Hey guys,
I’ve been wanting to pick up a .223 bolt gun to punch paper out to about 200m. I want to save the barrel life on my 6CM RPR for longer range shooting, and I’d like something with less recoil than my .308, because I take friends who have never shot to the range often. I find it easier to teach fundamentals using lighter calibers.
Since this will primarily be a range toy / trainer / teaching gun, I’d like to spend about $500 on the rifle itself. Heavier barrels are preferred, and I’m a sucker for a good factory trigger. The top three contenders I’m considering are the following:
CZ 600- seems to shoot well, but very limited aftermarket support currently. I’d hope for 10rd mags to become available eventually. I haven’t felt the trigger, but I’ve read that it’s good. I’m not sure if the factory stock offers a decent free float or not. If not, I’ll be hoping the aftermarket catches up and offers an upgrade. If someone develops an aftermarket stock that will fit the Alpha, but accepts AR mags like the Trail, that would be my ideal rifle. I think the receivers and bolts are the same for both of these models.
Howa Mini- this one also shoots well for many, and is better supported than the new CZ. I got to feel a HACT trigger last weekend and thought it was very good for my needs. My biggest issue with this one is that the magazines seem super cheesy, and the only real alternative is abhorrently expensive. If I got one, I might install a hinged floorplate. I assume the factory Hogue stocks are good enough for my needs, but would love some input.
Ruger American Predator- I think this one probably has the worst factory trigger of these, but I know the trigger spring mod has made a real difference for many. I really like the idea of using my stockpile of AR mags. I won’t be loading heavy bullets for 200m plinking, so max COAL isn’t a factor for me. I’d likely throw it in a Magpul Hunter stock, which I think offers very good value when on sale.
By the time I’ve upgraded the stock and trigger on a Ruger American though, it might be worth increasing my budget to meet rifles like the Savage Axis II Precision, which comes in a nice chassis and seems to offer solid value. If I want to stick to my budget, I could probably sell the chassis and throw it in an Accustock.
What say ye? I’m open to suggestions.
Lawndart
I’ve been wanting to pick up a .223 bolt gun to punch paper out to about 200m. I want to save the barrel life on my 6CM RPR for longer range shooting, and I’d like something with less recoil than my .308, because I take friends who have never shot to the range often. I find it easier to teach fundamentals using lighter calibers.
Since this will primarily be a range toy / trainer / teaching gun, I’d like to spend about $500 on the rifle itself. Heavier barrels are preferred, and I’m a sucker for a good factory trigger. The top three contenders I’m considering are the following:
CZ 600- seems to shoot well, but very limited aftermarket support currently. I’d hope for 10rd mags to become available eventually. I haven’t felt the trigger, but I’ve read that it’s good. I’m not sure if the factory stock offers a decent free float or not. If not, I’ll be hoping the aftermarket catches up and offers an upgrade. If someone develops an aftermarket stock that will fit the Alpha, but accepts AR mags like the Trail, that would be my ideal rifle. I think the receivers and bolts are the same for both of these models.
Howa Mini- this one also shoots well for many, and is better supported than the new CZ. I got to feel a HACT trigger last weekend and thought it was very good for my needs. My biggest issue with this one is that the magazines seem super cheesy, and the only real alternative is abhorrently expensive. If I got one, I might install a hinged floorplate. I assume the factory Hogue stocks are good enough for my needs, but would love some input.
Ruger American Predator- I think this one probably has the worst factory trigger of these, but I know the trigger spring mod has made a real difference for many. I really like the idea of using my stockpile of AR mags. I won’t be loading heavy bullets for 200m plinking, so max COAL isn’t a factor for me. I’d likely throw it in a Magpul Hunter stock, which I think offers very good value when on sale.
By the time I’ve upgraded the stock and trigger on a Ruger American though, it might be worth increasing my budget to meet rifles like the Savage Axis II Precision, which comes in a nice chassis and seems to offer solid value. If I want to stick to my budget, I could probably sell the chassis and throw it in an Accustock.
What say ye? I’m open to suggestions.
Lawndart
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