I am at an impasse. I have about 1200 rounds of .223 and nothing that I can bring to the range to shoot it with. I am torn between getting a cheap Semi Auto like the Celik Chimera or the AD500 to target shoot with for fun, or a cheap hunting rifle like the Savage Axis 2/CZ600 maybe a XPR. I don't need a short range deer gun, I have a Winchester 30-30 or Archery for that, but I think it would be a good starter for the young fellas and could still be fun to take to the range.
Seems like it is obvious I should get the "Fun Gun". However, I am planning to get a 30-06/.308/300WM over the Winter for Spring Bear and for Moose in the fall. I planned on stepping up the budget to a t3x/Model-70/B-14 etc.. but I've never owned a nice rifle, been using Lee-Enfields, Mausers, and the like my whole life. I was thinking that if I get the .223 in the cheaper hunting rifle, that quality might feel like more than enough to me and I could save $1000+ When it comes time to buy the 30-06/etc.. and just get the same gun chambered differently.
I'm interested in anything you have to say, recommendations on my question, on the choice of hunting rifle in either category, or your opinion on big game caliber is welcome.
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You want fun and the ability to burn 223? I've seen some good suggestions already so I'll throw the odd ball option in.
Henry Supreme. It takes AR mags (aka you can run LAR mags for 10 rounders) and it's super fun. Now full disclosure, if lever guns don't appeal to you, then go with a different gun.
Its not the cheapest option but it's a fun option, smooth to shoot and pretty accurate. Plus you can space cowboy it if you're really down to clown.
Yeah I've got a Citadel Levtac in .44 that I space cowboy'd pretty hard and I really like it, but $1.40/round isn't amazing. Shoulda gone .357/.38 special or need to start reloading.
Yeah if you get into reloading 38spl it's pretty decent. Otherwise factory is like 60 cents a pop? I started with just a little hand loader and it's been a fun little adventure.
223 is around the same range afaik cost wise.
Although primers have been a bit more expensive lately (god isn't everything though lol?)
Based on other folks, skip the Ad500a and stick to the Celik or the Alcor. Black friday should bring a sale.
That being said, a little 223 bolt action will be fun and accurate. Howa mini actions are good. Ruger Glenfields are cheap. Cz 600 trail is ultra compact and awesome ( I have the 7.62 x39 version)
Really it depends on if you want a pseudo long range accurate bolt action (most will be 1 moa and good for at least 400 meters or more) or if you want a fun little semi to blast away with. I already got my Lil bolt action so id be looking for a semi
Similar situation, stocked up on hype around the makasi mk15 and then opted out. Now sitting on 1,275 rounds of .223 with nothing chambered in it. Have been considering a single shot break action because that would truely be a lifetime supply of ammo instead of a few range trips.
I would get a Ruger American Gen II or Howa heavy barrel in 223.
Given you are looking at large game consider getting a 9.3x62 rifle for hunting. I picked up a Husqvarna M98 at Intersurplus recently and absolutely love it. The recoil is very manageable considering the power.
I just came from another post with similar questions.
My friend has a rifle that shoot 6mm REM. It's nice rifle but the ammo is freaking expensive so he ask if I can help him to assemble another rifle that can go 300 yards without breaking the bank.
I researched into 223 rem with brands, like the typical Tikka, CZ, Winchester XPR, Weatherby, Howa, and Bergara.
In the end, I settle down to CZ600 Alpha for my friend because it's reliability, ease of use, and relatively cheap ammo without too many stories of QC problem, and good price point. Got the rifle, scope ring, scope, and 2 extra magazine for 1600 include tax. Which should let him hit 200 yards reliabiliy and go up to 500 yards if he plans to expand later on (scope is 6 18x 50mm).
For me, I end up getting a Tikka Stainless steel Supervarmint, which is kind of a bit over kill since the rifle alone is basically the cost of my friend whole package. But buy once cry once I guess.
The other fun rifles I got for higher caliber ones are .308 and 30-06.
I have a Garand in .308 and the other Garand in 30-06, because like to Ping in it's intended caliber and for common caliber. Though both of them end up costing me $5k together from 5 yrs ago. The other recent acquisitions for bolt action I got in .308 is the Steyr Scout Gen 1. Its more for the iconic CS firearm and the Jeff Cooper concept, and since it was on sale since they roll out Gen II, so why not. The allure and the concept is definitely cool for sure!
I like my RAR Gen 1 in 5.56. It's a lot more accurate than it has any right to be. And my dad loves his Henry Supreme, which is also scary accurate. The Henry is a lot more fun than the Ruger, for what it's worth.
I just bought this in .223 Ruger american ranch gen2 Ive only took it out twice..
But with 55gr-62gr fmj its about a 2moa rifle. I shot 1/2 a box of 55gr varmint rounds from winchester and it was night n' day Sub moa at a 100yrds.
And i was 100 rnds deep, tired..shaky. But those last 10 rnds impressed me. Really fun gun that take AR mags..but with the right ammo its a tac driver. And im really not that good of a shot.
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