Lower tier 223

[VoodooMountain]

I was curious if anyone can chime in on first hand experience with some of the entry level rifles. Specifically the Winchester xpr and TC compass.

I've been pondering if these are worth the price or if getting a savage 11 or 700 would be worth the additional cost. I have seen them both lately for $350-$400

I have been kicking around the idea of getting a Henry single shot. They look nice and I'm just too stingy to buy a long ranger.

I have an american in 308 and like it.

I've had the axis and didn't care for it. I have a howa and it's good but heavy. I don't care for the 783 or Marlin xs7. I will not bother with a 770.
The mossberg just doesn't appeal to me.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Both the xpr and the compass are on the heavy side for modern bolt guns.

I have an xpr in -06, and I like it. The controls are pretty nicely laid out.

But it doesn't shoot better or worse than my buddy's Ruger American which has more options and is much lighter

 

[NorthBorder]

A Howa mini action, maybe? I have no experience with it at all but I would like to have one.

 

[LoonWulf]

My default is the American, I'll buy one of those before most Savage offerings at this point.

Im interested in both the compass and the xpr, as I've never owned either. Of the two I'd probably try the xpr first unless I got a killer deal on a compass.

 

[Skylerbone]

First I don’t see a .223 listed in the XPR on Winchester’s site. Second, I can’t imagine less than a pound being a major reason to choose one over the other unless you’re planning to hike mountains with a bargain rifle.

At the bargain level you’ve already discovered the key to real success; finding what you like that fits you. For instance LOP on the Compass is significantly shorter than typical full size rifles. Things you’ll have to decide after hefting a few.

I own the Compass and Predator (now disguised as a Compact) and both offer compelling arguments for ownership.

 

[BigBL87]

Personally, I'd look hard at a Ruger American Predator. It was at the top of my list when I was looking until I found a deal on a Weatherby Vanguard Heavy Barrel. Had I planned on doing much walking, I'd have gone with the Predator but mine will mostly be off a bench or stationary hunting, so the Vanguard made a little more sense for me.

 

[LoonWulf]

. For instance LOP on the Compass is significantly shorter than typical full size rifles.

good info, that eliminates the compass as an option for me. Short stocks and I don't mix well.

 

[cdb1]

In a budget bolt action my first choice would be a Mossberg Patriot, second choice would be an XPR. My daughter, son-in-law, son and myself each have a Weatherby Vanguard S2. I’m a huge fan but don’t consider them a budget rifle as some do.

 

[jmr40]

Either the Ruger Ranch with a 16" barrel or Predator with 22" barrel that comes with 10 round AR magazines. Depends on the barrel length that appeals to you.

But the prices keep creeping up on the Rugers. I got into both of mine (308 Predator and 5.56 Ranch) when they were $389 OTD. I had one in 6.5 CM at that price too, but traded it in for a Bergara in the same cartridge. The Rugers are approaching $500 now in some places. At $450-$500 I'd pay just a bit more for a Tikka. In blue they are under $600.

 

[Skylerbone]

good info, that eliminates the compass as an option for me. Short stocks and I don't mix well.

All of my rifle stocks are probably too short for me and shooting the AR offhand has always been nose to charging handle. The only real problem I run into with shorter or youth size rifles tends to be scope positioning and whether it can be moved far enough forward. I encourage others to get fitted and be happy but I’ve just learned to deal with it.

700, Compass, AR collapsed.


14” LOP; if I put my thumb in the hole for the picture and straightened my wrist the rifle wouldn’t be touching my arm at the elbow. As pictured, I can slip my entire left hand between the stock and my arm with no effort.