Gaznazdiak wrote:Howa 1500.
No question, the best bang for your buck.
Got one, love it.
MontyShooter wrote:Lithgow la102 would be my no.1 choice.
Tikka t3x no.2.
Howa are a good cheap functional rifle but their stocks let them down a bit.
Gwion wrote:MontyShooter wrote:Lithgow la102 would be my no.1 choice.
Tikka t3x no.2.
Howa are a good cheap functional rifle but their stocks let them down a bit.
Howa is the only one in the OP's "sub $1k" budget.
For the OP's stated target species when hunting, I would suggest the Howa Mini Action in 6.5 Grendel. I personally think the 223rem is marginal on goats, dogs and pigs. Yes, it is capable with good shot placement and within reasonable range but all these species are tough/resilient animals. I just think the Grendel has a bit more punch for reliably ethical hunting.
Or even the Howa 1500 in 6.5CM. Good for both hunting and target work.
Cooper wrote:Go the Howa mini action in 223. I liked mine so much I bought one in 204 Ruger and then one in 6.5 Grendel.
The only negatives are the stock and magazine release. The stock foreend moves around when using a bi pod and the magazine release is a bit long and easily bumped and the magazine falls out.
Two of mine are in aftermarket stocks (Boyds and MDT) the Grendel is in the standard stock with an aftermarket cheek riser. The 6.5 Grendel is a great calibre. But certainly not for everybody. Factory ammunition not readily available. But it is very easy to load for and doesn't seem slightest bit picky about loads. Bought new brass, no load development easily around the 1 inch at 100 metres.
southwest shooter wrote:Dgo buya Howa mini action and stop wasting time !
matt4350 wrote:Hi guys and ladies,
First post, please be gentle! I wish to draw on your knowledge and experience, if I may. Most of my experience is with service rifles but I'm keen to do a bit of feral hunting and plinking now.
I'm after a reasonably priced .223, up to $1000 but preferably lower. It will be used for goats, hopefully dogs, and the odd pig perhaps. I'm not likely to use it out further than 300 yards (wishful thinking ) My other big use is wasting ammo at the range, just for fun.
I'd prefer a bolt action, detachable magazine, shorter barrel (maybe 20"?), and a synthetic stock. Bonus if it has iron sights.
Matt
brett1868 wrote:I have the S/S Howa 1500 M/A, its a boring rifle in that it just makes single ragged hole groups. I like to reload and turn a sprayer into a tack driver and the Howa did it out of the box so it's in the back of the safe.
Thom318 wrote:I was originally looking at a Howas myself, but my dealer had a good deal on Remington 783s at the time, so I went with that. A few mates laughed, but were actually impressed with it when it turned up, even the no brand scope is half reasonable. Shoots well enough for me and has the 1:9 twist that I prefer. Only downside is I think it's ugly as sin, but it's meant to sit next to me in the tractor, so at least I won't cry if the Tupperware gets dinged up a bit
SCJ429 wrote:You could get yourself a Tikka Varmint secondhand for $1,000 easily. I am willing to put up my stock Tikka 223 against any other factory 223 that sells for under $3,000 in a shootout at 300 metres. Howa have a great little action but you need to get a decent barrel for it.
Cooper wrote:Go the Howa mini action in 223. I liked mine so much I bought one in 204 Ruger and then one in 6.5 Grendel.
The only negatives are the stock and magazine release. The stock foreend moves around when using a bi pod and the magazine release is a bit long and easily bumped and the magazine falls out.
Two of mine are in aftermarket stocks (Boyds and MDT) the Grendel is in the standard stock with an aftermarket cheek riser. The 6.5 Grendel is a great calibre. But certainly not for everybody. Factory ammunition not readily available. But it is very easy to load for and doesn't seem slightest bit picky about loads. Bought new brass, no load development easily around the 1 inch at 100 metres.
MJW380 wrote:I picked up a Ruger American Predator in .223 when they were $599 a while ago, great carry around rifle, not weighty, plus the flush fit mag doesn’t snag on anything as well. Having said that, it doesn’t get much of a run because I have a standard Ruger American in .243 and find it to be a more suitable caliber for all size game.