The 762X54 is not for the faint of heart. The Mosins have fearsom blast and fairly stiff recoil. These guns can be a real lot of fun but truthfully most of that is because they are so cheep. When one factors in the crude sights and typical military triggers they can be a real handfull to shoot well.
First centerfire rifle PLEASE HELP
- Thread starter AnthonyC.
- Start date
- Status
WWB 5.56mm is $4.99 a box of 20 locally in So Cal.
I've been looking at the Stevens 200, it's a good no frills rifle, has good reviews, you'll need a scope, take the money you saved on the rifle and spend it on a good set of glass and rings, which could tranfer onto another rifle latter. It's not a Remington 700 PSS by anyway or a Browning A-Bolt, but it gets the job done. Here is a link to a good review of the rifle. http://www.gunblast.com/Stevens-200.htm
I've been looking at the Stevens 200, it's a good no frills rifle, has good reviews, you'll need a scope, take the money you saved on the rifle and spend it on a good set of glass and rings, which could tranfer onto another rifle latter. It's not a Remington 700 PSS by anyway or a Browning A-Bolt, but it gets the job done. Here is a link to a good review of the rifle. http://www.gunblast.com/Stevens-200.htm
GigaBuist
Member
If you want a plinker then you're on the right track. If you stick with something that's a military caliber (.223, 7.62x39, or even 5.45x39) then ammo costs will be fairly low.
If you buy them by the case (1,000 rounds) they're not terribly expensive. I use ammoman.com for such things.
Unless your 15 year old looks like a miniature version of Shaq don't bother with 7.62x54R -- it can be brutal. Fun stuff, but not the best thing for an afternoon of shooting. Twenty shots from the bench and my shoulder starts looking like a Smurf.
Aside from the above military-ish calibers I'd give a BIG nod to the .38/.357 combo in a lever gun that has already been suggsted. They're an asbolute hoot to plink with when stoked with .38's, potent when loaded with .357 but still rather docile critters. In this case .38spl is a pretty cheap round. The .357 will cost you, but you don't really need to be shooting any of that for plinking reasons.
If you buy them by the case (1,000 rounds) they're not terribly expensive. I use ammoman.com for such things.
Unless your 15 year old looks like a miniature version of Shaq don't bother with 7.62x54R -- it can be brutal. Fun stuff, but not the best thing for an afternoon of shooting. Twenty shots from the bench and my shoulder starts looking like a Smurf.
Aside from the above military-ish calibers I'd give a BIG nod to the .38/.357 combo in a lever gun that has already been suggsted. They're an asbolute hoot to plink with when stoked with .38's, potent when loaded with .357 but still rather docile critters. In this case .38spl is a pretty cheap round. The .357 will cost you, but you don't really need to be shooting any of that for plinking reasons.
you were on the right track to begin with
The 7.62x 54 is definitely not the rifle for anyone concerned with recoil or muzzle blast. I am not faint of heart and and I can tell you that the muzzle blast from one of these is not pleasant. Your 15 year old will hate you after firing a few rounds from that beast. I have already suggested the Savage and the Stevens rifles, as have many others. It is my opinion that these are the best values out there if you want something accurate. The other Bolt action out there right now that looks like it may be a good value is the Mossberg. For a cheap single shot the NEF Handi rifles are hard to beat for accuracy. If you decide to go that route, get the heavy barreled version, it makes a difference. If you look around you might get a good deal on a used Thompson Contender carbine in 223.
The 7.62x 54 is definitely not the rifle for anyone concerned with recoil or muzzle blast. I am not faint of heart and and I can tell you that the muzzle blast from one of these is not pleasant. Your 15 year old will hate you after firing a few rounds from that beast. I have already suggested the Savage and the Stevens rifles, as have many others. It is my opinion that these are the best values out there if you want something accurate. The other Bolt action out there right now that looks like it may be a good value is the Mossberg. For a cheap single shot the NEF Handi rifles are hard to beat for accuracy. If you decide to go that route, get the heavy barreled version, it makes a difference. If you look around you might get a good deal on a used Thompson Contender carbine in 223.
Baba Louie
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 3,831
A.C.
I'll agree with your choice of .223 but offer another route, one that is a bit more costly. Go semi auto, go AR15. Unless of course you live in a state where citizens are not allowed such things.
This gives you the option sometime down the road to switch uppers with different barrel types and length, you can plink or casual target shoot at 100 yds on out. You could compete in Hi Power or other types of competitive contests, your son could easily master it, heck, so could your wife or any daughters you may have, since the recoil would be nill when compared to a bolt action.
