What would y'all recommend for a budget predator/varmint rifle in .223. Normal shots in Florida when I have to use a rifle 50 yards to about 350 maybe 400 unless I am on a gas line or power line. Me personally I won't shoot past 350. I have an AR right now but that is set up for home defense. I want something I can make a dedication predator/varmint rifle. My scope probably will only be a 3-9 or a 4-12. I have that covered just curious of what rifle. Bolt, semi, pump, single shot I don't care just be able to produce MOA at 100 yards.
Budget predator/varmint rifle?
- Thread starter BrandonU.
- Start date
Good budget rifle with 3-9x?
http://www.cabelas.com/product/RUGER-AMERICAN-SCOPED-RIFLES/1826450.uts
http://www.cabelas.com/product/RUGER-AMERICAN-SCOPED-RIFLES/1826450.uts
Orneryolfart357
New member
Since you have the scope covered. I suggest a Tikka .223 lite. A little more costly than a Ruger, but it is worth it in the long run.
If by budget you mean the most bang for your buck and you want a bolt gun, then look at the Savage line and pick one that suites you. Most aren't pretty, but are accurate and have a nice out of the box trigger with that new Accu-Trigger. For a little more though you can have beauty and the sweetest trigger going in a CZ. The wood is real walnut and they have single set triggers. When set the trigger lets off in ounces. In regular mode it functions like a normal trigger. I don't know about you, but a heavy trigger throws my long shots off more than anything.
Theshedhunter
Active member
Another vote for the Ruger American .223
ohihunter2014
New member
savage axis 223. I got mine for $230 at Wal-Mart without the scope. the scopes that come on the guns are junk so don't pay $200 more for a $30 scope. the gun isn't anything to look at but on sand bags I can tear a bulls eye out at 100yards. a lot of people don't like the axis because the forearm kind of flexes but o don't use a bipod so don't have to worry about that. for the price you will get a quality gun that shoots great. if you want more help or reading with the savage axis check your PM box I sent you a message.
Went through the same thought process about 7 years ago but wanted something with a little more horsepower and went with a 25-06 .That being said I went with a Stevens 200 based on the availability of aftermarket components . I mounted a Simmons Master Atec scope and started hunting . I figured I would add the trigger I wanted when I could, then upgrade the stock and scope later . Well I added the trigger and an extended bolt handle. the Simmons has taken a pounding and continues to perform. The stock flexes a lot but works . I am going to replace the Stock with a Boyds Prarie Hunter this year. I could have tricked this gun out by now but it is doing the job.
Rustydust
Active member
Originally Posted By: MNHNTRStevens 200
Pretty good choice here. A friend has picked up a few at pawn shops for a couple of hundred dollars and they all are fine shooters. He does like aftermarket triggers but other than that the guns are off the shelf.
If you got the coin then I would suggest a complete upper from Model 1. Mine has a 24" barrel and the very first time that I shot it I put five shots at 100 yards that could be covered with a dime. Then handed it off to my buddy Kevin and he did the very same thing. Think we were impressed? You bet we were.
Pretty good choice here. A friend has picked up a few at pawn shops for a couple of hundred dollars and they all are fine shooters. He does like aftermarket triggers but other than that the guns are off the shelf.
If you got the coin then I would suggest a complete upper from Model 1. Mine has a 24" barrel and the very first time that I shot it I put five shots at 100 yards that could be covered with a dime. Then handed it off to my buddy Kevin and he did the very same thing. Think we were impressed? You bet we were.
deathwind II
New member
Howa.
Varminterror
New member
I recently put together a "budget rifle" for my mom's boyfriend, whole shebang under $800 with an aftermarket stock and upgraded scope.
Remington 700 ADL = $377 at Walmart, shot 1.2" out of the box with a cheap Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm.
Add a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40mm scope, on clearance at Cableas for $129, a boyd's laminate stock for $130 delivered, $60 towards rings and bases, and $30 for score-high pillars.
First 4 shots at 100yrds, fired in about 3min since the range was already closed when I walked in. 0.72" Betting it would shoot better if I wasn't rushing and didn't have the barrel smoking hot.
Ain't anything impressive, but it's Sub-Moa for a small price.
Remington 700 ADL = $377 at Walmart, shot 1.2" out of the box with a cheap Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm.
Add a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40mm scope, on clearance at Cableas for $129, a boyd's laminate stock for $130 delivered, $60 towards rings and bases, and $30 for score-high pillars.
First 4 shots at 100yrds, fired in about 3min since the range was already closed when I walked in. 0.72" Betting it would shoot better if I wasn't rushing and didn't have the barrel smoking hot.
Ain't anything impressive, but it's Sub-Moa for a small price.
Heretic
Active member
Savage Axis, Stevens 200, Ruger American because you already have a scope. These are if you're looking for a decent and very accurate truck rifle. Won't win a beauty pageant, but in .223 will kill just about anything in Florida even maybe a hog with a well placed shot (which you'll be able to do with any of these choices).