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Walk Around Varmint Rifle #16442631 09/17/21 Joined: Oct 2017 Posts: 41 F Fireboss OP Campfire Greenhorn OP Fireboss Campfire Greenhorn F Joined: Oct 2017 Posts: 41 Im looking for something lightweight in 223 for a walk around varmint rifle. Nothing fancy just something to roam around and shoot the occasional ground hog, crow, or coyote. Any suggestions?

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16442718 09/17/21 Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 5,856 Michigan U UPhiker Campfire Tracker UPhiker Campfire Tracker U Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 5,856 Michigan I'd get a Tikka T3x Compact in .223. Stick a 3.5-10x40 Leupold on it. If you want to spend a few hundred more, throw it in a B&C stock to get rid of the short length of pull.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16442877 09/17/21 Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM erich Campfire Tracker erich Campfire Tracker Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM Howa mini action, CZ, Tikka, Ruger. Just about everyone makes a rifle that would fit your requirements. Your pocket book and personal taste will dictate your purchase. Hit the gunshops and see what feels the best to you. I have a little fullstock Sako Vixen in 222, a Rem 600 in 6x45 and am building a little Rem 700 20"sporter weight carbine in 20 Practical with a lightweight stock. Last edited by erich; 09/17/21. After the first shot the rest are just noise. Make mine a Minaska Heaven has walls and rules, H-ll has open borders

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16442949 09/17/21 Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois Z zcm82 Campfire Tracker zcm82 Campfire Tracker Z Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois If you aren't worried about shooting the eye out of a sparrow at 200yds, try finding a cheap old Savage with iron sights in .223. See a lot of them floating around gun and pawn shops. I have an 840 in 222, it carried very well with iron sights, and I only paid $150 for it a couple years ago from a LGS. The 325/340/840 series get pretty clunky with a scope, though, because it is a side mount that sits way up high to clear the bolt handle.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16443093 09/17/21 Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM erich Campfire Tracker erich Campfire Tracker Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM Those old Savage/Stevens could shoot though. I shot the first group and thought it might be a fluke so shot the second. Moved back a ways. Last edited by erich; 09/17/21. After the first shot the rest are just noise. Make mine a Minaska Heaven has walls and rules, H-ll has open borders

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16443110 09/17/21 Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois Z zcm82 Campfire Tracker zcm82 Campfire Tracker Z Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois I have a straight 10x Bushnell on my 840 now and it will do right around 1 MOA with 30gr Varmint Grenades. I can keep them around 2-2.5 with the sights from a bench. I think was an extremely late run throwtogether rifle. It has a 1:16 twist barrel; won't shoot anything over 45gr for beans. I'm still really happy with it for $150. I had planned on just throwing a Williams peep and fine blade front sight on it, but Williams discontinued them, and the used ones I found were for ridiculous prices considering the value of the rifle. Last edited by zcm82; 09/17/21.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16443117 09/17/21 Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 78,300 Southwestern Montucky ingwe Campfire Oracle ingwe Campfire Oracle Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 78,300 Southwestern Montucky Tikka Superlight in 8 twist is your Huckleberry.... "...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16443234 09/17/21 Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,120 Montana L&C #5 M MT_DD_FAN Campfire Regular MT_DD_FAN Campfire Regular M Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,120 Montana L&C #5 Originally Posted by Fireboss Im looking for something lightweight in 223 for a walk around varmint rifle. Nothing fancy just something to roam around and shoot the occasional ground hog, crow, or coyote. Any suggestions? E-Z choice, get a Tikka T3x 223. The Superlites with the fluted barrel are a few ounces lighter than the standard T3x Lite but not enough to matter. All of my Tikka rifles have been very accurate with a variety of loads, they have excellent triggers and super slick operating actions. Pursuit may be, it seems to me, perfect without possession. Robert Kelley Weeks (1840-1876)

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16443236 09/17/21 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 CZ527 American in .223.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Ky221 #16443585 09/17/21 Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,168 Florida J JRS3 Campfire Regular JRS3 Campfire Regular J Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,168 Florida Originally Posted by Ky221 CZ527 American in .223. They are fantastic rifles.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16443825 09/17/21 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 4,349 northern new york DANNYL Campfire Tracker DANNYL Campfire Tracker Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 4,349 northern new york An early model 7 with the 18.5" barrel is quite handy

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16444797 09/17/21 Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 28,714 West of the Blue Ridge Pappy348 Campfire Ranger Pappy348 Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 28,714 West of the Blue Ridge One of the Ruger Compacts would be very handy, if you can stand the stubby barrel. I wouldn’t mind one of the Henry SSs in .223 either, though they're not especially light. They generally have nice wood, if that appeals to you. A bolt gun with similar wood costs much, much more. What fresh Hell is this?

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16445062 09/18/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 I’ve had several but they all went away when I found a Kimber Montana. I have one in 204 Ruger, 223 and 22-250AI.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16445272 09/18/21 Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky JamesJr Campfire Ranger JamesJr Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky I like this one. Remington Model 7 223.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16445731 09/18/21 Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 17,094 George_De_Vries_3rd Campfire Ranger George_De_Vries_3rd Campfire Ranger Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 17,094 I don’t know of a handier one than a CZ 527 in 223 or 204. And I will always hold CZ in high esteem for not only making lefties but for knowing now to make an action size-appropriate for for the 223 class of cartridges. There were a few others I know but too few. Last edited by George_De_Vries_3rd; 09/18/21.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle George_De_Vries_3rd #16445884 09/18/21 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 Originally Posted by George_De_Vries_3rd I don’t know of a handier one than a CZ 527 in 223 or 204.] How bout one in .221FB?

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle TWR #16446068 09/18/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina K K22 Campfire Ranger K22 Campfire Ranger K Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina Originally Posted by TWR I’ve had several but they all went away when I found a Kimber Montana. I have one in 204 Ruger, 223 and 22-250AI. This ^^^^^^^ When I bought my first Kimber Montana as a walk around varmint rifle, the Ruger Ultralight in 204 and a Rem. Model 7 in17 Rem. went down the road. So now I have one in 17 Rem., 204, 223, and 243.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle JRS3 #16447838 09/19/21 Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 4,066 Virginia barm Campfire Tracker barm Campfire Tracker Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 4,066 Virginia Originally Posted by JRS3 Originally Posted by Ky221 CZ527 American in .223. They are fantastic rifles. +1

