I'd like to buy a .243

[Mr.CRC]

Hi:

I haven't shot for over 10 years. I've been reading about rifles and calibers for the past year. I'd like to do some target shooting (not too serious, just slowly work up my skill), and some occasional fooling around/plinking with something that has more energy than a .22LR like my 10-22. I don't hunt. I also wouldn't mind the option of using an iron sight. Is that a peculiar thing to wish for with a .243?

I've oscillated around .223, .243, then .204 (I really like that), then back to .243. I used to think I preferred semi-auto, simply because I was "used to" the 10-22, but now I think a bolt action would be better, for accuracy, simplicity, and because even when I am plinking I don't really need to shoot many rounds. I'll probably shoot 20 rounds or so every two weeks. I do not plan to hand load.

The .243 is also highly versatile in case I do want to hunt, though this is unlikely.

The Remington 700 seems like a standard. I'm considering the SPS stainless, which is the only SS version of the 700 in .243. I hate the looks of the VTR. I do prefer stainless, but I'd consider other versions of the 700 if a nice combination of light weight, light or adjustable trigger, and certain out of the box accuracy could be assured. I'm unsure about heavy barrels vs. lighter weight.

The Tikka T3 has my attention, because I like the idea of a guaranteed <1" out of the box. That would allow me to feel confident that if I am no where near that level of accuracy when I start shooting, the problem is that I need to practice rather than the rifle. I do not want to worry about "accuratizing" a rifle!

Then there is Savage with their interesting adjustable trigger, and Ruger, Weatherby, etc.

Ugh! A lot of options. I'm tempted to just order the Tikka so I don't spend the next 3 months agonizing and not get any shooting done.

Your opinions are of interest.

 

[Runningman]

Those Tikka T3 are hard to beat in their price range for out of the box accuracy. Plus.... one of the smoothest cycling bolt out there right now. A good extractor design and decent trigger right out of the box that is adjustable for weight. Need I say more.

 

[surjimmy]

Second on the Tikka T3, love mine. It's in a 300wsm and will put 3 rounds inside a penny at 100 yards using Win. Power Points. Best of all it's under $500. I think I saw a T3 in a 243 for sale on this site.

 

[AKElroy]

This would be my first choice for a .243; Savage has increased in price as the world has discovered their accuracy & value, but they are still competitive price wise with really innovative, attractive designs and high quality furniture.

http://www.savagearms.com/14AmerClassic.htm

 

[garyhan]

I don't think there are any bad choices among the rifles you are considering, but my .243 Tikka T3 Hunter is one of the sweetest guns I own. I have to vote Tikka.

gary

 

[dakotasin]

in this application, i would steer you towards a heavy barrel gun because heavy barrels are more fun for the range than a light barrel. they will ride bags better, be more stable off bipods, have far less recoil, long barrel will give the shooter's ears less abuse, and they are just plain fun for range work. they are more expensive than a light barrel, but they will make up for their cost at the range.

as for accuracy, you are going to have a tough time finding a major manufacturer that cannot screw together a modern rifle that cannot shoot an inch or less, regardless of accuracy claims and guarantees.

for brand, i'm going to suggest ruger w/ a laminated stock as choice 1 because you will get all the features you're after and have about $700 in just the rifle. choice 2 would be the remington 700 vls, and you'll have about $800 into that stick.

 

[JimmAr]

Savage or tikka best out of box period.

 

[rangerruck]

you could also throw in the new marlin, or t/c icon, all of these choices would be good. But since you are going to primarily paper punch, and not a lot, then I would go the cheapest of these you can find, whether heavy bbl, which shoots better from a bench, or pencil bbl. If money is no object, then i would do a savage, 12 series, or varminters, f/tr or v/tr. they are super heavy, single shot type rifles, that sit down in the bags or rests, and do not move.
http://www.savagearms.com/12PrecVarm.htm
http://www.savagearms.com/12VarminterSS.htm
http://www.savagearms.com/12model_Varminterthumbhole.htm

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Tika isn't the only one who offers out of the box 1" guarantee. If you look at new Weatherby Vangaurds, there's a target included with a 3 shot group from the factory. I looked at a few different ones until I found one with a one hole group before I bought my 06. It isn't picky about what brand ammo gets put through it either. This is my opinioin of course. I am partial to Weatherby. Give it a look see and see what you think.

 

[Mr.CRC]

This would be my first choice for a .243; Savage has increased in price as the world has discovered their accuracy & value, but they are still competitive price wise with really innovative, attractive designs and high quality furniture.

http://www.savagearms.com/14AmerClassic.htm

Thanks for the reply.

I think the 12BVSS might be more fitting, with SS and all.

I'm wondering now about the .243 choice again, since I hear it's got a short barrel life.