What .223 for target shooting?

[Lmack]

I'm relatively knew to civilian rifles. I've been trained fairly thoroughly on shooting .22 and CF C-7 556 Nato.

I'm looking for a solid civilian rifle to continue my marksmanship skills with. Prices aside, opinions on rifles would be much appreciated.

I am currently wondering what the opinions are on the Mossberg MVP .223 versus the Savage Axis Xp.

Any suggestions on other .223 models are appreciated.

Thanks

 

[splithoof]

Well, if you want to start with something fun that doesn't cost too much, you might consider the H&R Handi-Rifle single shot platform. My daughter has one in .223 & .308, and both barrels have proven to be very accurate. I discovered that the .223 barrel shoots Wolf 55 ball very well (.75" at 100), so I save those steel cases to reload for other rifles. Of course a good optic helps, so you will need that in addition. I find that platform to be so simple that it makes a day of shooting fun again.

 

[tyeo098]

Wrong thread xD

 

[ROAshooter]

CZ-527....will never regret

 

[redneck383]

While I'm a Savage fan through and through,the MVP I believe takes AR15 mags. That could be handy if you plan to get an AR at some point. The Axis is supposed to be very accurate though and its low cost leaves money for a good scope. If it were me, I'd save up for a Model 10 or 11 with the Accutrigger.

 

[Ar180shooter]

You could get an AR, identical to the C7, but without the Elcan C79 (well, you could get a C79, but I don't know why someone would want one).

 

[Geno]

Don't know anything about the Axis.

My MVP is a very nice rifle, as is my Vanguard Varmint Special. A lot of folks around here seem to like the Savages too. I've never owned one.

Geno

 

[gbran]

Trigger, trigger, trigger..... Buy something with a good trigger. If not, be prepared to buy a trigger job.

 

[Pete D.]

Since you are familiar with the AR type rifles....why not get yourself an AR "service rifle" like a Colt Hbar with a 20" barrel. I mention Colt because that is what I use but there are quite a few manufacturers producing very fine AR target rifle: Colt, LaRue, Noveske, White Oak are a few.
Pete

 

[FinnComm]

Consider Tikka T3. Same barrel as the more expensive Sako85. Equally accurate. Shoots straight from the box, without needing mods.

 

[BHarada]

I bought a Mossberg MVP Varmint since I already had an AR and liked that it can share mags with it. It's been a sub-MOA shooter for me with anything up to 68gr BTHPs.

Before I bought it I was also considering a Weatherby Vanguard 2 and a Savage 11 FCNS, but the Mossberg was the one that was in stock.

 

[Pete D.]

I just took a look at that Mossberg MVP. I am unfamiliar with it. It is a nice looking gun and a great idea. How is the trigger?
The one spec that I do not like is the 1-9" twist rate for the rifling. Myself, I like to shoot the heavier, longer, bullets (Sierra MK77s) and like a quicker twist.
Pete

 

[BHarada]

Pete, The MVP's trigger is ok. It's about 3.5# at its lightest setting with a clean break, but folks over on the Mossberg MVP forum have been talking about upgrading to a Jard trigger.

A friend gave me 50 75gr AMAX bullets to try. They never keyholed but accuracy was more in the 1.5-2 MOA range with the WC844 loads I tried. When I get around to buying some more powder I'll have to give them another shot.

 

[browningguy]

Other options would be one of the Rock River AR's. Generally as accurate as any factory AR will ever be, and with a very good trigger to start with.

I'm still not 100% convinced about the physics behind it but the cryo'd barrel really seems to be making a difference to me. POI never seems to move no matter how much it is shot and cleans really easily. I bought their 18" ATH upper for 3-gun shooting, and it's replaced my match upper I had built by a custom shop for target shooting, it's that much more accurate.

 

[mdauben]

I'm looking for a solid civilian rifle to continue my marksmanship skills with. Prices aside, opinions on rifles would be much appreciated.

For a target rifle in .223, I would look at some of the many rifles in that caliber advertised as "varmint guns". These typically have heavy barrels which tend to deal with long range sessions better than thinner "sportster" profile barrels.

I am currently wondering what the opinions are on the Mossberg MVP .223 versus the Savage Axis Xp.

The MVP Varmint might be worth looking at. Its got a nice bench rest style stock and heavy barrel. I'm not sure how good the triggers are on these rifles, but its generally easy enough to swap stock triggers out for better target style units. I'm not sure if Savage has anything equivalent in their Axis line, although they have some nice choices in their regular 12 Series varmint rifles, which all include their very nice "AccuTrigger".

