Dr.Carbine
Member
I would like to get a rifle in .223 caliber to add the my collection. I am not considering an AR clone due to cost and lack of interest. I've shot friend's AR's at the range and they're fun and all, but don't fit the budget. I am considering 2 rifles in the same price range, but they are totally different in features. For about $300 I can get either a Saiga with a 20inch barrel or a Stevens 200 bolt action with a 22 inch barrel. I would like to scope my new rifle so it would be my "longer range" tool.
The rifle would be for paper punching at the range or as a defensive tool, in the common .223 cartridge. I have my M1 carbine as a fun gun and 150 yard or less defensive piece. I like cheap to feed rifles and would like to add the .223 to the mix.
My dilemma is that I believe the bolt action Stevens would probably be more accurate at 100 to 300 yards and the "snik-snik" of a bolt is a pleasure, but with a 4 shot magazine, reloading becomes a bother and a quick follow up isn't possible. The Saiga would be fun, taking a shot each time the sight picture lines up and reloading would be easy and less frequent. But I'm not sure it would be accurate enough to be enjoyable and the scope mounting is a bit more awkward.
Do any of you own a bolt and semi-auto in .223 and have a preference? What proves to be more enjoyable in the long run? Any other factors to consider? Thanks for your time and input.
The rifle would be for paper punching at the range or as a defensive tool, in the common .223 cartridge. I have my M1 carbine as a fun gun and 150 yard or less defensive piece. I like cheap to feed rifles and would like to add the .223 to the mix.
My dilemma is that I believe the bolt action Stevens would probably be more accurate at 100 to 300 yards and the "snik-snik" of a bolt is a pleasure, but with a 4 shot magazine, reloading becomes a bother and a quick follow up isn't possible. The Saiga would be fun, taking a shot each time the sight picture lines up and reloading would be easy and less frequent. But I'm not sure it would be accurate enough to be enjoyable and the scope mounting is a bit more awkward.
Do any of you own a bolt and semi-auto in .223 and have a preference? What proves to be more enjoyable in the long run? Any other factors to consider? Thanks for your time and input.