If I were dead set on a bolt action, I'd try to find a CZ FS (I just like the aesthetics of the Mannlicher stock myself) or something with open sights. A lot of the bolt actions do not come with them anymore requiring glass optics, which could drive the total cost up to, almost, oh, say the price of an AR15. Hmmm. Imagine that.
I'll agree with your choice of .223 but offer another route, one that is a bit more costly. Go semi auto, go AR15. Unless of course you live in a state where citizens are not allowed such things.
This gives you the option sometime down the road to switch uppers with different barrel types and length, you can plink or casual target shoot at 100 yds on out. You could compete in Hi Power or other types of competitive contests, your son could easily master it, heck, so could your wife or any daughters you may have, since the recoil would be nill when compared to a bolt action.
If I were dead set on a bolt action, I'd try to find a CZ FS (I just like the aesthetics of the Mannlicher stock myself) or something with open sights. A lot of the bolt actions do not come with them anymore requiring glass optics, which could drive the total cost up to, almost, oh, say the price of an AR15. Hmmm. Imagine that.
Ok today was one of the best days at the range ever, I got to shoot a .222 remington, so im guessing that would be close to the recoil of a .223.....right?
anyway after that sombody let me shoot a 30-06!!!!WHAT A BLAST it was great
lol i think im in love with big guns now. so i got some idea of centerfires now.
o yea and its my b-day
anyway after that sombody let me shoot a 30-06!!!!
WHAT A BLAST it was great lol i think im in love with big guns now. so i got some idea of centerfires now.
o yea and its my b-day
Sunray
Member
"...as much recoil as a 12 gauge..." Not even close. Compared to a 12 ga or the 7.62 x 54, the .223 has no recoil. It is comparable to the .222. It runs a bit faster than the .222, but they're close. .223 ammo is easier to find though and you can use milsurp if you can find any.
It's a great cartridge for both you and your son. Good cartridge to learn reloading too.
It's a great cartridge for both you and your son. Good cartridge to learn reloading too.
SaMx
Member
I agree with sunray. .223 has a little bit of a shove compared to .22lr, but when you shoot a mosin, then shoot a rifle in .223, it feels like nothing.
SpeedAKL
Member
.223 recoil is extremely mild IMHO.
A good bolt-action .223 choice is a Savage LE or Varmint rifle. They're well-priced, and their heavier barrels will give you that extra little bit of accuracy and control if you're not planning to drag your rifle around the woods stalking game. The Remington 700P and 700SPS are good choices. Also check out the Howa M1500 and CZ 527.
A good bolt-action .223 choice is a Savage LE or Varmint rifle. They're well-priced, and their heavier barrels will give you that extra little bit of accuracy and control if you're not planning to drag your rifle around the woods stalking game. The Remington 700P and 700SPS are good choices. Also check out the Howa M1500 and CZ 527.
rangerruck
Member
i would get a 22 as well, but for the 223, get it at gander mtn, and get their credit card, you will get it at a automatic 5 percent discount, just pay it all off, on the first bill due. also you can get theri bulk package of 223 federal or umc, at a very good price.
Zeke Menuar
Member
The first centerfire rifle I bought for myself was a M700 270. Great gun, I still have it.
,223 is a great starter round. I have an AR and I found 223 to be accurate and easy to handload for.
ZM
,223 is a great starter round. I have an AR and I found 223 to be accurate and easy to handload for.
ZM
chris in va
Member
You'd like my CZ carbine in 7.62x39. Short, handy, light and not much kick but enough to let you know something is coming out that barrel. Ammo is running about $199/1000 right now for Wolf.
It's also made in 223. Believe it or not, WalMart can order one for you, although I'm not a big fan of the store right now.
EDIT: And yeah, steer clear of the Mosin for now. I don't like to shoot more than a few rounds through mine, even with a Limbsaver.
I know you've set your mind on a bolt action, but considered the Saiga yet? They run about $275.
It's also made in 223. Believe it or not, WalMart can order one for you, although I'm not a big fan of the store right now.
EDIT: And yeah, steer clear of the Mosin for now. I don't like to shoot more than a few rounds through mine, even with a Limbsaver.
I know you've set your mind on a bolt action, but considered the Saiga yet? They run about $275.
Average Joe
Member
Almost no recoil on a .223 but the sucker is loud...
