Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

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Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by squirrelhunter » 29 Oct 2013, 8:18 am

Hi guys,

I have a Scout which is fine for days on foot, it's time I got a decent range rifle though.

Not something I'm experienced in so advice appreciated.

Only requirements really are .223 and I've got about $2000 to spend on the rifle.

Looking to do real accuracy out to 500m. Can be heavy barrel and whatever as it will only be for the range.

Looking forward to suggestions.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by Lorgar » 29 Oct 2013, 10:41 am

If you can stretch to $2,200, I'd pick up a Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by VICHunter » 29 Oct 2013, 12:07 pm

Just curious, any reason you're not interested in .308 or 300 win mag?
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by BBJ » 29 Oct 2013, 5:53 pm

Savage model 12 FV?

Or FLV if you're a south paw.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by squirrelhunter » 29 Oct 2013, 5:55 pm

VICHunter wrote:Just curious, any reason you're not interested in .308 or 300 win mag?


Have a .308 for hunting. Just trying something at the other end of the scale.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by Monty » 29 Oct 2013, 6:04 pm

I must say the Savage Model 25 Lightweight Varminter-T caught my attention after it was discussed in another topic.

A little shorter/lighter than the 12 FV if such things matter to you.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by Harper » 29 Oct 2013, 6:07 pm

Tikka T3 TAC.

DOO EET! :P
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by Xerox » 30 Oct 2013, 6:28 pm

Lorgar wrote:If you can stretch to $2,200, I'd pick up a Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range.


Another vote for this.

Real nice rifle.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by squirrelhunter » 31 Oct 2013, 10:51 am

Thanks guys.

I'll get down to my local and check out a few recommendations.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by Will » 04 Nov 2013, 9:33 am

I spent a few hours on a mates Ruger MKII Target a week ago.

I know it's not the best rifle in the world, but for a $1,000 bench rifle I thought it was pretty decent.

Getting good groups (for me anyway :lol:) at 200m on it.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by Will » 04 Nov 2013, 9:33 am

I mentioned it because it comes in .223 too obviously...
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by bunnybuster » 13 Nov 2013, 8:56 pm

Something with a heavy barrel.

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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by Warrigul » 14 Nov 2013, 4:40 pm

You definately need a 1:8 or preferably a 1:7 twist in a heavy barrel.

The TIKKA or Savage seem to be the best for out of the box accuracy in your price range.

Nothing wrong with the Howas(I have one), Remingtons etc etc but in general they do need a bit of a fiddle.

Honestly though as it is going to be a range rifle I wouldn't stuff around with a factory rifle, I would buy an old .308 Omark for $200, get a gunsmith to fit a .223 kit and scope rail for around $800 and for $1000 you would have an absolute proven tack driver good to 1000 yards. (this is what I did when I found a .308 target rifle a bit harsh on my shoulder). Plenty of people have already done this and have won events on a regular basis. This setup will allow you to shoot competition F class.

For what it is worth I used to regularly take my .223 target rifle out and shoot crows at long distance.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by grainweight » 14 Nov 2013, 6:19 pm

There's one on used guns at the moment for $750 scoped with a target included with real tight groups.
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Re: Recommendations for first .223 target rifle

Post by grainweight » 14 Nov 2013, 6:20 pm

An Omark .308 that is sorry.
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