556/223 Bolt action.

[Turkeytider]

After a decent one. I like the idea of the Savage, as I have tooling to change barrels. The Ruger is interesting for the mags, but a lot of there products are kinda iffy. I was kinda fishing for others experience.

If I were considering a Savage, I`d focus on the 110 line. That`s NOT a knock on the Axis line. Those Axis I`ve seen shoot have been very accurate, JMHO but the 110s are a grade up ( and also more expensive, somewhat! ). There are good rifles of various brands all the way up the budget continuum ( Say, $400 all the way into the thousands ). The catch may be the availability of whatever you want.

 

[Maneiak]

My next gun buy. Always wanted a 223 bolt gun. Any suggestions? Stanag mags a plus, but definately not required.

I have a Browning X-Bolt that I really like. Mine is chambered in 204

 

[Bcwitt]

If I were considering a Savage, I`d focus on the 110 line. That`s NOT a knock on the Axis line. Those Axis I`ve seen shoot have been very accurate, JMHO but the 110s are a grade up ( and also more expensive, somewhat! ). There are good rifles of various brands all the way up the budget continuum ( Say, $400 all the way into the thousands ). The catch may be the availability of whatever you want.

If i can find a 110 in 556, that will do it. I like the idea of readily switching barrels. Im kinda leaning toward a 22" sporter, if available.

 

[.308 Norma]

I've sold and traded off a lot of guns over the years, and one of the very few I regret selling was a stainless Ruger 77 .223 with one of those ugly, "boat paddle" stocks. Selling that rifle was a dumb move on my part, and the only reason I did it was because I wanted to "step up" to a .22-250 as my primary varmint rifle.
I bought myself a stainless Kimber (I don't know the model #) .22-250 with a synthetic stock just before I sold that Ruger .223, and while the Kimber is a great rifle, and does everything I want it to do, I still miss the handiness, versatility and ruggedness of that ugly Ruger 77. Furthermore, the Ruger was every bit as accurate as my Kimber, and I never load my Kimber .22-250 up to its full potential anyway.

 

[Turkeytider]

If i can find a 110 in 556, that will do it. I like the idea of readily switching barrels. Im kinda leaning toward a 22" sporter, if available.

If Savage makes a bolt action rifle chambered in 5.56, I don`t know what it is. .223 may be as close as you can get.

 

[Bcwitt]

If Savage makes a bolt action rifle chambered in 5.56, I don`t know what it is. .223 may be as close as you can get.

Thats true, but i can put any barrel on it I want.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I have shot plenty of surplus 5.56 rounds through my Model 12. Frankly I don't think it matters in a bolt gun what the round is labelled.

 

[FL-NC]

Real happy with this Mossberg MVP. Also would not hesitate to get a Ruger American- I have 2 in other calibers and they are great rifles.

 

[entropy]

Since you said best, I had to vote other.
Of what's listed-
Best price: Savage
Best value: Ruger with AR mag.

 

[Chuck R.]

Can't vote. All make good options. Savage may be best bang for the buck. My bolt action .223 is a Remington 700 XCR Compact Tactical. I'd prefer a faster-twist barrel, but it does pretty well with the 1:9.

Same here:



I love mine, it's been very accurate and with 69 grn OTMs can easily handle out to 600yds.

To the OP, as usual I'd 1st look at your task and purpose for the rifle. I've got 2 bolt action .223s, both set up differently. The above pictured rem 700 XCR "Compact tactical" is more of a precision/varmint rig. I also have a Rem M7 that's set up more as a "walking varminter" and a "trainer" rifle for my big game rifles. Much lighter, less glass, different task/purpose:



It's the rifle I grab 7/10 times when I just want to plink out back or hike the property lines.

 

[Legionnaire]

^^ Ditto. I need a current photo of my Model 7.

 

[jmorris]

I picked up one of the $299 with rebate savage 112’s at Cabelas before the last panic.

I don’t like the factory stock or trigger but it shoots well.

Not bad for 55gn FMJ’s @ 300 yards.



and even better with decent projectiles.

 

[Bottom Gun]

I would look for a good clean Sako Vixen in .223.
You would be hard pressed to find a better rifle and you won't ever have the urge to "upgrade".

 

[Skeptic13]

I have a Mossberg MVP that I have had for about 10 years. It shoots great, takes all of my Pmags, lightweight and handy rifle.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I have a Mossberg MVP that I have had for about 10 years. It shoots great, takes all of my Pmags, lightweight and handy rifle.

I really liked the MVP Predator that I had. It was one of the early ones so I don't know if there have been any improvements to them. It was one of the most accurate factory 223 rifles that I have owned, rivaling the Tikka. The bolt was a little sloppy, feeding from the magazines wasn't 100% reliable, and I would get a jam at least once per mag.

 

[psp7304]

Look for a used CZ527. If you can, shoot it a few times first. You WILL NOT regret a purchase weather you get to shoot it first or not.

I agree with bihj. I have a CZ 527 and it is extremely accurate. The 527 was discontinued by CZ so you will have to find a used one.

 

[Rex in OTZ]

I bought a used and slightly abused Remington model 78 Sportsman off a co-worker.
Initally had issues with the optics(bad) and the bases.
Once undamaged optics were on & secure, it was a coyote harvesting machine.

I never seen one but heard Rem 788's came in .223.