Moving away from Encores. Thinking of a 223 bolt action. No entry level rifles. No high end rifles. No panic prices either. I’m old and for more years is nothing. Howa, Ruger, Vanguard, even Savage.
Blued, or stainless. Wood stocks preferred.
What I really want is the custom Mauser back that I sold a few years ago...... the maker was reputed to make his barrel from old truck axels. Such is the stuff of legends......
I have been where you are. A nice Kimber or some such...but really a lightweight AR 15 fits so many light rifle needs. I suggest you build one. A friend helped me. Put you money into a trigger and barrel. I built a no compromise gun for about $700. ( Black Hole barrel Timney trigger) Assuming proper bullets they kill deer like a 270 ! Change can be good !
I hear you on the ar rifles. I’m just not an AR fan. I prefer bolt guns, however I may be forced to buy one. What a dilemma!!!
i'll second what uncas said.
running the form drill i consistently got 2 more hits per 20 with the go to at vs kimber montana 223.
7 or 8" twist with rifle length 18" and ur golden with 77gr tmk
they are my go to bullet inside of 300 yards
I bought a t/c compass in .223 last year and it shoots sub moa if you do your part with 62gr. Paid $288 out the door.
S&W is divesting itself of TC.....
I sold my AR-15's they both had bull barrels and after market triggers and shot sweet; but I'm afraid that someday they will be outlawed or taxed or???
I have a youth seven 223 and an old model 78 223 that I bought new. The 78 is wearing a different stock, and the trigger is new. Both those 223's will shoot less than 1/2 MOA with the right loads.
There are arguments regarding a 204 is better or a such and such is better, and I have a 204 and a 222. But I'll be putting more bullets down range at the PD town with the 223's. (I have a bit more brass for the 223.) I think that youth seven will make a good truck gun too.
Good luck on your search. If you don't mind synthetic stocks, I think Howa is a lot of rifle for the $'s.
John Boy, one last point maybe not at all an issue but, here goes...ARs are the best design ever to manage gas escaping a ruptured case.
The test as as recall involved about every gun available to test with a high pressure air hose fitted to the barrel. No surprised most all popular bolt actions tested poorly. 760 pump guns were near the best. The AR was the safest with the gas escaping into the buffer tube if any even gets that far!
I spent 30 years not liking them and about three years exploring the design. Like Contenders (GUILTY of TOO MANY) , ARs are quick to change calibers. Nicely accurate but even better able to deliver repeatable accuracy it seems no barrel bedding issues help accuracy, also kind of like Contenders...
That might have been three points. 'Beg your pardon, Sir.
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Lots of good information. I learned more about the ar rifle today.
I have a nicely blued mini mauser mark 10 with a wood stock that I didn't realise at the time but is a laminate. Looks more like just standard walnut stock than not. I bought it on a whim and will not use it. It has a full length Tang to end of stock very nice betting job. 650 to your door. If your interested, PM me your email and I will send pics to you.
PM sent for pictures.....
I knew better than to ask this bunch here for help in finding a rifle....
Now I’ve got leads on the great choices.
Decisions, decisions....
Anything else available before picking one???
I like wood stocks also. For me I'm happy with the standard Winchester 70, Howa or 700 Remington. And I won't run from a 110 or 112 Savage (wood stock).
John_Boy……may want to check with Elk County Ammo & Arms in Pennsylvania (St. Mary’s (814)834-9451)) they bought a bunch of Zastava mini Mausers in .222, .223 and 7.62X39 and you can buy pretty reasonable $400ish depending on condition (couple of buddies bought some “rougher” ones for around $300. They shoot great but are “used”).
PennDog
Thanks DANNYL, I was about to put a link in myself
Found what I wanted. Actually three of what I wanted.
Two are on the way, the third may come later.
The testing resumes.
The most accurate gets to stay.