223

[gate76]

Looking to buy rifle in 223. Ar/bolt action.
I have a budget of 500
I am a bench shooter
Looks don't mean a think looking for accuracy out to 100 yards.

Brand and model,

[ExtremeX]

$500 will get you an entry level rifle, AR or Bolt action... At that price point, anything from a major manufacture will be fine...

You still need to allocate a budget for a scope.

Brand / Model ... pretty much everything off the rack at that level will be pretty similar in performance. Have your pick.

Accuracy... its all going to come down to ammo... If you buy good match ammo, or hand load your own, you can actually achieve wonderful results with even a basic entry level off the rack rifle.

If you feed it regular ole plinking ammo, like 55gr FMJBT... PMC Bronze, American Eagle, M193... you can pretty much expect the exact same performance across the board regardless of the rifle you are shooting it though.

As for a recommendation, an SPS Tactical with a 20" barrel would be a good start... anything from the Remington catalog with a 1:9 twist would work. ARs, I would gravitate towards something with a stainless barrel in your price point. PSA uppers would probably be my first consideration.

I would also consider used... with a budget like that, you will get a lot more value.

[NorCalFocus]

$500 for just the rifle? I'd say your almost better off with a AR in that budget.

Define being a "bench shooter". Are you looking for small groups, or just hitting steel at the local range? What are your goals with this rifle?

[TMB 1]

Mossberg MVP. What ever model you like best.
Here's a few.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/82839/Mossberg+MVP+VAR+24+TB+223+LAM

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411555349/Mossberg+MVP+Flex+18%22+5.56mm+10rd+6+Position+Stock

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/84490/Mossberg+MVP+PAT+16HB+556+Black+10RD

[Bushwack44]

Mossberg MVP. What ever model you like best.
Here's a few.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/82839/Mossberg+MVP+VAR+24+TB+223+LAM

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411555349/Mossberg+MVP+Flex+18%22+5.56mm+10rd+6+Position+Stock

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...556+Black+10RD

^^^ What he said.

[Euphoria526]

+1 on the mvp. It's a solid rifle

[milotrain]

MVP Varmint looks good in that price. Better stock than the SPS and the same cost to rebarrel later.

[TMB 1]

This is the model I have, but I put it in a Boyds Classic laminate stock and got it a metal trigger guard and a Nikon ProStaff scope.
It's has a pmag in pic but I like c product 10rnd mags better.

[milotrain]

I know some folks that buy the steel pro mag and notch the front so they can get extra long OAL rounds for the jamming. They do this with the AR but I don't see why you couldn't do it with the MPV.

[LynnJr]

You can get a 700 ADL Varmint with a scope for under $500 at Dicks Sporting Goods.
To many upgrades available to choose anything else.

[NOTABIKER]

Savage Axis in 223. nothing as good under 500 bucks. I paid 300 for the one i got at Ammo Bros. you might want the combo with scope for 400. I like the accu trigger but i went for the basic model. I did the U tube trigger mod in 1/2 hr and the trigger now breaks clean at 3-4 lbs. I already had a scope.I am not knocking the other brands but their is something magic about savage accuracy out of the box.

[babo]

Just bought a Ruger American Ranch Rifle. Good lil shooter.

[WMG]

Savage Axis in 223. nothing as good under 500 bucks. I paid 300 for the one i got at Ammo Bros. you might want the combo with scope for 400. I like the accu trigger but i went for the basic model. I did the U tube trigger mod in 1/2 hr and the trigger now breaks clean at 3-4 lbs. I already had a scope.I am not knocking the other brands but their is something magic about savage accuracy out of the box.

I would 2nd this comment ..... minus the part about getting the scope package.
I am not a low dollar scope hater ..... but geeze , you'd almost be better of with a paper towel tube and some yarn for crosshairs.

[Divernhunter]

The Savage is a good rifle with a bull barrel for punching paper or ground squirrels.
Rem is ok also.
Scope is your choice since it is a range toy/fun gun.

[SMarquez]

Remington 783. I swapped to a Vortex crossfire 4-12 scope. The trigger is set at 3.5# right out of the box. I paid $329 for mine and got a $40 rebate.