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Ky221 #16448147 09/19/21 Joined: May 2018 Posts: 304 Wenatchee, Wa M MILFhunter Campfire Member MILFhunter Campfire Member M Joined: May 2018 Posts: 304 Wenatchee, Wa Originally Posted by Ky221 Originally Posted by George_De_Vries_3rd I don’t know of a handier one than a CZ 527 in 223 or 204.] How bout one in .221FB? That would be a sweet one. I use my LVSF 223 set in a ti takeoff for my walking varminter.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16448288 09/19/21 Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM erich Campfire Tracker erich Campfire Tracker Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM although it is only a 222Rem it is a nice walk-a-round rifle. Sako Vixen While not real common it is handi. Bernardelli Combo 12ga/5.6x50R Mag Last edited by erich; 09/19/21. After the first shot the rest are just noise. Make mine a Minaska Heaven has walls and rules, H-ll has open borders

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Ky221 #16448566 09/19/21 Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 129 A Aspencreek Campfire Member Aspencreek Campfire Member A Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 129 Originally Posted by Ky221 Originally Posted by George_De_Vries_3rd I don’t know of a handier one than a CZ 527 in 223 or 204.] How bout one in .221FB? Do you know how far out that coyote was and/or how far have you shot coyotes with the 221? I picked up the same rifle a few months back and have been thinking about taking it out some time instead of my 204 or 223 to give it a whirl. My other CZs are the Varmint models but the 221 is the American and it feels like nothing to hike around with it is so light.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16448665 09/19/21 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 I know exactly how far it was. 173yards on the nose. 200yards is as far as I have taken a coyote with it. I shoot the 40g NBT at 3200 FPS.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16448830 09/19/21 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,008 Texas hanco Campfire Savant hanco Campfire Savant Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,008 Texas A 99 in 308 ain’t bad. I have some in 243 now, even better. is lacroix sugar free Last edited by hanco; 09/19/21.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Ky221 #16448883 09/19/21 Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 129 A Aspencreek Campfire Member Aspencreek Campfire Member A Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 129 Originally Posted by Ky221 I know exactly how far it was. 173yards on the nose. 200yards is as far as I have taken a coyote with it. I shoot the 40g NBT at 3200 FPS. Awesome, thanks! Gonna have to give mine a try.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16450605 09/19/21 Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 32,124 OMAHA 260Remguy Campfire 'Bwana 260Remguy Campfire 'Bwana Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 32,124 OMAHA I replaced a Remington 660 in 222 with a stainless Remington 7 in 223. I don't know what your budget is, but have you considered a Ruger American Ranch Rifle or a Zastava M85 Sporting Rifle or a Remington 799?

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16450905 09/20/21 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 4,349 northern new york DANNYL Campfire Tracker DANNYL Campfire Tracker Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 4,349 northern new york Those ruger american ranch in 223 shoot great but dang they are loud, but come threaded.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle DANNYL #16452013 09/20/21 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,008 Texas hanco Campfire Savant hanco Campfire Savant Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,008 Texas Originally Posted by DANNYL Those ruger american ranch in 223 shoot great but dang they are loud, but come threaded. I have one, but I haven’t fired it, should be a fun knock around rifle.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16452110 09/20/21 Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois Z zcm82 Campfire Tracker zcm82 Campfire Tracker Z Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois I have one in 300 BO. Not the most accurate rifle I own (1.5 MOA-ish with a 110-125 grainers) but it handles very nicely, and the trigger is great. I agree they're a pretty noisy little thing, and I imagine far more so in .223 than in BO.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16452132 09/20/21 Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 4,366 WI./FL. Windfall Campfire Tracker Windfall Campfire Tracker Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 4,366 WI./FL. One with a flush fitting magazine. Much good as I’ve read about those CZ 527’s, I just can’t get past that magazine hanging out the bottom ahead of the trigger guard where your hand should go for a walk around varminter. My other auto is a .45 The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Windfall #16452185 09/20/21 Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky JamesJr Campfire Ranger JamesJr Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky [quote=Windfall]One with a flush fitting magazine. Much good as I’ve read about those CZ 527’s, I just can’t get past that magazine hanging out the bottom ahead of the trigger guard where your hand should go for a walk around varminter.[/quote I'm with you. I just got a Howa mini action in the 6.5 Grendel, with the detachable mag, and I already hate it.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16452222 09/20/21 Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM erich Campfire Tracker erich Campfire Tracker Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM They make a floorplate bottom metal for it or you can bob the mag. Bobbed mag. Bobbed mag mini with Dip bottom metal at work. It works well. Simple at home job with hacksaw and file. There is a tutorial on the 6.5 Grendel forum. Here's another tutorial right here on the campfire. https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...0/a-howa-mini-223-flush-magazine-success Last edited by erich; 09/20/21. After the first shot the rest are just noise. Make mine a Minaska Heaven has walls and rules, H-ll has open borders

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16452449 09/20/21 Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky JamesJr Campfire Ranger JamesJr Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky My rifle is a 6.5 Grendel, and has a different mag than the 223 uses. It has a 5 shot factory mag, so cutting it down would leave capacity at only a couple of rounds. I could go with one of the aftermarket floorplate assemblies, and do away with the factory setup, but quite frankly, I'm not impressed enough so far with the rifle to spend that kind of money on it.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Windfall #16452583 09/20/21 Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 19,229 B Blackheart Campfire Ranger Blackheart Campfire Ranger B Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 19,229 Originally Posted by Windfall One with a flush fitting magazine. Much good as I’ve read about those CZ 527’s, I just can’t get past that magazine hanging out the bottom ahead of the trigger guard where your hand should go for a walk around varminter. Yep, I'd never own one for that reason. Damned ugly thing's right in the way.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16452697 09/20/21 Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 19,033 Canyon Ferry, Montana M MontanaMarine Campfire Ranger MontanaMarine Campfire Ranger M Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 19,033 Canyon Ferry, Montana Ruger American Predator 223 here. Bushnell 10X scope. Light, handy, good shooter. Of course I had to spray paint it along the way,

