Purchase question regarding .223

bdubrifleguy · 07-20-2007, 03:02 AM

Hi guys. So here's the scoop. I work at a summer camp as a rifle instructor with kids and adults. I have a good knowledge of safety (having taken the NRA course), and I take people out to shoot .22s.

Now that I've gotten well acclimated with the guns, I think it would be fun, as well as a professional asset, to own one myself. My knowledge on the guns themselves is somewhat limited, as I never really got into it before this job - though I'm learning! I was thinking of getting a .223 caliber rifle (which I heard is more versatile than the regular .22), but don't really know much about the manufacturers themselves, how much it's going to cost, etc.

The camp provides me with Ruger 77s, which are pretty nice (though somewhat beaten up). I've heard that Ruger makes a pretty good gun, and am at this point inclined to get one of those. So, essentially, I'd like knowledgeable peoples' opinions on the topic of which kind to get. Keep in mind that I don't have money to blow, but would also rather get a gun that served my purposes faithfully for longer than a piece of crap.

So, first question is about the make itself. Also, should I get a scope accessory for it? What about different stocks (wood vs. other)? Are the cartridges themselves expensive (moreso than .22 rimfire ones at least?) How much should the whole thing cost (about)?

Note that this gun will primarily be used for target practice, though I may later also engage in varmint shooting. I was thinking of getting this gun on Saturday, so any advice before then would be great. Thanks.

Kris

samuel · 07-20-2007, 05:17 AM

I believe you should purchase a good .22lr rimfire and do a lot of research on centerfire .22,s before buying one.The .223 takes a much better backstop for target shooting.Where you probably never shoot over 50yds with a rimfire,the centerfire can be used for 400yd+ shots.The price for ammo runs about 5 times as much at least for cf,s.You as an instructor, in my opinion,need to find an instructor for cf,s.None the less it is a lot of fun and very rewarding. sam.

Johnnycat · 07-20-2007, 11:27 PM

If you're going to step up into centerfire from the .22 rimfires, .223 is the right choice. Ammo is among the easier (and cheapest) - although it's still much more than the .22LR that you're accustomed to.

As far as manufacturer, since this would be your first - go for the best deal. Ruger is fine. Savage makes a great rifle and is usually very inexpensive.

Wood/synthetic - in the grand scheme of things not a big difference. The synthetic is generally cheaper.

Of course you'll want a scope - if you want to shoot open sights stick with the .22 rimfire. Scope come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. I'd go with a 3x9 for a .223. The best advice is decide how much you can spend, buy the cheapest rifle and the best scope. Don't make the mistake that most make and buy a good gun with a cheap scope. If anything, buy the good scope and cheap rifle.

If you want new you're looking $400-$500 minimum. You can probably get a good setup at a Pawn shop for about $300, but then you're not sure of its history.

Good luck and have fun!

07-20-2007, 03:02 AM	#1
bdubrifleguy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1	Purchase question regarding .223 Hi guys. So here's the scoop. I work at a summer camp as a rifle instructor with kids and adults. I have a good knowledge of safety (having taken the NRA course), and I take people out to shoot .22s. Now that I've gotten well acclimated with the guns, I think it would be fun, as well as a professional asset, to own one myself. My knowledge on the guns themselves is somewhat limited, as I never really got into it before this job - though I'm learning! I was thinking of getting a .223 caliber rifle (which I heard is more versatile than the regular .22), but don't really know much about the manufacturers themselves, how much it's going to cost, etc. The camp provides me with Ruger 77s, which are pretty nice (though somewhat beaten up). I've heard that Ruger makes a pretty good gun, and am at this point inclined to get one of those. So, essentially, I'd like knowledgeable peoples' opinions on the topic of which kind to get. Keep in mind that I don't have money to blow, but would also rather get a gun that served my purposes faithfully for longer than a piece of crap. So, first question is about the make itself. Also, should I get a scope accessory for it? What about different stocks (wood vs. other)? Are the cartridges themselves expensive (moreso than .22 rimfire ones at least?) How much should the whole thing cost (about)? Note that this gun will primarily be used for target practice, though I may later also engage in varmint shooting. I was thinking of getting this gun on Saturday, so any advice before then would be great. Thanks. Kris

07-20-2007, 05:17 AM	#2
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	I believe you should purchase a good .22lr rimfire and do a lot of research on centerfire .22,s before buying one.The .223 takes a much better backstop for target shooting.Where you probably never shoot over 50yds with a rimfire,the centerfire can be used for 400yd+ shots.The price for ammo runs about 5 times as much at least for cf,s.You as an instructor, in my opinion,need to find an instructor for cf,s.None the less it is a lot of fun and very rewarding. sam.

07-20-2007, 11:27 PM	#3
Johnnycat Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tupelo, MS Posts: 246	If you're going to step up into centerfire from the .22 rimfires, .223 is the right choice. Ammo is among the easier (and cheapest) - although it's still much more than the .22LR that you're accustomed to. As far as manufacturer, since this would be your first - go for the best deal. Ruger is fine. Savage makes a great rifle and is usually very inexpensive. Wood/synthetic - in the grand scheme of things not a big difference. The synthetic is generally cheaper. Of course you'll want a scope - if you want to shoot open sights stick with the .22 rimfire. Scope come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. I'd go with a 3x9 for a .223. The best advice is decide how much you can spend, buy the cheapest rifle and the best scope. Don't make the mistake that most make and buy a good gun with a cheap scope. If anything, buy the good scope and cheap rifle. If you want new you're looking $400-$500 minimum. You can probably get a good setup at a Pawn shop for about $300, but then you're not sure of its history. Good luck and have fun!