Which .223?

[verb0s]

I need help deciding which .223 to get. It started out simple, but now I'm torn between multiple choices that all seem to be good. THR seems to be the best place to post this, since there are so many gun owners here. Lots of opinions, leads to a better decision.

Should I get a semi-auto like the Kel-tec su16ca?
Or something more accuracy-oriented like a Remington 700 SPS, Howa m1500, CZ-527, Weatherby Vanguard?

My budget is 700$ with scope or $550 without scope, 550$ for semi-autos. I'll mainly be doing target shooting and maybe some varmint/bird shooting.

I didn't think choosing a .223 rifle would be this hard. I originally figured there would be some obvious choice that I can easily say "I'll take it!" right away.

Other suggestions of .223 rifles will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cueball]

I would suggest you take a look at the Savage Model 12. I have a Model 12FV which is the varmint model heavy barrel with the synthetic stock. I've taken it out groundhog hunting twice since I got it and the rifle has made head shots on those little guys at 450+ yds. In my book, that's pretty good. Plus it's in your budget.

 

[sarduy]

if you want accuracy, go with the remington sps varmint or tactical,

if you want a semi, i would go with a Saiga .223

 

[GunDoctor]

with that budget I would go with a Saiga or a bolt action.

 

[Bartkowski]

With your budget get a bolt action. Unless you really want a semi-automatic.

 

[Sunray]

"...originally figured there would be some obvious choice that I can easily say "I'll take it!" right away..." Happens sometimes, but rarely with a .223. Listen to Cueball. Savage rifles are very hard to beat for the money.
You're budget doesn't provide for much leeway. S'ok. Everybody is on a budget, one way or another.
"...Kel-tec su16ca..." No. Just no. Buy the Savage. You'll be a whole lot happier.
What kind of bird do you plan on shooting with a .223? Just curious. Not many places allow bird hunting with a rifle. Even turkey. Check your local hunting regs though.

 

[Wesson Smith]

Savage Model 10 Predator Hunter. I've had mine about three weeks now, and so far it's rock solid. The AccuTrigger is silky sweet. Just a real fine bolt action for the price.

 

[verb0s]

I would occasionally shoot small birds with the .22. Usually pigeons, rarely crows, and then some smaller black or yellow birds.

The pigeons are really dumb, only moving when:
a) a bullet hits the bird and blows it away, or
b) flies so close to the bird feathers fly off.
I no longer shoot crows, I consider them friendlies and their presence keeps the mockingbirds (the really annoying keep-you-up-all-night birds) away.
The smaller black or yellow birds are a challenge to shoot since they're so small and blend so well into trees and bushes. They're not mockingbirds (protected by law).

I might want to shoot a bird with a .223 some time, just to see what happens. But I'll need to find a bird that lands on the ground first, since I'm pretty sure the .223 bullet would go right thru the bird and keep on going and possible kill someone downrange.

 

[jhansman]

For a bolt gun I can recommend the Savage 12VLP in .223. Mine is extremely accurate (with tuned handloads) and fun to shoot. For a semiauto, consider an AK, the Saiga to be exact. It comes in a sporter configuration and can be converted to a classic AK-47 style with some work and about $120 in parts, but if left as is, it's a reliable, affordable, fairly accurate rifle that is not fussy.

 

[Onmilo]

For a bolt .223 in that price range take a look at a Remington Model Seven.

 

[guntotinguy]

if you want a semi, i would go with a Saiga .223

I have one and thats good advice IMO...also the SU16 isnt bad either if you really want one,but besides that I prefer my Saiga .223

 

[Shawnee]

+1 for the Savage model 12 (or variation thereof).

 

[rangerruck]

your best bet here, is the Wetherby vanguard, but only if you get one that is guaranteed, 'sub moa'. next up would be the howa, the most underrated package gun entry level rifle on the market today. The most accurate, chances are, will be the cz, and the set trigger is like buttaaaa, so schmoove, and you can ajdust the set trigger, from the outside of the rifle, without taking anything apart. But don't get the carbine 527 version, unless you wanna limit your bullet weight to 62 grainers or less, they use a 1 / 12 twist. now then, if you get a cz varmint / kevlar version, they should have a 1/9 twist I believe, which will allow you to use just about any weight bullet you want.
The cz will be the most expensive though, or maybe the Wetherby.

 

[Wolfgang]

Did you really say this????

I would occasionally shoot small birds with the .22. Usually pigeons, rarely crows, and then some smaller black or yellow birds.

The pigeons are really dumb, only moving when:
a) a bullet hits the bird and blows it away, or
b) flies so close to the bird feathers fly off.
I no longer shoot crows, I consider them friendlies and their presence keeps the mockingbirds (the really annoying keep-you-up-all-night birds) away.
The smaller black or yellow birds are a challenge to shoot since they're so small and blend so well into trees and bushes. They're not mockingbirds (protected by law).

I might want to shoot a bird with a .223 some time, just to see what happens. But I'll need to find a bird that lands on the ground first, since I'm pretty sure the .223 bullet would go right thru the bird and keep on going and possible kill someone downrange.

 

[Cypress]

Sometimes those smaller black and yellow birds are very much protected by law.......POACHER........POACHER over here!!!!!