High value base rifle to build on??

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I’d like to “build” a new coyote/bobcat rifle for next year. I use the term lightly… a trigger swap and stock of choice are in the plans. I’ve had very good luck with my current 223 using 55gr Frontier HP Match being easy in fur. It would be hard for me to leave the 223 because of that…my current rifle is a Savage Axis which is phenomenally accurate but there is very little aftermarket support for triggers and stock upgrades, so it’ll be a gun for the kids now

My list of “requirements…
—Bolt Action
— ~ $500 gun budget, used is ok too
—decent aftermarket support so I can swap triggers and stocks
—60° bolt for clearance between optic and gloves
—threaded barrel is preferred but not a deal breaker

Some guns on the list are
—Ruger American series
—Tikka T3 and T3X (little over budget but that’s ok)
—Howa 1500 or Mini
—Weatherby Vanguard
—recommend some others too

I’m sure they are all just fine. Ultimately I’m looking for feedback on bad experiences with any of these so I can narrow my list
 
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I hAd a Vanguard youth 223, the trigger(2 stage.) Was one of the nicest factory triggers I've had on a hunting rifle. It was so nice I gave it to my granddaughter when she needed a rifle.

My Howa mini, trigger not as nice as the vanguard but I haven't thought about changing it. I put an aftermarket stock but went back to the original after working on it.

I've built on 5 Savage/Stevens 10/200 açtions into rifles.

Of all of them I really like building on a Rem 700.

Tikka out of the box should be good to go.
 
I guess I'm have issues understanding "High Value base rifle to build off of. IMO other than the Tikka there are no High Value rifles listed and with a $500 budget that's a hard order to fill. Am I missing something?
 
A guy on Accurate shooter has Savage Axis actions for sale for $185. Another member, Urbanrifleman, sells Wilson prefits for under $300. Get a stock used or new and assemble. That's gets you close to your budget number.
 
If it were me, I’d look for a used 700. They were literally blowing them out at Field & Stream before they went out of business a year or two ago for like $299 in heavy barreled 22-250s I should’ve bought. Can’t go wrong with that action.
 
Dultimatpredator said:
If it were me, I’d look for a used 700. They were literally blowing them out at Field & Stream before they went out of business a year or two ago for like $299 in heavy barreled 22-250s I should’ve bought. Can’t go wrong with that action.
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+1 this is what I would do. The Rem 700 action is king in my book. Vast amount of aftermarket parts, very accurate and well built, the sky is the limit.
 
I've read the OP's post several times just to make sure I didn't miss or mis-understand. The $500 budget really puts a damper on things IMO. Many have suggested buying a Remington action to build off of. You can't buy a used Remington rifle or action for $500 these days. Even a used rifle is well over $500. Just me and my opinion but his $500 budget kills the possibility of building a custom anything. Shoot what you have a start saving money is my best advice.
 
I'd be pretty tempted to stretch the budget a bit, buy this one, and upgrade as you go......

Remington 700 SPS Tactical 223 Remington Matte Black Bolt Action Rifle - 16.5in

Remington 700 SPS Tactical Matte Black Bolt Action Rifle - 223 Remington - 16.5in - The Model 700 SPS Tactical is a highly maneuverable member of the family. It's built for tack-driving accuracy with a 16.5in heavy-contour tactical-style barrel and dual-point pillar bedding in its black...
www.sportsmans.com www.sportsmans.com
 
I started out with an SPS in 6.5 CM. All that is left now is the action and is good shooter. I tried going custom stock, trigger and keep the factory barrel, but groups were not that good. Added the custom barrel and trued action and got where I wanted. Action is not as smooth as I would like, but I’m not going any farther.

If I had it to do over I would have just went all the way from the start.

I agree Tikka is hard to beat, but beyond $500 now days, new anyway.

5 years ago you could find REM 700 ADLs for $350 all over the place. I bought my son one in 25-06 for $350 at Academy and it shoots pretty good.

Now they are well over $500
 
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I am with others, the $500 budget is tough, 80’s price.
I would suggest lots of time on GB, a blind hog can find an acorn once in a while.
I picked up a SS Savage a few years ago for a build. It was an ugly mess to be honest. No bids and they kept delisting it. I made an offer and the took it. Had a $150 rail on it, stock was factory, barrel, someone made an attempt at making an integral brake. The great and surprising thing was it had a Sharp Shooter Supply trigger (Evolution) no longer available and the sell for around $250.

Shop hard and Mac and cheese with hotdogs for a while.
 


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