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16453068 09/20/21 Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 4,581 East Kootenays, BC RickF Campfire Tracker RickF Campfire Tracker Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 4,581 East Kootenays, BC For a “make me feel good” rifle I would track down an old full-length stocked Vixen. For a USING rifle? I have owned a bunch over the years. That turn-over stopped when I got a Montana 84M 223. It is my forever carry-around 223. The Tikkas are as accurate, but they don’t fit me as well … and I hate plastic in a rifle. Anybody who seriously concerns themselves with the adequacy of a Big 7mm for anything we hunt here short of brown bear, is a dufus. They are mostly making shidt up. Crunch! Nite-nite! Stolen from an erudite CF member.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle MontanaMarine #16453109 09/20/21 Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois Z zcm82 Campfire Tracker zcm82 Campfire Tracker Z Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois Originally Posted by MontanaMarine Ruger American Predator 223 here. Bushnell 10X scope. Light, handy, good shooter. That the Bushnell Tac 10x? I threw one of those on my 840 in .222. Needed something straight power to clear the bolt handle, wanted more than 4x, and didn't want to spend Leupold money scoping a $150 rifle. It's been a great scope, only complaint is I wish the eye relief was a bit longer.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle zcm82 #16453433 09/20/21 Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 19,033 Canyon Ferry, Montana M MontanaMarine Campfire Ranger MontanaMarine Campfire Ranger M Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 19,033 Canyon Ferry, Montana Originally Posted by zcm82 Originally Posted by MontanaMarine Ruger American Predator 223 here. Bushnell 10X scope. Light, handy, good shooter. That the Bushnell Tac 10x? I threw one of those on my 840 in .222. Needed something straight power to clear the bolt handle, wanted more than 4x, and didn't want to spend Leupold money scoping a $150 rifle. It's been a great scope, only complaint is I wish the eye relief was a bit longer. I believe it was discontinued a while back, but was marketed as the Bushnell Elite 3200 Tactical 10 x 40. Mine is one of the 1/10 mil click models. It's a decent little scope, I think it was $199 from Midway when I purchased it. Here it is: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1009538182 Last edited by MontanaMarine; 09/20/21.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16453789 09/21/21 Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA S Seafire Campfire 'Bwana Seafire Campfire 'Bwana S Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA I've got a Howa Mini Action in 223, 22 inch barrel... earlier this year I picked up a Savage in 350 Legend... 18.5 inch barrel... the barrel is like a medium varmint contour....I had one made by Douglas the same length and profile in 17 Fireball. I'm going to do another, in 223 with a one in 7 Twist.... that contour and the 18.5 inch barrel balances real well for me.... a 6 x 45 barrel for it will be in my future also... "Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC “Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16453793 09/21/21 Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA S Seafire Campfire 'Bwana Seafire Campfire 'Bwana S Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA I also have a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Grendal., it has a 10 round magazine from the factory, in metal. I have picked up several in Polymer for cheap, that don't clunk around like the metal one... I kept looking for several other mags for it, in 5 round, and for a Grendal... but found nothing. even P Mag said they don't make them. Then at the range one day, a retired Marine Buddy from over on the coast tossed me one of his 5 round AR 15 polymer mags and said 'Try that'... Mags that say 223, work just fine using 6.5 Grendal rounds.... with 25 to 30 grains of powder ( many work), and bullets in the 85 to 100 grains, makes the Grendal a pretty darn good varmint rifle... not necessarily for ground squirrels and prairie dogs, but for coyotes and such....85 to 100 grain bullets in 6.5 bore, exiting the muzzle from 2700 to 2950 fps MV, are darn hard hitting bullets, and are pretty darn flat shooting to boot. not much of a coyote varmint shooter, but the Grendal with those 85 to 100 grain bullets, will certainly do the job, .. and the 100 grainers, work pretty darn well on deer also. "Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC “Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle MontanaMarine #16453794 09/21/21 Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA S Seafire Campfire 'Bwana Seafire Campfire 'Bwana S Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA Originally Posted by MontanaMarine Ruger American Predator 223 here. Bushnell 10X scope. Light, handy, good shooter. Of course I had to spray paint it along the way, Love that camo job Shane. "Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC “Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle MontanaMarine #16453876 09/21/21 Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois Z zcm82 Campfire Tracker zcm82 Campfire Tracker Z Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 3,038 Illinois Originally Posted by MontanaMarine I believe it was discontinued a while back, but was marketed as the Bushnell Elite 3200 Tactical 10 x 40. Mine is one of the 1/10 mil click models. It's a decent little scope, I think it was $199 from Midway when I purchased it. Here it is: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1009538182 Yep, same one I have on the .222. Elite 3200 Tac 10x40 with the mil reticle. Got mine from Graf on clearance when they discontinued them. Think it was $139 or so at the time.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16454421 09/21/21 Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM erich Campfire Tracker erich Campfire Tracker Joined: May 2002 Posts: 4,069 WA to NM The one shown is a is a 6.5 Grendel also and the modded mag holds three and with one in the pipe that's four, how many rounds does it take to kill a coyote. I rarely run four, just load the mag and close the bolt. The only shot that really counts is the first one. You can always carry a full sized mag as a reload. After the first shot the rest are just noise. Make mine a Minaska Heaven has walls and rules, H-ll has open borders

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16454548 09/21/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 The holy grail Well under 7 lbs and is a joy to carry.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16454663 09/21/21 Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 6,867 s.tex R RIO7 Campfire Tracker RIO7 Campfire Tracker R Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 6,867 s.tex This one works for me. Rio7

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle TWR #16454947 09/21/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina K K22 Campfire Ranger K22 Campfire Ranger K Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina Originally Posted by TWR The holy grail Well under 7 lbs and is a joy to carry. TWR, Is that Montana in 223? If so, what load are you using on fur?

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16454974 09/21/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 This particular one is in 204. The 35 grain Berger with TAC powder is my cat load but as soon as these run out, I’ll be switching to the 40 grain Bergers and TAC. They kill coyotes better and still are passable on a cat. My 223 shoots 55 grain NBT’s and Lever. I just don’t hunt it much, use the 204 during cat season and the 22-250AI the rest of the time. All three are Montana’s. Last edited by TWR; 09/21/21.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16455454 09/21/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina K K22 Campfire Ranger K22 Campfire Ranger K Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina The 204 Montana's are awesome. Both of mine shot very well, then one became a 17 Rem.. I mainly use a 37gr. bullet in mine, but the 35gr. Berger's do rather well also. Is it the distance when the 35gr. Bergers aren't as consistent? Building another Kimber Montana in 204 using a Lilja barrel. That'll give me a 17 Rem.. 2 204's, a 223, and a 243, all in Kimber Montana's. My 223 Montana really likes the Sierra 55gr. SMP and SBT along with the 68gr. bthp Hornady Match. Not sure what that 68gr. bullet is good for hunting wise.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16455931 09/21/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 I started with a Remington 700 in 204 and it wouldn’t shoot the 40’s so I stuck with the 32’s and then tried the 39 grain accumax I think? I was not thrilled at all so I sold the rifle. Wound up later buying a Contender barrel in 204 after the 35 Berger’s came out. It was much better but I still got a few runners and sold it. Traded for the Montana and tried the 40 grain Hornady factory ammo and it shot it just fine. Started killing coyotes with it and figured out is is a giant killer. That combo kills as good as a 22-250. I think I have 30 or 40 of the 35’s loaded up and I might just pull the bullets and go with the 40’s. Cats in Oklahoma just don’t fetch a good enough price to be that particular. I had another Montana in 223 and had it punched AI but sold it to a good friend. When I wear out the 22-250AI barrel, I might go 243 AI with it and punch this new 223 to AI. That’ll kinda give me a little difference between em.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16457386 09/22/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina K K22 Campfire Ranger K22 Campfire Ranger K Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina Do you get many exits with the Hornady 40gr. bullet? I know the original Nosler 32gr. solid base bullets were pretty good, but now they are hard to find.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16457399 09/22/21 Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,385 H HitnRun Campfire Regular HitnRun Campfire Regular H Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,385 https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...-custom-classic-223.cfm?gun_id=101737032 Originally Posted by RJY66 I was thinking the other day how much I used to hate Bill Clinton. He was freaking George Washington compared to what they are now.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle TWR #16457530 09/22/21 Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 78,300 Southwestern Montucky ingwe Campfire Oracle ingwe Campfire Oracle Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 78,300 Southwestern Montucky Originally Posted by TWR then tried the 39 grain accumax I think? Something new to me. WTF is an accumax? "...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16457538 09/22/21 Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 11,945 NB / Canada SuperCub Campfire Outfitter SuperCub Campfire Outfitter Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 11,945 NB / Canada Originally Posted by Fireboss Im looking for something lightweight in 223 for a walk around varmint rifle. Nothing fancy just something to roam around and shoot the occasional ground hog, crow, or coyote. Any suggestions? Fast twist T3 in 223.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle ingwe #16457836 09/22/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina K K22 Campfire Ranger K22 Campfire Ranger K Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina Originally Posted by ingwe Originally Posted by TWR then tried the 39 grain accumax I think? Something new to me. WTF is an accumax? Muzzle loading bullets. Not sure what a 39gr. .452 bullet would look like........

