.223 Range rifle. Bolt action Budget?

[chetrogers]

I am getting back into firearms, and really am looking into pistols, but just for fun, someday I am going to need a .223 for the range at 100 yards. Im curious to know if there is a bolt action .223 that will work great for me. It will be months before i can save, but im looking around $400 as my budget. Im choosing the .223 for the cartridge price. I do have a few rifles, but they arnt really something i can afford something that i shoot a lot of. I have a 30-06, 22lr, Sar-1 "not gonna be accurate for me".
The only one I have seen so far is the Savage 19220 Axis Bolt 223 . I notice that it only has a 3 round magazine, which i dont like. I would like 4 or more if possible. I have a nice scope that I haven't used yet. I wish I could buy a new .22lr, but I can't even find the ammo for it, so I have to wait and hope it ever comes back. Thanks for your time.

 

[redneck383]

While I don't have any experience with the Axis, I've heard a lot of good things about them accuracy-wise. The main complaint with them that I know of is the trigger. This can be fixed by finding an Axis II which just came out. It has the Accutrigger, which I have and think it's an awesome trigger. Much better if you're trying to shoot small groups. They come with a Weaver scope right now, only sold as a package, but should still be within or very close to your budget. If/When they start selling it without the scope, I'll be buying one in .243. I'm just suspicious of "free" scopes but if you have a replacement at the house already then you can try the Weaver and swap it out if you don't like it.

 

[HOOfan_1]

look at the Thompson Center Venture

 

[sappyg]

I have an Axis and a Ruger American in 223. Of the two I would choose the Axis.

The Axis and American both have 5 round detachable mags. The Axis mag is a nice simple box. Perfect. The American mag is rotary and not so impressive IME. Plus, the Axis is cheaper so there's more money left over for ammo.

There is the Mossberg (predator?) that can take AR mags that's at the limit of the budget. Definitely worth a look.

 

[viking499]

A tad more expensive than the ones listed above, but a Tikka would be a good choice.

 

[Manny]

Though I haven't seen the new version in .223 yet, I'm very impressed with Ruger's American rifle. I have an American rimfire and love it, thinking very hard of getting one in .223. I especially like that it has a 1/8 twist barrel so it'll handle even the heavy bullet .223 ammo. Something that not all 1/9 twist barrels will do. The Americans have also been building a very good record on accuracy. I think you'd be hard pressed to get more for your money.

 

[tdoyka]

i would buy the axis, use the $30-40 scope, when you get the money buy a better scope. and i know what a stroke can do to you, i am stroke-abled too!

 

[Radagast]

Howa make a good rifle:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_280/products_id/41337

A decade ago I was in a rifle club that used these as club rifles. They were capable of 1-2 minute of angle in good hands. Assuming the quality hasn't dropped, they would be a food choice.

 

[Centurian22]

Another satisfied axis user here but in .308.

 

[Scrumbag]

Could you save up a little more and look at a CZ527?

 

[Ks5shooter]

Venture in .223 ,love mine.75 dollar rebate through april 2014.

 

[kwg020]

Mossberg makes a magazine fed bolt action. The MVP. I have never been a Mossberg fan but this could help me change my mind. kwg

http://www.mossberg.com/products/rifles/bolt-action/centerfire

 

[zerobarrier]

A used Rem 700 or a new one for a little over your budget.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Bolt-Action-Rifles/BI.aspx?ca=5000020&mfg=1000230&mo=3001610

or something like this if you want to go way over budget.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Bolt-Action-Rifles/BI.aspx?Keywords=xlr

 

[Dmitri Popov]

Savage. I own a an axis in .223, superbly accurate. From a rest I have produced <3\4" inch groups at 100 yards with Hornady FMJ BT 55gr Practice ammo. That being said this rifle wouldn't group but rather patterend with all steel case ammo, but thats something I can live with.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I have both an Axis (.243) and a Mossberg MVP-Predator (20" light bbl).
I can't recommend the Mossberg. It's "ok" accurate, and the trigger with spring removed is still 3+lbs and with creep.

The Axis has poor stock ergonomics, but otherwise is an excellent rifle. I reduced the trigger pull on mine to ~2lbs with minimal creep (easy for a 'smith with trigger job experience, but not a newby job).
My Axis is amazingly accurate for a "entry level" rifle. It did need some stock and trigger attention, however. (As did the Mossberg, too. Much more than the cheaper Axis did....).

 

[zerobarrier]

I never liked the safety on the savage's, I am not a fan of rifles with safety's on the triggers like a glock.

 

[BP Hunter]

Try the Ruger American in .223 whcih sells abut $330ish.

 

[Mohave-Tec]

My axis in 223 with timney trigger and boyds stock. Best shooter I have of 13 rifles.