223 rifle

[gman1]

Am looking at purchasing a basic 223 for hunting prairie dogs and other "critters" and would like the groups help on what a good make and model would be. I like the Savage but their are a lot of models to look at also. Any assistance would be great. Thank you,

gman

 

[25contender]

I use a CZ 527 American .223. for varmints and I will tell you it is a fine shooting rifle. It is also light and carrys well. I own two CZs and both are the best shooters I own.

 

[gman1]

What would be a good price to pay for the rifle?

thanks

gman

 

[libidilatimmy]

The thing to watch with 223 rifles is the twist rate, especially if you have the need to shoot the heavier bullets. Personally, I'd by an AR if it were me because of the endless configuration options and availability of parts.

 

[25contender]

I bought mine used with scope and case for $500.00. I thought it was a great deal at that price.

What would be a good price to pay for the rifle?

thanks

gman

 

[Hilltop]

I like a plain jane Remington model 700 if you are going cheaper. Very accurate for me... I have shot 223 in several different models and honestly cant remember one that I didn't like other than the savage Axis. The trigger was just bad in that gun...

 

[Colorado T]

Wow, lots of options at that caliber. I had a Browning 223 WSSM that I wish I still had, extremely accurate. I've now got an Stag model 2 AR that is a lot of fun to shoot.

 

[Eberle]

I like a plain jane Remington model 700 if you are going cheaper. Very accurate for me... I have shot 223 in several different models and honestly cant remember one that I didn't like other than the savage Axis. The trigger was just bad in that gun...

I'm with Hilltop on the Model 700, they are hard to beat!

Hilltop do you still have that axis? I can tell you how to fix it in 5 minutes. Simple trigger job, knock 1 pin out & cut 2 coils off with a pair of dikes. Trigger will be about 3#.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

The thing to watch with 223 rifles is the twist rate, especially if you have the need to shoot the heavier bullets. Personally, I'd by an AR if it were me because of the endless configuration options and availability of parts.

X2 for the AR

 

[southernidahohunter]

You might look at the new Ruger American Predator rifle. It has a heavier threaded barrel than the regular American rifles, but costs about the same. I haven't been able to shoot one yet, but if it is as accurate as the regular American rifles, then it should do fine for varmints and predators without breaking the bank.

 

[jims]

If you're anywhere near a Cabela's, they have the Savage Model 11 Prairie Dog rifle on clearance for about $420. It's also listed on Cabela's website. I looked at one at the KC store this week and it seemed pretty nice. I have a .222 with a mini-Mauser action (similar to CZ action) and have been happy with it. I also have a CZ 527 in .221 Fireball which I use for most of my varmit hunting. CZ's are nice!

 

[packmule]

I have a plain jane 700 adl with a 6-24x50 mildot vortex crossfire. It's an accurate combo for me.

 

[LaHunter]

I have been looking at the Bushmaster Varmint AR 15 in .223 / 5.56. There are some very good reviews on this rifle: sub MOA accuracy and very reliable function. Seems like a good set up for coyotes. Anyone with first hand experience?

 

[Hilltop]

I'm with Hilltop on the Model 700, they are hard to beat!

Hilltop do you still have that axis? I can tell you how to fix it in 5 minutes. Simple trigger job, knock 1 pin out & cut 2 coils off with a pair of dikes. Trigger will be about 3#.

I saw this on youtube- It worked but I still decided to sell the gun... I'll agree though for anyone else out there cutting the coils off did make the trigger much better. I just didn't like the overall feel of the gun- just wasn't for me. I honestly have switched all my predator guns over to .243. I like the performance in the wind and the extra smack on dogs. Hide damge really doesn't matter much anymore as they aren't worth much. Get better money out of the dang coons these days.

 

[shootbrownelk]

You might look at the new Ruger American Predator rifle. It has a heavier threaded barrel than the regular American rifles, but costs about the same. I haven't been able to shoot one yet, but if it is as accurate as the regular American rifles, then it should do fine for varmints and predators without breaking the bank.

That Ruger American looks like a winner to me. My American rimfire is a tackdriver.