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16458272 09/22/21 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 My guess would be he means the accu-tip from Remington.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16458532 09/22/21 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,902 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado huntsman22 Campfire Ranger huntsman22 Campfire Ranger Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,902 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado far as I know Sierra's 20 cal 39 BlitzKing is the only 39 grainer. Last edited by huntsman22; 09/22/21.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16458663 09/22/21 Joined: Nov 2017 Posts: 425 B bmoney Campfire Member bmoney Campfire Member B Joined: Nov 2017 Posts: 425 My Ruger American ranch 223 and Savage M25 17 hornet are my go to rifles for getting out away from the truck.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16459420 09/22/21 Joined: Oct 2019 Posts: 1,078 B Benbo Campfire Regular Benbo Campfire Regular B Joined: Oct 2019 Posts: 1,078 I’ve got a vixen in 223. Love that thing. It just seems perfectly proportioned. 3-9 leupold and 1365 sierras…. .5”

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16459509 09/22/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 Oops, I did say I think? Ya the blitz king or whatever it was, heck it was a long time ago and I haven’t looked back. I just figured out Accumax is a company I’ve been dealing with. I knew it didn’t sound right but it stuck. Last edited by TWR; 09/22/21.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle JamesJr #16459571 09/22/21 Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 28,714 West of the Blue Ridge Pappy348 Campfire Ranger Pappy348 Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 28,714 West of the Blue Ridge Originally Posted by JamesJr My rifle is a 6.5 Grendel, and has a different mag than the 223 uses. It has a 5 shot factory mag, so cutting it down would leave capacity at only a couple of rounds. I could go with one of the aftermarket floorplate assemblies, and do away with the factory setup, but quite frankly, I'm not impressed enough so far with the rifle to spend that kind of money on it. I’m impressed enough with mine and my grandsons that I ponied up for floorplates for both and an $850 scope for mine. One of the “easiest” rifles I’ve ever owned. Picked the listed load for Speer 120gr Gold Dots with the highest velocity, worked up to it, and haven’t looked back. In about three weeks, it’s going doe hunting. You lose a round or so with the floorplate too, but three is about all I ever stuff in anyway. What fresh Hell is this?

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Pappy348 #16459802 09/22/21 Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky JamesJr Campfire Ranger JamesJr Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky Originally Posted by Pappy348 Originally Posted by JamesJr My rifle is a 6.5 Grendel, and has a different mag than the 223 uses. It has a 5 shot factory mag, so cutting it down would leave capacity at only a couple of rounds. I could go with one of the aftermarket floorplate assemblies, and do away with the factory setup, but quite frankly, I'm not impressed enough so far with the rifle to spend that kind of money on it. I’m impressed enough with mine and my grandsons that I ponied up for floorplates for both and an $850 scope for mine. One of the “easiest” rifles I’ve ever owned. Picked the listed load for Speer 120gr Gold Dots with the highest velocity, worked up to it, and haven’t looked back. In about three weeks, it’s going doe hunting. You lose a round or so with the floorplate too, but three is about all I ever stuff in anyway. Haven't had a chance to shoot anything in mine so far but a box of Hornady 123 SST's, but accuracy has not been good. I have about half a dozen different loads already loaded up to try, but the wind and rain have prevented me from shooting for the past few days. I've always found Howas to shoot better than that, so maybe the reloads will be the answer.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16459844 09/22/21 Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 4,372 Portland, Ore D Dancing Bear Campfire Tracker Dancing Bear Campfire Tracker D Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 4,372 Portland, Ore Originally Posted by Fireboss Im looking for something lightweight in 223 for a walk around varmint rifle. Nothing fancy just something to roam around and shoot the occasional ground hog, crow, or coyote. Any suggestions? My favorite one is a Stainless Hawkeye UL in .223. I had iron sights put on it, added an Ernies trigger spring floated the barrel and glass beddeed the action. I screwed a 3-9 Leupold on it. Works great. My general use load is a 55 gr Hornady SP w-cannelure over 25.5 gr of RL-15. Bullet is seated to the cannelure. I quit looking for a load for this rifle after I tried this one in it. It also works well. Yes, I know some folks don't like RL-15 witth 55 gr bullets.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle JamesJr #16460333 09/22/21 Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 28,714 West of the Blue Ridge Pappy348 Campfire Ranger Pappy348 Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 28,714 West of the Blue Ridge Originally Posted by JamesJr Originally Posted by Pappy348 Originally Posted by JamesJr My rifle is a 6.5 Grendel, and has a different mag than the 223 uses. It has a 5 shot factory mag, so cutting it down would leave capacity at only a couple of rounds. I could go with one of the aftermarket floorplate assemblies, and do away with the factory setup, but quite frankly, I'm not impressed enough so far with the rifle to spend that kind of money on it. I’m impressed enough with mine and my grandsons that I ponied up for floorplates for both and an $850 scope for mine. One of the “easiest” rifles I’ve ever owned. Picked the listed load for Speer 120gr Gold Dots with the highest velocity, worked up to it, and haven’t looked back. In about three weeks, it’s going doe hunting. You lose a round or so with the floorplate too, but three is about all I ever stuff in anyway. Haven't had a chance to shoot anything in mine so far but a box of Hornady 123 SST's, but accuracy has not been good. I have about half a dozen different loads already loaded up to try, but the wind and rain have prevented me from shooting for the past few days. I've always found Howas to shoot better than that, so maybe the reloads will be the answer. That didn’t shoot very well in either Grendel I’ve had. Neither did their 6CM ammo, for that matter. Brass is good, though. What fresh Hell is this?

