The best inexpensive 223 ?

Richard Federation

Richard Federation

New member
What is your opinion of the best inexpensive 223? I am looking to add to my collection soon and can not justify a high priced model and over the years I have seen some reasonably priced guns that are as good or better then more popular models. I would like to purchase the gun used so is there anything i should watch out for?
 
I have been very happy with my Savage Axis in. 223. I have close to 300 rounds through it now. I haven't tried anything heavier than 55gr yet.

With the 1 in 9 twist it should shoot the 69 or heavier just fine. Plus it shoots 40gr very accurate.

Here is a group I shot last night. These are my loads...Sierra 40 gr. Blitzking with 24.5 grain of H322 powder.
2012-07-27_20-55-41_29.jpg
 
I'd look t a Stevens 223. They run about 320. Mine shoots great and you can swap stocks, barrel and trigger just like a regular savage. The axis your kinda stuck with the cheapo stock
 
Lots of guys swear by the steven 200. A hunting buddy of mine had one,and it was a POS. The stock flexed, the trigger was real bad and it shot even worse.

Deereguy, that's a great group ! What's diff in the Axis vs the S200. Also is your rifle "stock" ?
 
Originally Posted By: DeereguyI have been very happy with my Savage Axis in. 223. I have close to 300 rounds through it now. I haven't tried anything heavier than 55gr yet.

With the 1 in 9 twist it should shoot the 69 or heavier just fine. Plus it shoots 40gr very accurate.

Here is a group I shot last night. These are my loads...Sierra 40 gr. Blitzking with 24.5 grain of H322 powder.
2012-07-27_20-55-41_29.jpg


+1

Savage axis is a very good gun for the money.
 
I have had the edge(axis) and the S200, both stocks suck, both triggers suck, both looks suck. But both shoot really really good.

The axis is.. What you see is what you get. Not much aftermarket support for it.

The Stevens 200- uses the savage 10/110 stuff so barrels, stocks, triggers, etc are readily available.

If you plan to upgrade parts as $ allows, the Stevens 200 is the way to go
 
You can't go wrong with either the Stevens or the Savage. Mossberg has introduced the MVP which accepts AR-15 Mags. Looks pretty interesting. I have a Savage Axis in 7mm-08 w/scope for sale, if anyone is looking for a good deer rifle. New in Box condition w/ box and books.
 
I have the Stevens in .243 and the Axis in .223. You can work the triggers a little and get them down.

Can't go wrong with either one. Both are shooters.
 
Originally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeLots of guys swear by the steven 200. A hunting buddy of mine had one,and it was a POS. The stock flexed, the trigger was real bad and it shot even worse.

Deereguy, that's a great group ! What's diff in the Axis vs the S200. Also is your rifle "stock" ?
Thanks Tim,
I can't tell you the difference between the Stevens and Axis. Mine is completely stock.
 
As others have said, either the Axis or Stevens will do just fine. I own an Axis in .22-250 and a Stevens in .223 and both shoot extremely well. Both are stock rifles and have never had a problem with either one. There are more aftermarket parts readily available for the Stevens if your into customizing but both rifles have replacement triggers available if you feel that is a prob. Personally I think both triggers are just fine for hunting purposes and dont seem to be an issue. The Axis is built off of a long action even though they make them in short action calibers. Dont know if that will affect the way you choose or not but thought I would throw it out there. You will be happy with either one in the long run. No need in spending big money when the Savages will shoot right up there with the best of them. Just my opinion. Good luck
 
+1 on the stevens/savage...get one then bed,float, and timney trigg...top it of w/decent glass and it will shoot well under an 1" i'd bet.....
 
Back
Top