8040Cougar
Member
Hi guys, its been quite a while since i last posted on here, but anyway, after some recent excursions into the fields, and several long(er) range misses on groundhogs, I have determined that granadads (very) old stevens .22LR is no longer fulfilling my accuracy requirements. Don't get me wrong, its definitely one of my favorite guns and I will never part with it, but I'd like to invest in something that can consistently place tighter groups at longer distances. I've done some research and determined that a 223 is probably the best choice seeing as this would be used on groundhogs and paper to an absolute max of about 500 yards, but the vast majority of shooting would be within 300. Ive read up on the flat shooting ballistics and relatively cheap availability of 223 which i like, so i'm not looking for other caliber recommendations. The rifles i've considered so far are the:
Howa compact Ranchland Defender rifles: http://www.legacysports.com/products/howa/howa_ranchland.html
Howa compact Heavy Barrel Varminter: http://www.legacysports.com/products/howa/howa_compactvmt.html
I've heard good things about Howa's accuracy and fit and finish, and I like the incusion of the Hogue stocks
(savage) Stevens Model 200: http://www.savagearms.com/st_200long.htm
I have heard that the stevens is basically an older model savage w/o the accutrigger. I have also heard that the stock leaves something to be desired in terms of feel and finish.
I have also contemplated savage, remington, and other brand bolt 223s that can be found reasonably priced if you look around, but still pricy by my part time grocery store job standards.
I thought about a Rossi Heavy Barrel Varmint Single Shot 223, but heard there can be some elevational play in groups due to the break-open design, and the hammer falling seems to me like it could tweak my POA at the last instant.
I dont mind carrying a Heavy Barreled gun around as it would be for relatively short distances, but I dont want a 24 or 26 pound weight lifting bar on the end of my gun, 20 or 22 inches would be a practical length in my opinion.
To end my rambling, What I'm looking for is a sub-500 dollar (cheaper the better, optics and bipod should be considered too...) MOA or better 223 that will get the job done without any frills or un necessary stuff to bump up the price.
Any recommendations, personal experience, and accounts of accuracy would be greatly appreciated. I know thats alot to ask, but thanks in advance!
Howa compact Ranchland Defender rifles: http://www.legacysports.com/products/howa/howa_ranchland.html
Howa compact Heavy Barrel Varminter: http://www.legacysports.com/products/howa/howa_compactvmt.html
I've heard good things about Howa's accuracy and fit and finish, and I like the incusion of the Hogue stocks
(savage) Stevens Model 200: http://www.savagearms.com/st_200long.htm
I have heard that the stevens is basically an older model savage w/o the accutrigger. I have also heard that the stock leaves something to be desired in terms of feel and finish.
I have also contemplated savage, remington, and other brand bolt 223s that can be found reasonably priced if you look around, but still pricy by my part time grocery store job standards.
I thought about a Rossi Heavy Barrel Varmint Single Shot 223, but heard there can be some elevational play in groups due to the break-open design, and the hammer falling seems to me like it could tweak my POA at the last instant.
I dont mind carrying a Heavy Barreled gun around as it would be for relatively short distances, but I dont want a 24 or 26 pound weight lifting bar on the end of my gun, 20 or 22 inches would be a practical length in my opinion.
To end my rambling, What I'm looking for is a sub-500 dollar (cheaper the better, optics and bipod should be considered too...) MOA or better 223 that will get the job done without any frills or un necessary stuff to bump up the price.
Any recommendations, personal experience, and accounts of accuracy would be greatly appreciated. I know thats alot to ask, but thanks in advance!