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16461009 09/23/21 Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 6,867 s.tex R RIO7 Campfire Tracker RIO7 Campfire Tracker R Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 6,867 s.tex For all around use for critters big and small my .243 A.I. works great. Rio7

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16461356 09/23/21 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 3,678 4 43Shooter Campfire Tracker 43Shooter Campfire Tracker 4 Joined: May 2008 Posts: 3,678 Another vote for the CZ. Mine's an older 527 223 carbine. It came with pretty decent open sights and has integral scope bases. If you don't like the protruding magazine their are several single shot adapters out there for them. The Calhoon adapter is a good one. Flush fit, machined steel. Drop a round in the top of the receiver and it chambers smooth every time. Looks like there are lots of good options out there that would work for you. I don't do much rifle hunting anymore and have sold some of my hunting rifles but I've hung on to the CZ because of it's quality blued steel & walnut. Last edited by 43Shooter; 09/23/21.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16551259 10/22/21 Joined: Oct 2021 Posts: 2 Ohio S shotar New Member shotar New Member S Joined: Oct 2021 Posts: 2 Ohio Last year, my wife won a Savage Axis .243, newest version in a raffle. After the customary two weeks of sitting on the mantle like a leg lamp, she gave it to me. I had no idea what to do with it as the Axis I had 10yrs ago was hot garbage and went down the road quickly. I was advised by friends that .243 was a great ground hog round with the right ammo. I took some advice and did a ladder load work up with some 58gr Vmax that a friend gave me. Let me say that none of the loads shot greater than 1moa but I hit on one that has been consistently sub 1/2 moa with cool downs after 4 shot groups. The mag holds 4 and cool down consists to me of the time it takes to check target and reload. The scope that came with it was not great so I put on a vortex 6-18. This rifle, for a light weight, low cost, walking around rifle has killed a whole lot of wood chucks this summer between 50-300yds. If I were looking for an inexpensive buggy or walking around rifle that just plain works, I'd actually spend money to buy one. I expected to hate it, but it has become my go to varmint gun.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16551404 10/22/21 Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 4,366 WI./FL. Windfall Campfire Tracker Windfall Campfire Tracker Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 4,366 WI./FL. Our varmints here just aren't that large, plentiful or far away as a lot of you. A .22 LR fit the bill early on until I upgraded to a Mossberg .22 RF Magnum 640 Chuckster, then a Remington 722 .222, then a Sako Vixen L461 .222 Remington Magnum, then to a heavy barrel Remington 700 6mm, then to a Cooper 38 .221 Fireball and finally settled back to a .22 RF Magnum/20 gauge Savage 24H-DL with a peep sight as my ideal walk around varmint rifle. I've decided that farmers and landowners only know what they hear and potting a crow for me sounds like I'm shooting a heifer or poaching a deer for them. A .22 Magnum isn't so large that it can't take a red squirrel or something eatable, yet it is large enough for a close range fox or coyote and that 3" 20 gauge with shot or a slug is there if needed. My other auto is a .45 The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16582580 11/01/21 Joined: Oct 2021 Posts: 770 Minor Hill TN / Hillsboro AL E EddieSouthgate Campfire Regular EddieSouthgate Campfire Regular E Joined: Oct 2021 Posts: 770 Minor Hill TN / Hillsboro AL Model 43 Winchester in .218 Bee has always been my favorite , second is a Savage 340 in .22 Hornet . Shoot the same load in both : 12.5 gr of W 680 or 1680 , 35 gr Hornady Vmax lit with a small pistol primer . Most shots around here are 100 yards or a lot less and both of these work for me on anything I am likely to shoot. In .223 I like some of the others mentioned like the Howa Mini . Last edited by EddieSouthgate; 11/01/21. Grumpy old man with a gun.....Do not touch . Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Don't bother my monument and I'll leave yours alone.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16591770 11/04/21 Joined: May 2003 Posts: 23,013 SW Montana V VarmintGuy Campfire Ranger VarmintGuy Campfire Ranger V Joined: May 2003 Posts: 23,013 SW Montana Fireboss: The ONLY "walking Varmint Rifles" I seek out and buy are the Remington 700 Classic's in the smaller calibers - as I most often prefer the heavy barrel Varmint Rifles for my uses. I do own these Remington Classics in 17 Remington, 221 Remington Fireball, 222 Remington (I have 2 of these) and 223 Remington. ALL.... are splendidly accurate - and they are increasing in value every year. Investing in a Remington 700 Classic in 223 Remington, I am certain, would be a good move and it will almost certainly be very accurate. Best of luck with whichever you choose. Hold into the wind VarmintGuy

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16593164 11/04/21 Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky JamesJr Campfire Ranger JamesJr Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 19,194 The Pennyrile of Kentucky My favorite "walking around" varmint rifle is the Remington Model Seven Predator. I have 3 of them, 223, 22-250, and 243. The one in 223 is the most accurate 223 rifle I've ever owned, and the 22-250 is probably my favorite coyote rifle.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16594827 11/05/21 Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 2,059 Maryland leomort Campfire Regular leomort Campfire Regular Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 2,059 Maryland As a southpaw, I went with left handed CZ 527 American in 223rem as walking around varmint rifle.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Pappy348 #16596416 11/05/21 Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA S Seafire Campfire 'Bwana Seafire Campfire 'Bwana S Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA Originally Posted by Pappy348 Originally Posted by JamesJr Originally Posted by Pappy348 Originally Posted by JamesJr My rifle is a 6.5 Grendel, and has a different mag than the 223 uses. It has a 5 shot factory mag, so cutting it down would leave capacity at only a couple of rounds. I could go with one of the aftermarket floorplate assemblies, and do away with the factory setup, but quite frankly, I'm not impressed enough so far with the rifle to spend that kind of money on it. I’m impressed enough with mine and my grandsons that I ponied up for floorplates for both and an $850 scope for mine. One of the “easiest” rifles I’ve ever owned. Picked the listed load for Speer 120gr Gold Dots with the highest velocity, worked up to it, and haven’t looked back. In about three weeks, it’s going doe hunting. You lose a round or so with the floorplate too, but three is about all I ever stuff in anyway. Haven't had a chance to shoot anything in mine so far but a box of Hornady 123 SST's, but accuracy has not been good. I have about half a dozen different loads already loaded up to try, but the wind and rain have prevented me from shooting for the past few days. I've always found Howas to shoot better than that, so maybe the reloads will be the answer. That didn’t shoot very well in either Grendel I’ve had. Neither did their 6CM ammo, for that matter. Brass is good, though. I've found my Grendel, which is on a Ruger American Predator platform, works real well with varmint bullets, 85 HP Sierras, 90 gr Varmaggeddons, 95 gr V Max, 100 gr Hornady SPs, 100 B/Tips and 100 gr Partitions, 100 gr Sierra HPs... Most powders I've tried have worked well. Lately I've been loading and testing 3031 in it..... 28 gr charge weight. all the bullets mentioned above, but also 120grainers, 123, 129 Hornady SP, and a host of 140 grain bullets Remington, Hornady, Sierra, Nosler and same charge has been very accurate with ALL of those bullet weights.... 120 thru 140s at 100 yds, very very close same point of impact.... then the varmint weight ones, same thing with them.... my standby powders tho besides 3031, have been W 748, Benchmark, H 322, 2015, and of course 4198s.... and RL7.... I'm really enjoying my Grendal and enjoying also playing with it. It seems to do real well with what I have fed it. "Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC “Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Seafire #16602939 11/07/21 Joined: May 2011 Posts: 56,257 Oregon Fireball2 Campfire Kahuna Fireball2 Campfire Kahuna Joined: May 2011 Posts: 56,257 Oregon Sako Vixen 222 mag I had setback and rechambered to 221 Fireball is the schit for me. Own an Anschutz 222 and a Krico 223 but the Fireball really gets a workout. That action couldn't be any better suited to a Fireball. _______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack LOL