If your finances can afford it, you might also look into getting a good .22 target rifle. Many people recomend the CZ452/455 line for this role, although there are certainly other good choices.

 

[stormspotter]

If you want something with a good factory trigger try a Marlin XS7 in 223.

 

[primalmu]

I'll second the Rock River Arms AR idea. Here's a 5-shot group my RRA Varmint A4 shot earlier this week using Hornady 75gr Match 5.56 ammo, 0.254 MOA at 100 yards.

 

[Bart B.]

What "target shooting" discipline are you contemplating? Competition or just local range paper punching?

If it's bullseye competition, then a bolt action tube gun chambered for the 5.56 will shoot bullets most accurate.

If it's paper punching at a local range, then several AR platforms may work well.

 

[HexHead]

Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 is one of the best values out there. Match grade 2-stage trigger adjustable down to 2.5 lbs., very comfortable synthetic stock has a palm swell on the pistol grip, 3-position safety and guaranteed sub-MOA performance right out of the box at 100 yards with premium ammo. Around $500. All three of mine (one a .223) easily exceed their accuracy claim.

 

[Cee Zee]

Savage makes some of the most accurate rifles around and they are reasonably priced. That said I wouldn't get an Axis. I'd get a Stevens 200 (made by Savage) or a Savage 110 with an AccuTrigger because both of those are very upgradeable. The Axis isn't. You can turn either of those two rifles (actually they are essentially the same rifle except for the triggers) into absolute tack drivers if you want. Personally I'd suggest starting with a Savage target action and building your own or buying one of the Savage target model rifles or maybe a long range varmint rifle. But those aren't in the same price range as the rifles you mentioned.

I like Mossberg rifles but I think the fact that you can upgrade Savages especially if you happen to shoot out a barrel (takes a good while with .223). You can replace barrels easily without the need of a gunsmith. You just need a few tools. You can upgrade triggers easily too. Savages are famous for easy upgrades and for having lots of available parts for any budget. Barrels make accuracy of course and swapping out the factory barrel for a target barrel is not that hard on a Savage.

 

[MAKster]

The Axis is very upgradeable. It's easy to replace the barrel, you can add a Boyds wood stock, and a trigger from Timney. What else is there?

 

[Cee Zee]

That was the story on them for quite a while. Maybe things have changed. I'd still guess that there are more choices for the 110 path to upgrades.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My 2 main bolt action hunting rifles are both Howa 1500's, one in .223 and the other in 30-06. Both are extremely accurate and neither cost me a lot.

The Howa 1500 uses the same action as the Weatherby Vanguard, S&W 1500 and the Mossberg 1500 too. Both my Howa's will shoot sub 1/2MOA groups.

With the Howa you can save some mony on the rifle and put it towards the glass...

 

[TIMC]

I have a Savage model 11 that is a tack driver. The accu-trigger and good glass makes it an outstanding rifle.

 

[targetshooter22]

Looks like your options abound. By "target" rifle, I assume you mean you want to go to the range (or the back 40 acres) and shoot for a while, and that you want to see some pretty good groups. I'm also assuming you do not mean very long range (for that caliber), so this focuses on the <200 meters, maybe stretch it to 300.

There are a lot of nice rifles that are not super expensive open to you for this mission. For this application, I would look at heavy barrel models, not light field guns. It will be easier on the shoulder, and the barrel will heat slower, so you are less likely to see a change in POA/POI if you shoot more during a shorter period of time. I'm sure there are exceptions to that, but if you are playing the odds, your probability of favorable outcome is higher with a "target" or heavy barrel model.

For manufacturers, I have direct experience with two. NEF Handi Rifle and CZ 527 Varmint. The NEF was tricky to develop a load for, and was only so-so with factory ammo. It seems to like lighter bullets, and you need to call customer service when they are open to get the twist rate. The CZ has a faster twist and is designed for heavier (but not the heaviest) bullets, but seems to shoot a lot of things well from my second rate reloads (mixed brass) to cheap factory ammo. It also cost about 3 times as much and has a better scope. Both are a lot of fun and hell on produce at the range (we shoot splodolope and splonions).

Since you are starting from the beginning, you would be well served to look very closely at the Savage Arms options. Personally, I don't like the Accutrigger (and really like the CZ single set trigger), but it's hard to argue with so many fans and so many favorable results and reviews in the field. Savage makes darned good accurate rifles, and if/when I buy a new one, they will be on the short list.

Last, it wasn't clear if you reload or not. If you do (or plan to start), it's easier to load for a bolt gun than a semi auto, and without an attachment of some sort, brass retrieval is easier too.

Good luck!