Good 243 to build on?

[neoinarien]

Looking to get into a 243.

What is a good stock rifle to get into and upgrade? I figure it will be something made by big green, but I'm open to anything.

I am also open to modding a 308 into a 243 (I have just the one in mind in a CRF).

Anyone?

 

[jagged77]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless. Couldn't be happier with mine as a stock rifle - even better after a few upgrades.

 

[head2h2o]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

There are going to be several options and opinions on how to go about addressing your question. The easiest way I can think of is to buy a Savage / Stevens short action with a 308 bolt face, screw a 243 barrel on it, and drop it in a B&C or better stock. Remington, Savage, and Winchester are all going to have enough aftermarket parts available to suit your needs. You are going to need a gunsmith if you go the Remington or Winchester route and want to switch the barrel. You could also get a Rem SPS Varmint in 243 and put it in a new stock. Some of these are shooters.

 

[neoinarien]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are going to be several options and opinions on how to go about addressing your question. The easiest way I can think of is to buy a Savage / Stevens short action with a 308 bolt face, screw a 243 barrel on it, and drop it in a B&C or better stock. Remington, Savage, and Winchester are all going to have enough aftermarket parts available to suit your needs. You are going to need a gunsmith if you go the Remington or Winchester route and want to switch the barrel. You could also get a Rem SPS Varmint in 243 and put it in a new stock. Some of these are shooters. </div></div>


What Savage would you recommend? Particular model?

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

If you plan on changing the barrel and stock just get a Stevens action for $240

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless. Couldn't be happier with mine as a stock rifle - even better after a few upgrades. </div></div>

That would be a great idea, if only Beretta in their infinite wisdom would import them into the US. We in the USA get no T3 Stainless Varmints. Nor do we get the T3 Blued Varmint imported in .243. Only .223 and 22-250 as of right now.

 

[neoinarien]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you plan on changing the barrel and stock just get a Stevens action for $240 </div></div>

If I'm going this route, I don't need to get it in 308 since I already have 308 rifles.

Instead, I could just go 243 straight off the bat.

So still Stevens and miss out on that new (to me) Savage trigger?

Sorry: never owned a Savage...

 

[jagged77]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless. Couldn't be happier with mine as a stock rifle - even better after a few upgrades. </div></div>

That would be a great idea, if only Beretta in their infinite wisdom would import them into the US. We in the USA get no T3 Stainless Varmints. Nor do we get the T3 Blued Varmint imported in .243. Only .223 and 22-250 as of right now. </div></div>

Apologies, I had no idea Beretta were not importing them into the US. They are missing a trick and then some, especially now as the T3 is starting to gain a following along with aftermarket support.

 

[223Rem]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

Savage Model 12 BVSS or Remington 700 VS-SF. Depends if you like laminate or synthetic stocks.

When it comes to after market DIY barrel changes, the Savage trumps the Remington in options.

 

[neoinarien]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

Do the barrel nuts on a a Savage need to be visible to be a DIY barrel changer? Or are ALL newish Savages DIY barrel changers?

 

[Chili47]

Re: Good 243 to build on?

Depends all savages that have a barrel nut can be changed quickly all but the model 25 have barrel nuts i believe some just have a smooth nut.