Seems like most everyone is telling you to get a 223, what else do you want? It can be very accurate, very low recoil for a centerfire, cheapest to shoot. Great varmint caliber if your into that, even "legal" for deer in some states.
I'm a Remington guy myself, but for what your asking for, I'd actually get a Savage, best bang for the buck IMHO.
If you want (a little) less recoil and are willing to spend the money, get a semi-auto like the AR-15 or Mini-14. They're lots of fun and very expandable if you get more serious.
I started shooting a 223 around 11 or 12, and I was a small kid, so it won't be a problem for your youngster.
I'm a Remington guy myself, but for what your asking for, I'd actually get a Savage, best bang for the buck IMHO.
If you want (a little) less recoil and are willing to spend the money, get a semi-auto like the AR-15 or Mini-14. They're lots of fun and very expandable if you get more serious.
I started shooting a 223 around 11 or 12, and I was a small kid, so it won't be a problem for your youngster.
erict
Member
I have 3 .223's in bolt action and 4 in semi. I've found that .223 is definetely the best "all around" centerfire cartridge for plinking. I get Lake City surplus for $180 per 1,000 rounds.
My favorite (and least expensive of all centerfire rifles) to shoot is my Savage 110 tactical. It is an absolute tack driver. I had a buddy from the board over to shoot a couple of months back. We got so bored with its accuracy we started shooting the letters and numbers out of our targets instead of grouping shots.
My favorite (and least expensive of all centerfire rifles) to shoot is my Savage 110 tactical. It is an absolute tack driver. I had a buddy from the board over to shoot a couple of months back. We got so bored with its accuracy we started shooting the letters and numbers out of our targets instead of grouping shots.
o ok thanks......im really starting to think about buying the Stevens Model 200 Bolt Action because of the good reviews and how cheap it is.
and they are only $280 at gandermtn right now....is there anything else to consider for $250-$300?
what kind of ammo should i use? because im going to be shooting at least 50 rounds per range trip and then shoot my .22 so how much should i expect to pay for 50 rounds of .223? this ammo dosent have to be super accurate. just doing some paper punching.
and they are only $280 at gandermtn right now....is there anything else to consider for $250-$300?
what kind of ammo should i use? because im going to be shooting at least 50 rounds per range trip and then shoot my .22 so how much should i expect to pay for 50 rounds of .223? this ammo dosent have to be super accurate. just doing some paper punching.
Couple of things. Aren't milsurp .223 all 5.56mm? So if you go the Savage route you can't shoot milsurp anyways.
Also, you really won't be satisfied with the cheapest ammo through a heavy barreled bolt gun. It will be fun the first few sessions, but when you get that first 1''-2'' group with decent ammo, you'll probably end up like me and never buy Wolf again.
Also GanderMtn prices are the
Also, you really won't be satisfied with the cheapest ammo through a heavy barreled bolt gun. It will be fun the first few sessions, but when you get that first 1''-2'' group with decent ammo, you'll probably end up like me and never buy Wolf again.
Also GanderMtn prices are the
woof
Member
Clearly you already have the right cartridge. I strongly recommend the cz carbine. You might find a new one for 450 or a nice used one for 400. More money but a whole different level of quality, IMO. The cz is superbly made, hammer forged barrel, set trigger, "mini-mauser" action and beautiful finely checkered stock. But the main thing is just an intangible feel thing. You have to at least get your hands on one before you buy anything. I bought one in x39 and loved is so much I bought another in .223. Now the .223 is my favorite and it is so handy and accurate with the iron sights I feel no desire for a scope. Not just a boom stick but a work of art.
woof
Member
On ammo - I use Bernaul Brown Bear soft points. This is Russian ammo (and czech rifles were made for Russian ammo) of better quality than Wolf IMO. I paid last time for 500 rds about $95 including shipping. The accuracy of the rifle and the ammo in combination exceeds my skill, besides I like shooting offhand. If you really believe you are, or will become, a serious bench shooter than rule out my recommendation. But I think your first centerfire rifle should feel good and be fun so there ya go - you have to make decisions now ... goooooo slooowwwwww!!!
are they? I never knew....well I was going to drive 45 mins. to gander tom. but if gander mtn prices really suck that bad i dont want to make the trip all the way out there. the only places closer are walmart, dicks, and a little gunshop. so where should i go?Also GanderMtn prices are the
(I do not have a cabelas, or basspro within an hour of me)
- Status