.223 Rifles

[zombelord]

Hello all,

I was wondering about what kind of gun I should get.

(This would be my first gun, but not the first time I've handled/fired a gun)

I'm wanting to get into Long Range Competitions, so I talked a one of the workers at an armory. He said for what I was wanting to do (200-500 yrd competitions) a .223 rifle would be good. Now I was reading on another thread here about .223 rifles and a Savage sounded pretty good. I'm just wanting to know what you guys think would be the best possible gun for my specifications (200-500 yrds, first owned gun, and looking for a price range of about $300-$350)

Thanks and I hope to hear from some of you soon.

[Zen900]

There's only a couple in that price range and a Savage isn't one of them. The Stevens model 200 is probably the best. The NEF isn't as accurate but it's even cheaper than the Stevens. Dunno if anybody else fits in that price range. Maybe a Howa? Remember you will need a scope and rings and aftermarket trigger and...and.......

It adds up quick.

[toolman]

It sounds like a Savage is going to be the best choice given your price range. Here's a link: Savage Arms Centerfire Rifles
Here's another option you might want to look at: HOWA HWR60202+1500 LIGHTNING 223

[Zen900]

The Howa uses a 1-12 twist and the Stevens uses 1-9 twist.

[samuel]

Dont even think of 500yds with a 1in12" twist with .223 rem.All I see on the range are 1in7" to 1in9". The 1in9" will handle from 40gr to 62gr and the 62 is doing good out to 500yds.You need weight but you also need to get close to the riflings.The newer hp,s and pt,s do this.There is a place for you on the range today but it sounds like something like something a little better in scopes os in order. samuel.

[lefty o]

you should go find a match where they are doing what you want to do. i think you'll find that even the non competetive guns are many times what you've budgeted.

[time of flight]

Zombelord have you ever heard of Tikka T3 super varmint they are a 1in9" twist brl 24" an are one of the best factory brls i have ever seen and have a half decent factory trigger.
i must admit that i dont see alot of talk about them is it that they dont make to the U.S.

[bigandrich44]

Double your budget, and we might have something to work with.

[SilverRun]

First off - welcome to the forum.

As you can tell from the post already, you have laid out a challenging request. A used savage .223 bull barrel with a decent/inexpensive scope can be had in the $500 - $600 range (maybe). I don't think you would be happy with anything less for what you are wanting to do. Save your money for a couple more months!

Now here is where I admitidly start to get deep into your business - in my opinion you seem to want to start at the top of the ladder here. Most of the guys out there shooting long range competition have been shooting for years (I mean 10+ years), and have thousands of dollars in equipment. I am not saying you may not be naturally talented and beat everyone out there, but I think realistically you may be setting yourself up for a big disappointment.

Have you given any thought to starting with something like a practical pistol competition? You can get into a nice used pistol in your price range. This would get you into the shooting sports in a venue where you can be more competitive (equipment and skill wize). Most of these matches are fairly informal at the local level. Most are out there to have fun. Most long range guys take there stuff serious. Besides, a pistol is a little more practical first gun than a 500 yard bolt action - just my opinion. You can always work into long range shooting from there.

I just want you to have a positive experience getting into the sport. But, you have found the right forum. Most of the guys here are very knowledgeable and nice!

[ArkansasHunter]

Zombelord WELCOME to Gun and Game !!!

[ezearln]

Welcome to the Gang , might I suggest you try something a wee bit less abitious and perhaps start with pistol or small bore rifle competition prior to engaging in long range centerfire competitions? It's always nice to learn the ropes (basics) before one takes the full plunge.

[billy]

i have been wanting an accurrate l.r. rifle my self and the best/inexpensive i have found starts at around $500 no scope rings etc.so i am looking at about $800 and i doubt that will be competitive. itll be a real nice rifle but it wont run with the big boys.
P.S. i wanted to compete smallbore but wasnt willing to fork over $1000 for a rifle no scope. and thats what it would take

once i realized what i was up against i came to the conclusion that i dont have the time OR money or the skill for that matter to compete. i scaled down my ambitions. i am not trying to discourage you but you can still end up with a really nice rifle that WILL make tiny groups.but and this is the part that stinks. its going to take some money....

[shjf]

Unfortunitly you get what you pay for in this hobby. I'd save the money and buy a decent rifle now instead of purchasing a meadyoker gun and then later dishing out the dollars for comp rifle.

[Midas]

Originally Posted by shjf

Unfortunitly you get what you pay for in this hobby. I'd save the money and buy a decent rifle now instead of purchasing a meadyoker gun and then later dishing out the dollars for comp rifle.

Agreed, in comp shooting, every dollar counts

[Redline]

Hello all. I am in the same deal. I am looking for a rifle probably .223 from what people are so far telling me to target shoot/coyote shoot anywhere from 200yds to 4 or 500. The budget looks to be 800 or so. If anyone has scope suggestions please let me know also.

[Bravo]

I would buy this rifle: Remington Model 700™ SPS™ Varmint Specifications

And this scope: Cabela's Centerfire Turret Tactical Scope

...maybe it's a bad combination...I plan on trying out the combo next year

[confedvet]

I absolutely live by the smallbore rifles, and have to agree with the group. Save your cash for a couple more months, spend some time researching different manufacturers, and purchase a quality gun. Yes, you will spend a $1000 or more, but if you purchase an inferior weapon; by the time you pay for aftermarket parts and gunsmithing bills you will have more in a cheaper gun than you will have in a quality gun that will usually have a higher quality barrel and much better performance. I know that sounds harsh, but it's for your own good. You would be so dissapointed by spending $400 for a gun, $150 for a trigger, a couple hundred or three to a gunsmith for various performance upgrades (barrel floating, precision headspacing, etc,etc,etc.....) and then have to buy a decent barrel after the facory one just does not perform (dang another $500). I think you get the idea. I guess the worst part is that you spend all that cash on the $400 rifle, and it's only worth $250 when you pull the trigger. Bummer ain't it... Save your cash and buy quality, you will not be dissapointed.



--------Two Cents Worth
confedvet

[SilverRun]

I read a real good review on the rifle in .308 cal. I looked up the specs on the .223 and the barrel twist is like 1:12 which is made for lighter varmint bullets. Not sure it would stabilize the heavier stuff you would need to reach on out there.

The scope look like a good deal so long as you are shooting the weight bullets that match you BDC.

Should be a great combination with the lighter bullets.

[Redline]

I am willing to spend more. I am actually sitting on about $850 now and could spend a bit into a 1100 or so. The only problem is I am just getting familiar with the gun world. I am trying to get as many helpful hints or recommendations on what to get. This will be my first rifle that I will own.

[Doctor Larry K]

Be sure and look at the Savage rifles. Best bang for the buck!

Doc