I want a rifle, but I dont know what to get!

[mwsenoj]

I want to get a rifle chambered in .223 since I reload for it and I already have a ton of free brass. I will be shooting prairie dogs rabbits and the occasional coyote. I am pretty stuck on a bull barrel and the chambering, but other than that I am open to anything. My price range is MAX $800 but only if it comes with a nice fiberglass stock. I wouldnt mind getting something cheaper if it was upgradeable in the future. Looking forward to seeing what you all think.

 

[Art Eatman]

My pet .223 is a light sporter. I give it a short rest after each three or four shots on prairie dogs. No problems with hitting to 300 yards, throughout a day's play.

If you want to shoot longer strings at a faster rate, yeah, go with a heavy barrel.

My suggestion would be to check through the various brands for a rifle that fits your own body. Length of pull, drop at the comb, that sort of thing. Makes for much better "shootability". There's not a lot of difference in group size among the various brands in modern rifles.

Unless a rifle is exposed to varying humidity or used in wet weather, I see no particular advantage to fiberglass over wood, other than personal aesthetics.

I've never had a problem with trade-in, clean used rifles. With today's economy, doing some inspecting and dickering at a pawn shop is not unwise.

 

[WaltonS]

The Remington 700 LTR might fit the bill, with some money left to get a better stock.

 

[Another_Kelley]

Model 700SPS Tactical w/ Bull barrel can be had new for $550ish. That leaves some dough to help with a scope. Chances are you'll dig the hogue stock it comes with.

 

[aka108]

Howa 1500 is a good shooter. Nice thing about any bolt action 223 is that you won't have to go around sniffing the ground like a hound dog searching for you brass.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Dont forget to look at the FN TSP XP USA, they have one in .223, here is a link:

http://www.snipercountrypx.com/pc-582-1601-fn-herstal-tsp-xp-usa-rifle-223.aspx

True, its a bit more pricey then the SPS, but in my opinion the action is superior, therefore worth a bit more change.

Have fun with whichever rifle you get though!

 

[TonyAngel]

I'll give another plug for the SPS Tactical. It's a bare bones heavy barreled rifle that is a very capable shooter. It has a lot in common with the LTR, the biggest difference being that the LTR comes in an HS Precision stock (that I find too skinny). If you get the LTR just to change the stock, save yourself some time and money and just get the SPS.

 

[rodregier]

Stevens 200 or the current Savage 10 products are good value for the money. Lots of aftermarket available if you want to upgrade later.

Remember to budget for a decent optic no matter which rifle you get.

 

[kilo729]

Ar15.

 

[unwise11]

Rem 700 SPS Tactical or Varmint, or a Howa M-1500.