Recommend a Bolt Action in 243 Win

[rbernie]

The Howa / Vanguard is a nice rifle, if a bit heavy for what it needs to be. But for a hunting rifle with good out-of-the-box accuracy, reasonable weight, and excellent fitment - I always start by recommending a Tikka, and move onto other options if the Tikka doesn't fit or appeal to the buyer. I've not know a Tikka buyer yet who found the gun to be inaccurate, rough, or poorly finished.

 

[Steve51]

I had my sights set on a .243 for a couple years. I was torn between a Savage and a Remington but could not make up my mind. Then one day I walked into my LGS for some primers and powder and they had a used Ruger M77 with 3 X 9 scope. It was mint condition. I have been very happy with it and the scope was dead on, never had to make the first adjustment.

 

[cdb1]

If I expect/hope to see coyotes when going down back, I take a .243...usually the Tikka because it's light to carry. If not, the .223 will do the job on other varmints quite well, even eastern coyotes at reasonable ranges. I don't own a centerfire that won't shoot sub MOA, so accuracy isn't a consideration, but with wind and longer distances as considerations, the .243s tend to do most everything smaller than big deer at longer ranges.

This.

 

[Varminterror]

In 2020 and beyond, I would not buy a Remington. Too much drama happening in their world and far too much uncertainty, whereas there are plenty of other pretty girls to dance with.

I did rework a Rem 700 ADL 243win for my now-step dad a handful of years ago, floating and bedding into a Boyd’s stock, adjust the trigger, bed a Leupold scope mount and install an optic. Whole thing was around $700 and with factory ammo, it shot about 3/4moa, undoubtedly would shoot smaller with a properly tuned handload (not part of his paradigm, however).

My remaining 243win in my collection, after 25 years loving the cartridge, is a specialty pistol, a Savage Striker. All of my other 243’s have become 6 creeds.

 

[Picher]

I like the Rem 700 action, as that's what my 270 Winchester is.

Is there much difference in a short action 700 vs model 7 in 243? What about a venerable Model 600 or Model 788 in 243? Other one I would be interested is the Browning A-Bolt II.

I should add I prefer walnut and steel and I like vintage rifles. Mauser 98s, Husqvarnas, SAKOs, Winchesters etc.

The Rem Mod. 7 is a bit too short and light for me, but if your major use is carrying more than shooting, it's not bad. My lady neighbor bought a used one in 7mm-08 and I had to bed/pin the plastic stock because the previous owner tightened the front screw too much. After that work, it shot 3/8" at 100 yards with Rem CoreLocts!!!!!

 

[dak0ta]

I've found a local Rem 7 in 243 with 20" barrel. It has the brown laminate stock and OEM synthetic but the iron sights are missing. What year is this model and roughly what's a good price for it? Am I handicapped with the 20" barrel for the 100gr bullets. I believe twist is 1:9.25". Of the two stocks which do you prefer and would be better? I'm leaning towards the laminate for a bit more weight, but the synthetic has a recoil pad for better grip.

 

[horsey300]

I've found a local Rem 7 in 243 with 20" barrel. It has the brown laminate stock and OEM synthetic but the iron sights are missing. What year is this model and roughly what's a good price for it? Am I handicapped with the 20" barrel for the 100gr bullets. I believe twist is 1:9.25". Of the two stocks which do you prefer and would be better? I'm leaning towards the laminate for a bit more weight, but the synthetic has a recoil pad for better grip.

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1:9 1/8" you should even be able to stabilize the Hornady 103 bullets in that...... I like the weight of the laminate, but the weathering of the synthetic. I've run a 20" .243 for years now and there's nothing negative I've encountered that can be blamed on the barrel length, scooting the 100 gr pills out over 2900 still and 95 btips faster (obviously). As for a good price? Not my call, I know I'd only spend $450 max on it and that's only because of the 2nd stock. Honestly though, this is just all I'm willing to pay for a used rifle and for a .243 they're not hard enough to find to justify going higher. Someone who's a better expert on model 7s and market values can DEFINITELY give you a better answer.

 

[entropy]

While individual barrels will vary, you should be able to shoot 100 gr. from a 1:9.25" barrel. The Savage I mentioned earlier has the same twist rate, and shot just fine. I am recommending to my friend that we work up 95 gr. loads, as much for his shoulder as worry about twist rate.
I'd use the synthetic, but hang onto that laminate.

 

[Legionnaire]

If I'm seeing the picture correctly, it looks like it has a j-lock. That would put it approximately 2002-2005-ish. I just sold a pristine laminate stock off a Model 7 for $150, so I'd probably go as high as $500-550 for a 7 with both stocks. Sell whichever one you don't want and buy a Gre-Tan firing pin assembly to get rid of the j-lock. That barrel will do fine with 100 grain bullets. My kids who hunt all took their first whitetail with a Model 7 in .243. It was an earlier version with an 18.5" barrel. It shot 100 grain Remington Core-Lokts just fine.

 

[mustanger98]

I've found a local Rem 7 in 243 with 20" barrel. It has the brown laminate stock and OEM synthetic but the iron sights are missing. What year is this model and roughly what's a good price for it? Am I handicapped with the 20" barrel for the 100gr bullets. I believe twist is 1:9.25". Of the two stocks which do you prefer and would be better? I'm leaning towards the laminate for a bit more weight, but the synthetic has a recoil pad for better grip.

I don't consider 100grSP bullets and a 20" 1:9.25 twist barrel a handicap. Regarding sights, they can be had. Is the bridge D&T on the left? If so, I'm thinking a Lyman #57 will fit, but that's assuming the contour is the same as a 700.

Between the two stocks pictured, from here, I'd pick the laminate. Either that or the synthetic would get rattlecan camo. That said, you're better off to see which one fits you better.

 

[dak0ta]

Oh I don't like that J-lock.... good eye.

 

[Frulk]

Yeah...I know...not a bolt...but it is a .243, used versions are in the low end of your stated budget...and you won't see yourself coming and going at the range.

 

[dak0ta]

Nice 99C, mint example.