I'm interested in getting a .223 bolt-action rifle. I'd like something traditional looking (decent bluing and wood stock) in a sporter weight.
My main purpose for the gun would be for casual shooting/plinking out to a couple hundred yards or so.
The gun may be used for prairie dog and predator hunting, but not enough that I'd want a heavy varmint setup.
It needs to be left-handed, and I'd like something that will hold up to a diet of steel-cased ammo (in addition to hand loads) if I want to shoot cheap.
Some of the options I've seen that I'm considering are:
CZ 527
Ruger 77 (used only?)
Savage 14
Tikka T3 Hunter
From what I've seen, they appear to be priced within about $100 of each other ($650-$750ish), and I wouldn't want to go much high than that.
Any input on any of these rifles or suggestions for others that I've overlooked?
My main purpose for the gun would be for casual shooting/plinking out to a couple hundred yards or so.
The gun may be used for prairie dog and predator hunting, but not enough that I'd want a heavy varmint setup.
It needs to be left-handed, and I'd like something that will hold up to a diet of steel-cased ammo (in addition to hand loads) if I want to shoot cheap.
Some of the options I've seen that I'm considering are:
CZ 527
Ruger 77 (used only?)
Savage 14
Tikka T3 Hunter
From what I've seen, they appear to be priced within about $100 of each other ($650-$750ish), and I wouldn't want to go much high than that.
Any input on any of these rifles or suggestions for others that I've overlooked?