New .223 rifle

[Jimbob]

I am interested in purchasing a nice .223 rifle for range use, introducing new shooters, and wife/kids gun at range. I don't really see us hunting with it. I like the look of the Ruger American ranch. Is there a better option out there then the Ruger? What do you recommend?

 

[EastMT]

I've been considering the Ruger also. Everyone I've talked to says they are tack drivers. Best bang for the buck is what I hear. Any gun that cheap of a price just scares me.

 

[Davebuech]

Savage model 11?

 

[mcseal2]

The Ruger Americans are darn good rifles for the money, I had a 270 that was a tackdriver. A buddy borrowed it and after shooting it wanted it really bad, bad enough I sold it to him. I had one in 223 also and it had feeding issues. The magazine did not work well with 223. Never had that issue in the ones I shot in 243 or 270. I don't know if they fixed that issue or not, I read several other people have the same issue.

 

[6mm Remington]

I'd go Ruger Hawkeye .223. Not much more price and I think a bunch nicer rifle.

 

[CLICKBANGBANG]

I have a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. It's a great gun for the money.

 

[Shooter19802003]

I just bought one of those cva wolf single shot 223s for a truck gun. It was like $200 new. Having a single shot with new shooters is nice and they are indestructible.

 

[16Bore]

Ruger + SWFA = Good
Tikka + SWFA = Better

If you're thinking about shooting longer targets, definitely make sure it's 1:8 and 75gr loads will take care of it.

223's are the most fun you can have with your pants on.

 

[EastMT]

Ruger + SWFA = Good
Tikka + SWFA = Better

If you're thinking about shooting longer targets, definitely make sure it's 1:8 and 75gr loads will take care of it.

223's are the most fun you can have with your pants on.

I agree. I lost count of all the calibers I had a few years ago. Every time I walked out I carried the 223 not the 22-250 not the swift. I picked up the 308 not the magnums. So I decided to sell 80% of the ones I didn't use.

That said, I have been wanting a true 556/223 in bolt gun so I can shoot my AR-15 loads as I don't really like shooting semi auto at all. So I keep eyeballing the Ruger ranch in 556 and 300 BO, or both. So many decisions.

 

[16Bore]

I agree. I lost count of all the calibers I had a few years ago. Every time I walked out I carried the 223 not the 22-250 not the swift. I picked up the 308 not the magnums. So I decided to sell 80% of the ones I didn't use.

That said, I have been wanting a true 556/223 in bolt gun so I can shoot my AR-15 loads as I don't really like shooting semi auto at all. So I keep eyeballing the Ruger ranch in 556 and 300 BO, or both. So many decisions.

I'm on the same road. Sold every centerfire I had except my 223 and 270 (7mm currently in the classifieds). Reloading crap, out the door.

Keeping it simple and minimal...

 

[ReddingArcher]

The Ruger American is a nice little rifle for breaking in new shooters or letting your wife shoot like you have planned. They are cheap and shoot great. I bought one for my nephew in 223 to get him into shooting. That gun is just a shit load of fun to shoot! I thought about buying another one in tikka superlite for myself but I'll just use the Ruger.

 

[JWP58]

Ruger American would be hard to beat. But the Howa mini action is pretty sweet. Trigger is nice too.

 

[Brado16]

Tikka 223 Varmint gets my vote. I also have a Ruger American in 243 and the overall quality and feel of the Tikka I prefer. I also prefer the trigger on the Tikka to my Ruger. You cant go wrong with either though- both have fast twist barrels that will allow you to shoot inexpensive 55fmj to 80grains bullets.

 

[alexanderg23]

That Ruger American Ranch in 223 would be good. They are cheap, but work.