NEW BOLT ACTION .223 Varmint gun NEED OPINIONS AND FACTS

Tbone801

Tbone801

New member
hey guys new here. I am looking for new .223 varmint/coyote/mostly target gun. I am looking at the following.

Savage Precision Hunter max 1
Savage model 12 low profile with detachable mag
Browning X-bolt Varmint Stalker
Thompson Center Icon Precision Hunter

Please let me know what you guys think. I know I know everyone likes the 22-250 for coyotes but i like to see what i hit with the .223 when i am target shooting and i like the variation of bullets. But i do like the 22-250 as well.

Thanks
 
If you mean "variety" of bullets you can use the same bullets in a .22-250 that you use in a .223.....

Of the ones you listed I like either of the Savages.
Not the best looking rifle in the world but they are very good quality and boy do they shoot.
 
I bought one of the Model 12 VLP-DBM's in 223. I never fired a shot through it. I sold it after I purchased it. No doubt it was a solid rifle with a great stock. And I am not down grading the rifle in any way. But I should have checked the weight before I bought it. The rifle is excessively heavy.

Thy also make that rifle in the Model 14. That was a very nice rifle. I have no experience with the other Savages. But I question any Savage with their Tupperware stocks. All the synthetic stocked Savage's I have seen have had garbage stocks. But again I have no direct experience with the ones you mentioned. Nor have I handled that particular stock. So I could easily be wrong about the stocks on them. But I have had a couple of 12's with that stock, and they were real bad stocks.

CZ also makes one like you are looking at with a removable magazine also. Tom.
 
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the weight is one reason I have avoided some savages too. They are not the only ones.

By the time you add mounts scope sling and ammo they can be 10 lbs. The 8 lb or under suits me better for packing.
 
I have shot the precision hunter extensivly (although in 22-250 clothing) and it is am awesome rifle , crazy accurate. Also really live the Savage 10 pred hunter max 1, very nice rifle, accutrigger and accustock+hard to go wrong.

have not use the other two though
 
You need to study the weights of the different rifles you are considering.

You no more want a too heavy rifle for a walking gun than you want a featherweight for a target rifle.

I have a CZ American in .223 and I am very fond of it but it is by no stretch of the imagination a target rifle.

Same token, I built a Savage long action last year with a bull barrel .25-06 .......... and it sure is no walking rifle!


Three 44s
 
I just bought the Savage Predator max 1 in .223 a few weeks ago. Great shooting rifle right out of the box. Topped it with a Nikon Coyote and grouped 3/4 inch in the first range session out.

Have had it out for a few stands (no luck as I am new to this game), but the Savage handles well. Carrying doesn't get too heavy, slung over the shoulder.

Wouldn't want to carry the thing all day as during elk season....that would be a bit much. But for the yote hunting, don't think its too bad.

PS - it does have a detachable box mag.
 
Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine in .223. 20" barrel, 7 lbs, detachable mag, comes with Accutrigger and Accustock. A little lighter than the Model 10 Adv Max and shoots at least as well. Plus, the digital camo is cool.
 
Originally Posted By: Tbone801hey guys new here. I am looking for new .223 varmint/coyote/mostly target gun. I am looking at the following.

Savage Precision Hunter max 1
Savage model 12 low profile with detachable mag
Browning X-bolt Varmint Stalker
Thompson Center Icon Precision Hunter

Please let me know what you guys think. I know I know everyone likes the 22-250 for coyotes but i like to see what i hit with the .223 when i am target shooting and i like the variation of bullets. But i do like the 22-250 as well.

Thanks

I'll take door #2 - Savage Model 12 VLP DVM - Had mine for almost a year now and use her exclsively for shooting paper. I usually load Sierra 52 gr HPBT & Sierra 53 Matchkings being pushed by VVN133 that I also use in my Savage Benchrest Model 12.I also occasionally use 55gr bullets, but the others prdocue tighter groups. That .223 is really a nice nice rifle. Good luck no matter which you choose.
 
have you thought about a tikka? i got a buddy with one and with my handloads it shoots 5shot groups at 200 yards under a inch.
 
Originally Posted By: markleyhave you thought about a tikka? i got a buddy with one and with my handloads it shoots 5shot groups at 200 yards under a inch.
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I like a savage. Ive bought several of the walmart guns and all have been great shooters and the price was alot cheaper than the gun shop prices.
 
I have a Savage Predator Hunter in .204 and a Browning Varmint Stalker in 22-250. I am quite happy with both rifles and would have a hard time chosing between the if I had to pick one.
 
Of the ones you listed, my first pick would be either of the two savages.

I have not had good luck with browning rifles, not have others who I shoot with that shoot a lot more rifle than I do.

Have not seen a good enough track record for TC yet that I feel comfortable handing over the money they want for them.

Of other choices you did not list.

I have also had very good luck with a number of Rem 700's and Tikkas that they are on my list of preferred brands/ models.
 
I'm having one heck of a time following you.

You say you want a .223 rem, which you have. A good shooting Kimber.
Now the Kimber is for sale cause you want a 22-250 ?

Here your asking about a .223 , what gives ?
 
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