I've been wanting a .218 Bee for years....finally I can see my way through to buy one.....but have no experience with any of the models.
On the watch list is a Winchester M43 a Browning M-65 and a Marlin lever gun
Can anyone tell me about the accuracy and reliability of any of these guns?
I am not a gunwriter, but I had a 218 bee in a T/C Contender with a Foxridge (custom shop) barrel. It was wonderfully accurate and fun to shoot. I eventually sold because I didn't care for the way it carried and it was a pain in my opinion to clean the barrel.
My cousin inherited his uncle's Winchester M43 in 22 hornet and I have shot it some. It shot ok with factory loads and the trigger was heavy and hasd a bit of creep. It looks like a rimfire rifle. I wasn't impressed with it.
The best Bee I saw was a gunsmith friend of mine built a 218 Mashburn Bee on a Sako action which was originally for a 222 Remington. He opened the bolt face and found a 218 Bee magazine for a different Sako and it worked great.