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle TWR #16602946 11/07/21 Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 47,962 Battle Born B bsa1917hunter Campfire 'Bwana bsa1917hunter Campfire 'Bwana B Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 47,962 Battle Born Originally Posted by TWR I’ve had several but they all went away when I found a Kimber Montana. I have one in 204 Ruger, 223 and 22-250AI. A montana would be awesome. However, My first pick would be the Tikka superlite because I know its going to shoot well and the price is right.. The next rifle along those same lines would be a used Steven's 200.. Very light and extremely accurate rifles. The CZ 527 is a cute rifle too, but I highly dislike the steel magazine hanging down where I am generally carrying a rifle from. That and the back asswards safety is a no go for me... I've handled a few at gunshows and always put them back... Originally Posted by raybass I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. Originally Posted by Pharmseller You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16603623 11/08/21 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 I can understand not like the mag on the CZ527. I can't wrap my head around a beef with a "backwards" safety? Think of it like a hammer. You pull a hammer to the rear; just pull the safety to the rear lol.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle bsa1917hunter #16604819 11/08/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 Originally Posted by bsa1917hunter Originally Posted by TWR I’ve had several but they all went away when I found a Kimber Montana. I have one in 204 Ruger, 223 and 22-250AI. A montana would be awesome. However, My first pick would be the Tikka superlite because I know its going to shoot well and the price is right.. The next rifle along those same lines would be a used Steven's 200.. Very light and extremely accurate rifles. The CZ 527 is a cute rifle too, but I highly dislike the steel magazine hanging down where I am generally carrying a rifle from. That and the back asswards safety is a no go for me... I've handled a few at gunshows and always put them back... Having had 4 Montana’s that all shot well, I’m comfortable with my decision. I’ve dealt with Tikka’s but not owned one though I did own 4 Sako’s, 243, 223, 17 Remington and a 300 WSM. They are gone, Montana’s are still here. But that’s my pick.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Ky221 #16605063 11/08/21 Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 47,962 Battle Born B bsa1917hunter Campfire 'Bwana bsa1917hunter Campfire 'Bwana B Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 47,962 Battle Born Originally Posted by Ky221 I can understand not like the mag on the CZ527. I can't wrap my head around a beef with a "backwards" safety? Think of it like a hammer. You pull a hammer to the rear; just pull the safety to the rear lol. Its because of muscle memory. Most safeties are push forward to fire. Shotguns have always been that way and until now, with CZ, most rifles. The more natural it is to operate when you are hunting, the better. Why CZ wanted to make them operate backwards is strange. Originally Posted by raybass I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. Originally Posted by Pharmseller You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle 260Remguy #16605083 11/08/21 Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 19,130 North of Des Moines kwg020 Campfire Ranger kwg020 Campfire Ranger Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 19,130 North of Des Moines Originally Posted by 260Remguy I replaced a Remington 660 in 222 with a stainless Remington 7 in 223. I don't know what your budget is, but have you considered a Ruger American Ranch Rifle or a Zastava M85 Sporting Rifle or a Remington 799? I have a Ruger American compact. It's only downfall is the magazine. Other than that it's a nice little package. kwg For liberals and anarchists, power and control is opium, selling envy is the fastest and easiest way to get it. TRR. American conservative. Never trust a white liberal. Malcom X Current NRA member.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle bsa1917hunter #16607437 11/09/21 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 Originally Posted by bsa1917hunter Originally Posted by Ky221 I can understand not like the mag on the CZ527. I can't wrap my head around a beef with a "backwards" safety? Think of it like a hammer. You pull a hammer to the rear; just pull the safety to the rear lol. Its because of muscle memory. Most safeties are push forward to fire. Shotguns have always been that way and until now, with CZ, most rifles. The more natural it is to operate when you are hunting, the better. Why CZ wanted to make them operate backwards is strange. Lever action rifles come to mind. I alternate between 527s and 700s. And I'm not that sharp and literally have zero issues.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Ky221 #16608051 11/09/21 Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,366 Idaho D drover Campfire Tracker drover Campfire Tracker D Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,366 Idaho Originally Posted by Ky221 Originally Posted by bsa1917hunter Originally Posted by Ky221 I can understand not like the mag on the CZ527. I can't wrap my head around a beef with a "backwards" safety? Think of it like a hammer. You pull a hammer to the rear; just pull the safety to the rear lol. Its because of muscle memory. Most safeties are push forward to fire. Shotguns have always been that way and until now, with CZ, most rifles. The more natural it is to operate when you are hunting, the better. Why CZ wanted to make them operate backwards is strange. Lever action rifles come to mind. I alternate between 527s and 700s. And I'm not that sharp and literally have zero issues. Agreed, the CZ safety has never been an issue for me. I always chuckle when I read someone having trouble with the CZ issue, if they have trouble with that then how do the handle a 10/22 with a side-push safety on the trigger guard, or an AR style with the safety on the opposite side of the receiver that has to be thumbed up or down. I recall owning an Ithaca 37 with a trigger on the rear of the trigger guard, then there is the M-14 that has a safety inside the trigger guard that has to be pushed forward, and lets not even get into pistol safeties since some are pushed up to be safe, some are pushed down to be safe, and some do not even have one. Oh yeah - I almost forgot about the decockers on some pistols. There are numerous safety choices and if one is challenged to operate them I wonder if they should be handling firearms. Personally I wish more firearms were like the CZ where the safety locks the bolts from firing, to me it is a much better safety than most trigger block safeties - can anyone say Remington 700 style?? I have yet to read of a CZ trigger block safety firing when it is released. drover 223 Rem, my favorite cartridge - you can't argue with truckloads of dead PD's and gophers. 24hourcampfire.com - The site where there is a problem for every solution.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle drover #16608175 11/09/21 Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 47,962 Battle Born B bsa1917hunter Campfire 'Bwana bsa1917hunter Campfire 'Bwana B Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 47,962 Battle Born Originally Posted by drover Originally Posted by Ky221 Originally Posted by bsa1917hunter Originally Posted by Ky221 I can understand not like the mag on the CZ527. I can't wrap my head around a beef with a "backwards" safety? Think of it like a hammer. You pull a hammer to the rear; just pull the safety to the rear lol. Its because of muscle memory. Most safeties are push forward to fire. Shotguns have always been that way and until now, with CZ, most rifles. The more natural it is to operate when you are hunting, the better. Why CZ wanted to make them operate backwards is strange. Lever action rifles come to mind. I alternate between 527s and 700s. And I'm not that sharp and literally have zero issues. Agreed, the CZ safety has never been an issue for me. I always chuckle when I read someone having trouble with the CZ issue, if they have trouble with that then how do the handle a 10/22 with a side-push safety on the trigger guard, or an AR style with the safety on the opposite side of the receiver that has to be thumbed up or down. I recall owning an Ithaca 37 with a trigger on the rear of the trigger guard, then there is the M-14 that has a safety inside the trigger guard that has to be pushed forward, and lets not even get into pistol safeties since some are pushed up to be safe, some are pushed down to be safe, and some do not even have one. Oh yeah - I almost forgot about the decockers on some pistols. There are numerous safety choices and if one is challenged to operate them I wonder if they should be handling firearms. Personally I wish more firearms were like the CZ where the safety locks the bolts from firing, to me it is a much better safety than most trigger block safeties - can anyone say Remington 700 style?? I have yet to read of a CZ trigger block safety firing when it is released. drover Its funny you mention 10-22 and AR style safeties. Those are still a push forward style. The 10-22 and even Remington 870 style trigger guard safety buttons are orientated so your trigger finger pushes the safety button away to take the safety off. Look at the left handed versions. They are reversed, so the left hand trigger finder still pushes away. Its a no thought process type of safety. Pulling back on a safety lever to fire is backwards. Enough people have complained about it that the newer rimfire CZ's have been fixed to operate properly... This is not just a complaint I have. Trust me.. Originally Posted by raybass I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. Originally Posted by Pharmseller You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16608256 11/10/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,652 Utah B boatanchor Campfire Tracker boatanchor Campfire Tracker B Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,652 Utah The CZ527 is one of my favorite walk around varmint rifles, I have several but my favorite is chambered in 222 Rem. some whine about the magazine, some whine about the safety............whiner's whine about anything, but in reality is not a problem for most that have any level of gun skill. you adapt and move forward, non issue

