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Best cost effective 223 bolt rifle for blasting coyotes, ground squirrels and rocks?

I am thinking about selling my single shot Cooper bolt gun in 223 and picking up a more sporter weight bolt gun for coyotes, crows, whatever. The Cooper is extremely accurate and lovely, but it sits in the safe. I already have a CZ 527 in .22 Hornet and a Remmy 700VLS in 221 Fireball, along with a varmint weight AR. So I don't really need another rifle for ground squirrels, but I have a ton of 223 loaded up and so why not.

Ruger American, Savage Axis predator, something else?
 
Ruger American isn't cheap like it used to be. If you're not stretching your budget you might as well pay a little more and get something better in that case. This is where people type 'Tikka' and 'used'.

Actually cheap are Axis Ii or T/C Compass if you can find one. They may have ceased making the Compass but that's be my choice based on a sample of many Savage stand 10s and 110s and a single Compass
 
I have to agree Ruuuuger AMERICAN I have a couple of them and being left handed they are available in various calibers. I’m a Remington man and have a double hand full of um. But that Ruger American is a dang accurate little rifle especially for the price point.
 
I bought an Ruger American .223 for my son to deer hunt with back when they first released. When I got it home and in my hands I hated it. Until I shot it. That sob shot a 1/2” group the first 3 shots. While they are still cheap and ugly, I have a certain respect for the American line of rifles. Their modest price tag certainly makes them one of the best truck/bad weather/drag around in the dirt rifles, and therefore a great choice for a hunting rifle or first rifle for a youngster.
 
Savage axis in 223. I could not be happier. This same one is on sale at bass and cabellas. I paid $305 and they were a bit cheeper than that. I did not like the trigger but installed an mcarbo spring kit and it made all the difference. Have killed a few coyotes and 1 Bobcats with it. Only had it for 2 months now. I own 2 Ruger Americans and they are fine but wanted cheeper. This came with this scope and i plan to leave it. Its light. Just over 6lbs.
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Actually I am gonna say Savage Axis. They can be had for under $300 and shoot rather well. In fact I was going to buy one in 223 last year after shooting a bud's. Couldn't find one so I bought a TC instead. But my buds Savage is a shooter..
 
I'd also recommend the Ruger American. Trigger is good right out of the box and mine shoots 3/4 inch groups at 100 yards consistently with the right loads. The Achille's Heel is the stock but I put mine in a Boyd's laminate and really like the set up.
 

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Actually I am gonna say Savage Axis. They can be had for under $300 and shoot rather well. In fact I was going to buy one in 223 last year after shooting a bud's. Couldn't find one so I bought a TC instead. But my buds Savage is a shooter..

Which TC did you buy? I almost threw out TC Venture as an option because of my experience with one in 30-06 that I won a few years ago. I sat on it until this year before I finally mounted a scope and worked up a load. I was pleasantly surprised in its accuracy. I figured the .223 version would be pretty good as well.
 
I like the Savage in a model 10 or similar. I've had the. 223 Axis before they put the accutrigger in it. Sold it and my wife bought me a model 10 with a 20" threaded Varmint barrel, 9 twist, it's a tack driver. I do like my Tikka.....
 

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