Hello everyone,
I’m looking to get a .223 bolt gun to give myself a little more economical alternative to my 6.5 CM Howa Bravo Both in ammo and barrel life.
I’m having trouble determining what to get. Glass-wise I’ll put either an Athlon Cronus or Ares ETR on it. They’re no Kahles, but perfectly fine for a .223.
So - what gun to get. I’ve looked at Tikka, Howa, Savage and Bergara. I nixed the Bergara due to not being able to get a pre-fit for it. The Tikka seems out too as I can’t seem to find one with a threaded heavy barrel, just lightweight ones (3 years ago I couldn’t swing a dead cat in a gun store without hitting a CTR or four - those were the days). I figure I’d want a CTR or a Super Varmint. Can’t seem to find either.
The Howa Oryx is a pretty nice package for the money, but I’ve heard the mini action is kind of a pain in the ass the SA. My 6.5cm Howa Bravo is an absolute tack driver, which is what’s making me consider this.
Last is the Savage which I’d either get a 110 Varmint and shoot it in the acustock until it annoyed me enough to put it in something else (I do like the Bravo) or pony up for the 110 Elite precision. I like the price of the Axis Precision, and a few guys have them at the range and they shoot, but I don‘t think I want to live with that action long term.
So Hide - what’s your take? I’d like to stay at 1500 or less for the gun (optics’s already taken care of), and the Savage 110 Elite would stretch that a bit. The Howa Oryx would leave almost 500 on the table for other toys. The Tikka would probably put me right around 1500 (with a Bravo) if I could find the specific model I want.
Are there options I’m missing? I know a custom action would be better, but from what I’ve seen a good set-up will put me just under $2K for just the action, trigger, bolt and barrel. A little more than I’d like to shell out right now. Unless there’s a cheaper build option, I’m thinking it’s probably off the table for this gun (it will happen in the future though).
Thanks for any thoughts or advice you can offer!!!
I’m looking to get a .223 bolt gun to give myself a little more economical alternative to my 6.5 CM Howa Bravo Both in ammo and barrel life.
I’m having trouble determining what to get. Glass-wise I’ll put either an Athlon Cronus or Ares ETR on it. They’re no Kahles, but perfectly fine for a .223.
So - what gun to get. I’ve looked at Tikka, Howa, Savage and Bergara. I nixed the Bergara due to not being able to get a pre-fit for it. The Tikka seems out too as I can’t seem to find one with a threaded heavy barrel, just lightweight ones (3 years ago I couldn’t swing a dead cat in a gun store without hitting a CTR or four - those were the days). I figure I’d want a CTR or a Super Varmint. Can’t seem to find either.
The Howa Oryx is a pretty nice package for the money, but I’ve heard the mini action is kind of a pain in the ass the SA. My 6.5cm Howa Bravo is an absolute tack driver, which is what’s making me consider this.
Last is the Savage which I’d either get a 110 Varmint and shoot it in the acustock until it annoyed me enough to put it in something else (I do like the Bravo) or pony up for the 110 Elite precision. I like the price of the Axis Precision, and a few guys have them at the range and they shoot, but I don‘t think I want to live with that action long term.
So Hide - what’s your take? I’d like to stay at 1500 or less for the gun (optics’s already taken care of), and the Savage 110 Elite would stretch that a bit. The Howa Oryx would leave almost 500 on the table for other toys. The Tikka would probably put me right around 1500 (with a Bravo) if I could find the specific model I want.
Are there options I’m missing? I know a custom action would be better, but from what I’ve seen a good set-up will put me just under $2K for just the action, trigger, bolt and barrel. A little more than I’d like to shell out right now. Unless there’s a cheaper build option, I’m thinking it’s probably off the table for this gun (it will happen in the future though).
Thanks for any thoughts or advice you can offer!!!
