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

[tominboise]

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?

 

[Mark M.]

Tikka

 

[nr123]

I agree with Mark. Tikka

 

[howl]

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

 

[BP1]

I really like the ruger American youth model in 223 with the 62gr Barnes tts

 

[SmokinJoe]

Maybe some sort of Howa?

 

[SSL]

Ruger American Predator. Light, accurate and a 1/8" twist for plenty of options. Uses AR magazines too.

 

[LonewolfMcquade]

Ruger American

 

[snert]

oh lord...forgive me for saying this out loud...

Rooger

 

[South Paw Sammy]

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.

 

[DNorton]

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.

 

[JB10]

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.

 

[Pyscodog]

Tikka T3 or T3x

 

[Bc'z]

Ruger American
Well the action is anyway.

A Ruger with a hair trigger.
Man I miss this pup.

 

[nakneker]

Tikka. I have the stainless fluted version, sporter weight barrel. Shoots very small, it’s light and it will retain its value better than most. I really enjoy that rifle.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

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..

 

[DGP4]

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.

 

[boltfluter]

Ruger American
Well the action is anyway.
View attachment 1302009
A Ruger with a hair trigger.
Man I miss this pup.
View attachment 1302011

That's a nice looking rifle and bolt combination ! I have a few pups I am missing as well. Dogs truly are a gift from God. Merry Christmas bud.

Paul

 

[Mark W]

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.

 

[Dgd6mm]

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.....