it to the bullets you want to shoot. (Heavy bullets need faster twist, lighter bullets need slower twist) I have seen 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, and 1:12 commonly available. Also, assume that a bolt-gun has the tighter .223 chamber and thus is not suited for 5.56mm.
I ended up going with a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless. Made in Finland, with a 1:8" twist barrel for the 75-77 grainers I want to shoot. Super slick bolt action and super nice trigger. Detachable mags too, which I prefer. Some folks get hung up on the plastic, but then again I'm a Glock owner.
My first outing with it was sub-moa, with 75 grainers. I topped it with a DNZ mount and Leupold VX-1 4-12. I like it very much.
Pay close attention to the twist rate when shopping for .223 and match it to the bullets you want to shoot. (Heavy bullets need faster twist, lighter bullets need slower twist) I have seen 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, and 1:12 commonly available. Also, assume that a bolt-gun has the tighter .223 chamber and thus is not suited for 5.56mm.
I ended up going with a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless. Made in Finland, with a 1:8" twist barrel for the 75-77 grainers I want to shoot. Super slick bolt action and super nice trigger. Detachable mags too, which I prefer. Some folks get hung up on the plastic, but then again I'm a Glock owner.
My first outing with it was sub-moa, with 75 grainers. I topped it with a DNZ mount and Leupold VX-1 4-12. I like it very much.
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Coltdriver
Member
I have only owned Encores and Contenders. All have been fine products.
And .223 is high on the fun factor scale. I take my .223 Contender out to alternate when developing a load for my bigger rifles. Last weekend I was popping 3 inch rocks at 200 yards with a cheap simmons 6-20 scope on my little 21 inch .223 barrel.
And .223 is high on the fun factor scale. I take my .223 Contender out to alternate when developing a load for my bigger rifles. Last weekend I was popping 3 inch rocks at 200 yards with a cheap simmons 6-20 scope on my little 21 inch .223 barrel.
Encoreman
Member
Muley If you don't mind used, I would look for a good used Savage or Rem, you could get a nice varmint barreled gun for $500-650. My 2 cents
coug
Member
Muley: you can get a good new savage preditor or a Remington preditor for around $600 to $650. these are both sub .5 min rifles the savage I believe is a little better, only because the trigger. these rifles will be rifled to spin the 40/55 grn bullets. IMO that's what a .223 is for. I would want to find more out about the T/C before I spent my hard earnings on it. all the tompsons I've owened had terrible triggers. not sure you can adjust the ones on the rifle your talking about. Plus you can always find a smith to rebarrel a Remington or savage... just food for thought.
grtwhthntr
Member
The Venture is a great gun. I have one in .243. The trigger is very crisp and light, also adjustable. I like the Venture's trigger better than the Savage accu-trigger and every bit as much as the Timney I have on my .308. I would highly recommend the Venture.
Skylerbone
Member
The Venture may well be the most refined, well appointed and accurate rifle under $600. I've had nothing short of great experiences with every T/C I've owned or shot.
It sounds like you've done your research, now's the time to pull the trigger.
It sounds like you've done your research, now's the time to pull the trigger.
coug
Member
I guess I stand correcting. I had a T/C encore that had a terible trigger. and I still own a T/C Omega it is my #1 pic for a muzzle loader. but the trigger on it ain't the best. although its better than the encore was..
I found out about the TC Venture after buying my Savage M10 P and while I really like the Savage the price of the TC Venture would most likely have sold me! Ever TC product I have shot has been quality and accurate to boot! Not knocking the Savage as I am very happy with it also and it does the 1 MOA also easily with hand loads.
stormspotter
Member
I have a Tikka T3 in 223 and it is a great gun, but like you I also wanted a cheap knock about 223. I chose a Stevens 200. You can adjust the trigger pull down to a reasonable level (see link below) and I painted the stock with some black Rust-Oleum Textured Plastic. I followed the directions on the can and gave it 3 coats. Looks good and shoots even better.
http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php/topic,27132.0.html
http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php/topic,27132.0.html
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oz_lowrider
Member
I recently picked up a SAKO Bavarian in .223 with a 1:8 twist and I have no trouble getting MOA with 55 to 69gnrs. The Tikka would be very similar, go for it. .223 is not only fun to load and shoot it does well on small game.
FLNT4EVR
Member
You can usualy get a Stevens (Made by savage) for less than $300.They are one of the most accurate , right out of the box, rifles you can buy.
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