Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

[MAG00]

I was thinking about picking up a rifle that I could shoot for fun and accuracy. I would want something that ammo is not too expensive, so I was thinking 223 caliber. I would prefer bolt action, heavy barrel or fluted heavy barrel, not in blued finish, synthetic stock.

What rifle would you all recommend? Please be specific i.e. brand, model, etc. Price range would be $450 to $650

Thanks

 

[jasonk]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

223 is a great chambering for what you want to do. Look at the Remington 700 tactical line, you want the tactical line for the faster twist barrel than the varmint line.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...223+Hogue+Stock

 

[MAG00]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

I found a Remington 700 SPS Tactical 223 on gunbroker and the ad says that it is a "like new shop demo" for a buy it now price of $475 It appears to have box and all paperwork. What do ya'll think? A good deal? Gun Broker Rem 700 SPS Tactical 223

 

[George63]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

if you wanted "not in blued" you probably do not want remingtons crappy painted finish that loves to rust

 

[turbo54]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

Trouble with factory 223s is the twist rate. Very few have 1:8 or faster, which is what you want for shooting the "good" .224" bullets. With 80gr+ bullets, the 223 flies pretty nice well past 700 yards, and makes for a great rifle!

With 1:9 twist, you *might* be able to use the 75 hornady or 77smk which are decent. Otherwise it's tge 69smk, which is better than a 55gr, but pretty crappy.

That said, my advice is to either get a factory rifle with proper twisr, or a Savage, so you can screw a new barrel with proper twist easily and inexpensively in the future.

 

[cruizer]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

remington SPS tactical 1x9 twist
I shoot 69Gr SMK very well and have worked up a load for 77gr SMK that is shooting .5 MOA easy

 

[turbo54]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cruizer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">remington SPS tactical 1x9 twist
I shoot 69Gr SMK very well and have worked up a load for 77gr SMK that is shooting .5 MOA easy </div></div>

Right. 1:9 rifles will sometimes handle the 75s and 77s, but not always. My friends Remington won't.

Besides, the 77smk isn't exactly a great bullet. Out to 500-600 it is "fair". With ~1:7.5 twist and 80s, 82s and 90s, the 223 can actually go 1000 yards with pretty good success.

 

[MontanaKid]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

Don't forget the Tikka T3s. They are very accurate and have smooth actions. I haven't checked the price recently, but I think they are comparable to a rem 700.

 

[MAG00]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

Anybody know much about this model savage?
Savage 10PC 223 Snipershide Classifieds

 

[MontanaKid]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

Savage makes a great rifle. Very accurate for an entry rifle. The only thing I don't like about Savage is the accu trigger, it just feels weird to me. Be sure to consider a long term plan. Are you going to want to make upgrades to it in the future? Remington and Savage are great rifles to build on. I'd look for something that has a threaded barrel too.

 

[cav.scout]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

Savage 10 precison carbine. You may be able to find one for 650-700.

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

I think the SPS Tactical is a good shooting rifle. $475 in like new condition sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I've had two SPS Tacticals. One in .223 and the other in .308. Both shot well right out of the box.

Of course, this are not stainless. My recommendation would be to duracoat it, to keep the rust off.

 

[dwtaylorpdx]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

There are a few AR's that will almost fit the top of your budget.
With the heavier barrel I find they are quite adequate for killing sage rats at up to 250 yard, 300 if your do your part.

The Mossberg MVP is less than 500 and uses AR mags, but its a bit hard to get right now... Early reports for a friend say 1/2 MOA is in the zone with it he's only shot it out to 200 though...

Dave

 

[tomcat mv]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

Take a look at Thompson/Center.

 

[MAG00]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

Is the Remington 5R really worth the $1,095 price tag over the Remington SPS Tactical price tag of about $575?

If money were not an issue then I would definately go with the 5R for the stainless and HS Precision stock. Are those two items worth approx. $500 more. They appear to have the same trigger in them.

Just curious.

 

[Cproflow]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

+1 on the Tikka. They are also 1 in 8" twist (which is why I bought that over the 5R in .223).

I haven't looked back.

 

[throwback]

Re: Rifle recommendation for fun/accuracy shooting

+1 for Tikka in that price range