223 Recommendation

[Ken C]

Looking for a solid .223 bolt action rifle.

Looking for something I can get for under 400 used.

It will be mostly a range rifle. I will put a scope on it in the future so doesn't need to come with a scope.

[NorCalFocus]

You can pick up a new rifle without a scope for just a little more.

[crufflers]

Looking for a solid .223 bolt action rifle.

Looking for something I can get for under 400 used.

It will be mostly a range rifle. I will put a scope on it in the future so doesn't need to come with a scope.

I saw Big 5 has the Savage Axis in .223 on sale... less than $400 - I think it was $349 with 22" barrel and a gimme 3-9x40mm scope

[russ69]

It's hard to find a 223 that isn't a good rifle. Just shop around until you find something you like. I like the Mossberg MVP with detachable magazine for an affordable rifle but it's a bit more than your budget.

[glockman19]

I saw Big 5 has the Savage Axis in .223 on sale... less than $400 - I think it was $349 with 22" barrel and a gimme 3-9x40mm scope

I just bough one. Nice rifle. Scope needs to be dialed in, and the trigger needs to be changed. Timney adjustable trigger is $109. Then you have a really nice rifle.

[SmokeWagon]

Whatever brand rifle you select just make sure you get a 1:9 twist barrel or faster so you can use heavier bullets. Many of the inexpensive manufacturer lineups come with 1:12 twist barrels which limits you pretty much to 55gr bullets and lighter.

[Sashaalexander]

I bought Savage Axis 223 XT immediately as they came out. Than it was $275 including a scope. The trigger was terrible, but after closer examination it appeared to be same adjustable trigger as on my Savage 110 only without safety feature sealed with some yellow substance not to allow to adjust it. By braking this sealant and using adjustment tool from my another Savage i could bring it to 2.25 LB trigger. Also, the stock was little flimsy, so i had to open the barrel channel a little more to prevent it touching the barrel while shooting from the rest. All together took me less than 40 minutes of work. Now this rifle makes clover leafs at 100 yard range. I could not be happier.

[Ken C]

Good advice. Looks like the savage is the winner. Going to check out Big 5 and maybe pick up a used one.

[mlrs_27m]

Savage M25. Its almost boring accurate.

[crufflers]

Good advice. Looks like the savage is the winner. Going to check out Big 5 and maybe pick up a used one.

I just mentioned the Axis because it was on sale the day you posted, but if the trigger needs work I would consider looking for a Ruger American Rifle in .223 - another newer, light-weight (hunting profile) rifle available in .223 with a good target trigger included.

[NorCalFocus]

Bass Pro has the Axis for $329. I shopped around before I bought my wife's.

[Gun_Smoke]

The axis is a great rifle. I don't have a use for a budget rifle but if I did that would be the one I bought. It shoots very well and can't be beaten for the price. I would pick that over the Ruger American.

[Sashaalexander]

I wouldn't consider a simple adjustment of trigger to your liking as "work"

I just mentioned the Axis because it was on sale the day you posted, but if the trigger needs work I would consider looking for a Ruger American Rifle in .223 - another newer, light-weight (hunting profile) rifle available in .223 with a good target trigger included.