[SmithDeanJ]

I'm in the market hard core for a rifle chambered in .223. I do not want a "Black Gun" as they are out of my price range of about $500.00. I've found a few used mini-14's for less than that, but not being able to test fire the weapons myself, I'm in the wind on the works of it all. I would like to have a semi-auto, but a bolt-action or even a single shot will be acceptable. The two major attributes I'm looking for are accuracy, and reliability. In all honesty, I could probably come up another $200.00 on my budget if I find something that I really like. Any advice will be taken and used with the utmost appreciation. Thanks, and God Bless.

 

[Cheezywan]

H&R or Savage would be the way I'd go at that price point.
Lots of "GENTLY USED" stuff out there.

I'd vote H&R for a new rifle.

Cheezywan

 

[byrl]

I bought a new Savage bolt gun (left handed of course) in .223 in your budget range and it is a consistent 1/2 inch shooter. Not the prettiest wood, but 55, 60, and 69 grain bullets tend to go in one hole at 100 yards. I think they have a composite stock stainless version also.

 

[OTTER]

Look around on the used racks. A good used bolt action can be had in your price range with enough left over for decent optics, if you are not in a hurry. I would also recomend taking a look at the T/C encore. I have one in 223 that shoots Remington UMC (green and white box)55 grainers into less than 3/4 " at 100 yards. New Stevens 200's can be found in your price range, and also some of the Savage rifles. Hope this helps, Ron.

 

[unclepaddy]

If you are just interested in the accuracy and function, and don't mind a rifle that is styled like a Daisy BB gun, get a new Savage.

 

[varminter]

I think I got my Ruger MKII with scope, bull barrel, and real nice laminet stock for $750.00 or $800.00 but that was twelve or so years ago... The best gun I have ever owned though. still impresses me every day.

 

[varminter]

oh yeah and it was a tasco scope that I had to replace last year. But still not bad

 

[land&groove]

.223 rifle

You listen to UnclePaddy. Savage/Stevens are the most accurate for the price out there.
As far as the Mini-14 goes, super reliable but the basic Ranch Rifle is in no way shape or form capable of the accuracy a bolt rifle or good AR will deliver.

 

[kc outdoorsman]

another vote for savage

 

[fritz1]

I think I got my Ruger MKII with scope, bull barrel, and real nice laminet stock for $750.00 or $800.00 but that was twelve or so years ago... The best gun I have ever owned though. still impresses me every day.

I bought a Ruger 77 MKII 223 last year, I paid $600 for it, it is a great gun, I love it, but you can buy a Savage, which has a much better trigger, for alot less that is probably more accurate. I love Rugers and Remingtons but Savage has deffinitely raised the bar and Remington or Ruger have yet to respond. Also look at the Marlin XL7.

 

[fred243]

A Savage package would be a great choice or the gun itself. The packages usually have a 3-9x40 mounted and bore sighted along with the Accutrigger. Savage also tends to stray away from the norm where twist rate is concerned but in a good way, there's a good chance it would have a 1-9 twist and should help with heavier bullets if you want. My Savage 243 has a 1-9.25 twist instead of the usual 1-10 and i think that's one of the reasons it shoots the 95gr and 100gr bullets so well. Good luck sir !

 

[m141a]

You could get an H&R Handi rifle,ultra Varmint [scroll down to the middle of the page] with a heavy barrel, AND a scope for around $500 bucks.
they load as fast as a bolt gun, and are extremely accurate. I had one years ago, and had to sell it due to a desperate need for funds at the time.
It was a very accurate rifle, and shot all weights of .223 dependably.

 

[Jackfre]

On the higher side of your budget

I have a Tikka T3 lite in 223. It comes with scope rings, so you will have to come up with a scope, but it is accurate and a heck of a nice rifle. I wanted a nice, compact lightweight shooter to carry.

 

[MontyF]

Savage or Stevens would be my first choices based on price and accuracy. A Stevens 200 with some trigger work and a Nikon 3x9 ProStaff or Buckmaster would get you in for under $500 dollars and probably out shoot anything in the price range.

 

[bert621]

I'm surprised no one said to look at the Weatherby Vanguards. Around here a new one goes for about $400. I like the stocks better than the ones sold as Howa's. Some need a new trigger, some don't. They do shoot good though.

 

[langenc]

You could get an H&R Handi rifle,ultra Varmint [scroll down to the middle of the page] with a heavy barrel, AND a scope for around $500 bucks.
they load as fast as a bolt gun, and are extremely accurate. I had one years ago, and had to sell it due to a desperate need for funds at the time.
It was a very accurate rifle, and shot all weights of .223 dependably.

I got lucky and won a Handi-Rifle in 223 and they are a nice gun. I dont know the asking price. My prize also hase a 30-30 bbl.

I have a Ruger Mark II that is a shooter but you have to put a $100 trigger on em to make em so. The 5-6# lawyer trigger just aint conducive to accurate shooting. The Handi has about a 3# trigger.

 

[zoar]

There are plenty of used guns out there. The new stuff in the low price end where you are at is crap but you can get great guns in the used category in your price range; auction arms, gun broker or just ask
ing around!

 

[budd]

Hi,

I would suggest the CZ 527 carbine in .223 Rem. Light, accurate, compact, and well made little rifle about $600.00 or so.

Budd

 

[MontyF]

Hi,

I would suggest the CZ 527 carbine in .223 Rem. Light, accurate, compact, and well made little rifle about $600.00 or so.

Budd

I'd agree with you on that. There are many good rifles if the OP could bump it up several hundred bucks. As it is, by the time he gets some fair glass on a CZ he'll be at least $300 over budget. For that he could buy a second Stevens.

 

[Sandman1]

I bought a Ruger 77 MKII 223 last year, I paid $600 for it, it is a great gun, I love it, but you can buy a Savage, which has a much better trigger, for alot less that is probably more accurate. I love Rugers and Remingtons but Savage has deffinitely raised the bar and Remington or Ruger have yet to respond. Also look at the Marlin XL7.

Trigger might be better on a Savage, but for total package I would go Ruger. Best looking, best quality, will last a lifetime. If you are talking upper line Savage, it is close. If you get down to the Stevens, Savage Edge or Axis, etc. I would take a Ruger M77 over them all day long and not bat an eye at the extra cost.