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle boatanchor #16608418 11/10/21 Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 5,856 Michigan U UPhiker Campfire Tracker UPhiker Campfire Tracker U Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 5,856 Michigan Originally Posted by boatanchor The CZ527 is one of my favorite walk around varmint rifles, I have several but my favorite is chambered in 222 Rem. some whine about the magazine, some whine about the safety............whiner's whine about anything, but in reality is not a problem for most that have any level of gun skill. you adapt and move forward, non issue Just like those who complain that the Glock grip angle is different than a 1911's, and then rave about the feel of a Ruger Mark pistol...

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16608420 11/10/21 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,681 All I can say is they work for me. Different strokes. Guess it's the same as not liking tikka because they are all long action. And not like 70s and 77s because they are 3position wing safeties. We all have our preferences.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16608714 11/10/21 Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 813 Harrisburg, IL minengr Campfire Regular minengr Campfire Regular Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 813 Harrisburg, IL Depends on my mood. I have a Sako vixen in 222, another in 223 I had built, and a custom Zastava mini-mauser in .17 Rem. The .17 is a little more handy with it's shorter barrel. Both it and the 223 shoot lights out thanks to Kevin Weaver's skills.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16609875 11/10/21 Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,366 Idaho D drover Campfire Tracker drover Campfire Tracker D Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,366 Idaho My Cooper Classic in 223 Rem with a 4-12 VX2 with LR dots. It is a single shot but I carry nine more rounds in a buttstock cartridge holder. drover 223 Rem, my favorite cartridge - you can't argue with truckloads of dead PD's and gophers. 24hourcampfire.com - The site where there is a problem for every solution.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16610224 11/10/21 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,902 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado huntsman22 Campfire Ranger huntsman22 Campfire Ranger Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,902 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado bubba buddies, baby......

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle kwg020 #16610335 11/10/21 Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 32,124 OMAHA 260Remguy Campfire 'Bwana 260Remguy Campfire 'Bwana Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 32,124 OMAHA Originally Posted by kwg020 Originally Posted by 260Remguy I replaced a Remington 660 in 222 with a stainless Remington 7 in 223. I don't know what your budget is, but have you considered a Ruger American Ranch Rifle or a Zastava M85 Sporting Rifle or a Remington 799? I have a Ruger American compact. It's only downfall is the magazine. Other than that it's a nice little package. kwg I have owned around 20 RARs, most with the flush-fit rotary magazines and have only had feeding issues with a couple of them. A walking varmint rifle that I seem to reach for quite often is a Marlin XS7 in 22-250 that has a rechambered Stevens 200 1-9" ROT barrel.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle huntsman22 #16610473 11/10/21 Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,366 Idaho D drover Campfire Tracker drover Campfire Tracker D Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,366 Idaho Originally Posted by huntsman22 bubba buddies, baby...... Yepper !!! All of my rifles have them, they are as handy as a pocket on a shirt. drover 223 Rem, my favorite cartridge - you can't argue with truckloads of dead PD's and gophers. 24hourcampfire.com - The site where there is a problem for every solution.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16610615 11/10/21 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,902 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado huntsman22 Campfire Ranger huntsman22 Campfire Ranger Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,902 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado Which also works to put ammo in.......

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16610696 11/10/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 Preference’s… I like the bubba buddies, ammo is right there, I have my cheat sheet tucked under the other side and my tender cheek doesn’t have to rest against the cold stock.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16610940 11/11/21 Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA S Seafire Campfire 'Bwana Seafire Campfire 'Bwana S Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 42,699 Southern Oregon USA Was putting together one of Two Savage Axxis 2, removing a 350 Legend barrel.... and putting a similar profile barrel chambered in 17 Fireball. 18 inch barrel. Strike me as they are going to be pretty darn mobil walk around rigs. "Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC “Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16611243 11/11/21 Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 3,612 L liliysdad Campfire Tracker liliysdad Campfire Tracker L Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 3,612 My "walking varminter" is the same as my "sitting varminter." 22 Creedmoor in a 700 action with a 16.5" 8 twist Shilen barrel. Siting in an AG stock with a Bushnell 3.5-21 DMR-II and a Harvester screwed to the end of it, it weights 10lb. That's plenty light enough to tote, and heavy enough to shoot.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle TWR #16611274 11/11/21 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,902 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado huntsman22 Campfire Ranger huntsman22 Campfire Ranger Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,902 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado Originally Posted by TWR Preference’s…I like the bubba buddies, ammo is right there, Do they make them for .22 LR? How many rounds do they hold?

