223 or 308

[jaysantosauxiliarypolice]

If hunting card stock or anything thicker, go with the 308, everything else, the 223 will do just fine.

LOL!

[JackEllis]

If you're shooting on a budget, .223 is the way to go. I have a Savage .22lr and it shoots quite nicely. In fact, the gun probably shoots better than I can.

My .223 is a Tikka T3 Lite. Also shoots better than I can. You might check out Budsgunshop.com for a deal on the Tikkea T3 (not the newer T3X). Mine was about $450 shipped.

IMHO, which is worth less than you're paying for it, you might want a .308 if you think you're going to get sucked into long range shooting. If you want to use the .223 for distance, you'll have to be able to fire heavier bullets that require a faster twist rate like 1:8 or 1:7. Keep that in mind as you research your options.

[Horrendo Revolver]

I've shot and handled numerous 783, Axis II, RAR. Fit, finish and accuracy seems about the same. The Patriot is definitely a step up over them IMO.

For the OP's purpose I'd stick with .223 also.

[ar15barrels]

Thanks guys.
Actually when I said hunting rifle, I don't mean that I will be hunting animals. As long as meat is available in stores lol.

The only hunting I will be doing is paper targets at the Angeles Shooting Range. I live in the San Fernando Valley area.

I wanted something that I can have fun shooting and honing distance shooting skills. I understand pistols and shotgun should be enough for defensive uses in my home. I wanted something for defense should the need be there outside the home. I have a huuuuge yard. Front, sides and back.

What you are looking for is a TARGET rifle then.
Using the correct terminology is important to get proper advice.

Do you want to buy a rifle that is more customizable in the future, or are you more likely to just leave it how it comes from the manufacturer?

[baih777]

Save up a couple hundred more and get the Howa heavy barrel in 223. Shoots great at Angeles.

[ar15barrels]

I like the idea about the AR15 but ffs I don't want a rifle I can't get my thumbs around to properly grip. I feel like I'd drop the rifle if I sneeze.

I would love a semi auto but they're expensive as hell. Rugers are about $850 and the Springfield M1 is about $1,500. Well beyond my range.

Get one of these:

http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/6944.html

It has a proper 1:8 twist heavy target barrel which will allow you to make use of all commonly available 223 match or blaster grade ammo.

It also fits within your $400 budget.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/93387/Ruger+AMER-P+223+PRED+MTBLK

[ChuckDizzle]

It sounds like he might be looking for....wait for it...a general purpose rifle. In that case it's hard to beat a Mossberg MVP.

[jarhead714]

I like the idea about the AR15 but ffs I don't want a rifle I can't get my thumbs around to properly grip. I feel like I'd drop the rifle if I sneeze.

I would love a semi auto but they're expensive as hell. Rugers are about $850 and the Springfield M1 is about $1,500. Well beyond my range.

Patience is a hard virtue to acquire. Save your money, get something better. Save double what you have in mind. Oh, and .308 all the way.

[jimmykan]

Get one of these:

http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/6944.html

It has a proper 1:8 twist heavy target barrel which will allow you to make use of all commonly available 223 match or blaster grade ammo.

It also fits within your $400 budget.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...223+PRED+MTBLK

I got one of these, and I think it's a great value. The rifle cycles and feeds as smoothly as a factory Remington 700, and the bolt throw angle is only 70 degrees.

While the threaded muzzle was cool, I ended chopping it off to make the barrel 20" and drilled/tapped it for iron sights. I also swapped in the shorter compact stock.

The barrel profile is heavier than the standard Ruger American, but not by much, so the groups do loosen up as the barrel heats up. Iron sights at 100 yards, it does about 1.5" groups for 5 shots and then 2-2.5" groups after that.

I modified my Ruger American in 223 to accept a set of Tech Sights originally meant for the Ruger American Rimfire.

I had to shim the front sight with a 0.030 thick piece of aluminum to get the elevation right, but it's perfect now.

Iron sights baby!

[sigstroker]

For what you describe and price get a 223 in a Ruger American
The mosberg/savage/vanguard are all better than that Rem

If you look hard for it you might find a Remington 700 ADL. The problem with it in .223 is the barrel is 1 in 12 twist. That's fine for 55 gr bullets and marginal for 62 gr. That makes long range shooting over yards more challenging. Although I have seen a guy make 1000 yard hits with 1 in 12 and 55 gr factory ammo.

If you're shooting on a budget, .223 is the way to go. I have a Savage .22lr and it shoots quite nicely. In fact, the gun probably shoots better than I can.

My .223 is a Tikka T3 Lite. Also shoots better than I can. You might check out Budsgunshop.com for a deal on the Tikkea T3 (not the newer T3X). Mine was about $450 shipped.

IMHO, which is worth less than you're paying for it, you might want a .308 if you think you're going to get sucked into long range shooting. If you want to use the .223 for distance, you'll have to be able to fire heavier bullets that require a faster twist rate like 1:8 or 1:7. Keep that in mind as you research your options.

The Savage Axis comes with a 1 in 9 twist. That's good for up to 70 gr bullets, according to Berger.

[kendog4570]

Make sure you get something that accessorizes well with your pith helmet, wing tips, and blue arm band.

[Flouncer]

Make sure you get something that accessorizes well with your pith helmet, wing tips, and blue arm band.

Well then !! A Mauser it will be !!

[kendog4570]

Well then !! A Mauser it will be !!

I don't think anyone here gets it. Young whipper-snappers! Are you up to speed on Jay Santos and The Citizens Auxiliary Police?

[North86]

I don't think anyone here gets it. Young whipper-snappers! Are you up to speed on Jay Santos and The Citizens Auxiliary Police?

I knew this sounded familiar.

[Guardian Mode]

Ruger American Predator in 223 is the one to get.
But...
If you want to be more realistic, a 16" version probably makes sense for most folks aren't all that serious about it.
By that I mean, anytime someone says "SHTF"...it usually means CARBINE...in my opinion.

There's the 16" Ruger American Ranch in 223.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/94940/redirect

Get a $170 Athlon 1-4 or $120 Primary Arms 1-4 and a cheek riser pack with some spare mags, and you're good to go.