I want to get a decent out of the box .223 for terrorizing prairie dogs and other like varmints. I don't need a high end gun, but something that will shoot out to 200-300 yards with reasonable accuracy. Any recs?
If you are going to take fast shots back to back get a heavy barreled savage in 223. Add a Bushnell 3200 tactical elite for 200.00 and call it a day. If you're going to take your time between shots get a stevens 200 in 223 add the same scope and save yourself 200.00. If you go with either one PM me if you want to upgrade anything and I'll step you through which directions you will probably want to go. Either will shoot 1 MOA or better but the heavy barrel will let you shoot faster without having to worry about your barrel getting hot and throwing rounds (which won't happen until you've hit 5 shots back to back).
Id say the Savage 10 fcp, heavy barrel, 1:9 twist and it has the accu-trigger, its a pretty good out of the box package, but its kind of heavy and the stock isnt anything to brag about, but it should be about perfect for your needs
I would also recomemd a Tikka or Howa. Dont forget Model 70 as well. The Tikka action is soooo smooth though. They really are great out of the box rifles.