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle huntsman22 #16611781 11/11/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 Originally Posted by huntsman22 Originally Posted by TWR Preference’s…I like the bubba buddies, ammo is right there, Do they make them for .22 LR? How many rounds do they hold? Yes but they go on your shirt...

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Seafire #16613102 11/11/21 Joined: May 2011 Posts: 56,257 Oregon Fireball2 Campfire Kahuna Fireball2 Campfire Kahuna Joined: May 2011 Posts: 56,257 Oregon Originally Posted by Seafire Was putting together one of Two Savage Axxis 2, removing a 350 Legend barrel.... and putting a similar profile barrel chambered in 17 Fireball. 18 inch barrel. Strike me as they are going to be pretty darn mobil walk around rigs. Here she is all dressed up for the ball John. Hogged out the barrel channel and put on a Pentax scope I had laying here. Still need to install the lighter trigger spring. _______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack LOL

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16636825 11/19/21 Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 2,059 Maryland leomort Campfire Regular leomort Campfire Regular Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 2,059 Maryland What power scopes you all using on your walk about rifles? I put a Leupold 3-9x33mm EFR on my left handed CZ 527 223 American. Just wish I can find low(er) rings for it.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle leomort #16636946 11/19/21 Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 78,300 Southwestern Montucky ingwe Campfire Oracle ingwe Campfire Oracle Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 78,300 Southwestern Montucky Originally Posted by leomort What power scopes you all using on your walk about rifles? I put a Leupold 3-9x33mm EFR on my left handed CZ 527 223 American. Just wish I can find low(er) rings for it. 3x9s on all of mine. "...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16637502 11/19/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 T TWR Campfire Outfitter TWR Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,163 3-9, 3.5-10 and a 2.5-8

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16637754 11/20/21 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina K K22 Campfire Ranger K22 Campfire Ranger K Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24,370 Western North Carolina 2-7 mainly, 2.5-8, and now a 3-9.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16638121 11/20/21 Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 403 C Charlie-NY Campfire Member Charlie-NY Campfire Member C Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 403 I carry a custom Rem Model 7 in .223. The rifle wears a Leupold 3-9 Ultra lightweight with a custom reticle w/ holdover dots for my load.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16640678 11/21/21 Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 3,711 O Osky Campfire Tracker Osky Campfire Tracker O Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 3,711 I bought a .17 WSM 2 years ago for the casual walking as mentioned above. Unbelievably fun gun. Longest coyote to date was 178 yards, dead right there. When first sighted in I benched it out to 235 yards and four rounds on a windless morning inside of a playing card were to me impressive, I did not zero to 235, too much to compensate at lesser range and be spot on. The rifle is a basic savage bolt model, it wears a Leupold 6x. Super lite, super fun, plenty of knockdown ( no pigs up here ) and zip for cost of ammo. My only change would be a better quality rifle in that caliber. The base savage is ok but I think the action could be a whole lot smoother. Osky An edit to this…the rounds for this rifle I have found are .20 and .25 grain. My rifle is deadly with the .25, the 20’s seem to wander a bit. Last edited by Osky; 11/21/21. A woman's heart is the hardest rock the Almighty has put on this earth and I can find no sign on it.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16645394 11/22/21 Joined: Oct 2016 Posts: 422 Mt V verns Campfire Member verns Campfire Member V Joined: Oct 2016 Posts: 422 Mt Does that have a bit more soup than the HMR ? “To account nothing of one's self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom.” ― Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16779843 12/29/21 Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 17,817 Armpit of midwest H hookeye Campfire Ranger hookeye Campfire Ranger H Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 17,817 Armpit of midwest Mines a 700 ADL in HS stock, .243 w 22" sporter bbl 4-12x AO and Harris leg notch non swivel bipod Gonna log some miles for yotes after 1st of the yr LOL

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16781071 12/30/21 Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 3,691 Southern Oregon Blacktail53 Campfire Tracker Blacktail53 Campfire Tracker Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 3,691 Southern Oregon My “walk about” .223 is also my range rifle for playing with steel.... an 8 twist RAR with a timney trigger and SWFA 3X9 on deck. The factory mag works fine with most 60 gr and under bullets, not so much with anything longer seated out where they belong..... I mod’ed a mag to run 75’s and it works OK. The rig is amazingly accurate with most any load I’ve tried. That said, I’m either going to trip it or put the compact stock I bought on it and use it to teach the grandkids. I have a pile of 40 and 50 gr bullets to load for the kids to shoot. Probably switch to a straight 6X SWFA and put the 3X9 on the Tikka T3X SL that I intend to replace the RAR with........... after market mags will cure the long loaded col issue and keep it hand carry friendly. BT53 "Where do they find young men like this?" Reporter Savidge, Iraq Elk, it's what's for dinner....

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16781173 12/30/21 Joined: Dec 2021 Posts: 325 Desert M MonkeyWrench Campfire Member MonkeyWrench Campfire Member M Joined: Dec 2021 Posts: 325 Desert What zcm82 said. The Rifle is the Weapon of Democracy

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16805119 01/05/22 Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 49 C Cjk3006 Campfire Greenhorn Cjk3006 Campfire Greenhorn C Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 49 A standard Ruger American in 223 is a handy rifle for those shots under 200 yds. When I am not walking far a Vanguard, Hough stock, Timney trigger 24" barrel gives me confidence to 300 yds.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16805380 01/05/22 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,008 Texas hanco Campfire Savant hanco Campfire Savant Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,008 Texas This Ruger sure is fun, loaded with 62 grain Bear Claws.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #16840403 01/14/22 Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 677 Midwest C ccd Campfire Regular ccd Campfire Regular C Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 677 Midwest Look for a Montana in 223 or 204. I found one ,223 , in a small gun shop about 20 miles away last Feb. Wasn' t really looking for one, but it came home.

Re: Walk Around Varmint Rifle Fireboss #17270275 05/22/22 Joined: Feb 2018 Posts: 98 Montana / Alberta V vmax204 Campfire Greenhorn vmax204 Campfire Greenhorn V Joined: Feb 2018 Posts: 98 Montana / Alberta A Savage 340 or Remington 788 in 222 or 223 is a very handy rifle. Great walking or truck / quad gun. Can usually be found for a reasonable price and if it gets bumped or scratched it just adds more character to the rifle. I thought growing old would take longer.