Handy, Lightweight, REASONABLE .223 Bolt??

blackdog_507 · December 14, 2009, 07:11 PM

I want to buy a nice little bolt 223 rifle for coyotes, varmints, and some extended range plinking. I'd like something extremely light, easy to carry and handle and the ability to shoot with some decent consistency out to about 300 yards. I've been looking at the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact that has a 16" barrel. Seems like a nice handy rifle, only my local gun shop doesn't carry ANY ruger M77's, let alone the compact version. I'd like a walnut stock as opposed to a synthetic. The Ruger retails for $600+, and no rings or scope, so I figure I'd have $800+ in the thing easy, and I just don't want to spend that. Anyone have any other suggestions? I don't mind buying a used rifle if there is a particular make/model that is readily available online or commonly found in shops. Autos like a Mini or AR platform are out of the question for this purpose.

rbernie · December 14, 2009, 07:14 PM

Given your criteria - the CZ 527 is what you want.

AaronCoady · December 14, 2009, 07:15 PM

+1 on CZ bolt rifles, great value for the money

olyinaz · December 14, 2009, 07:22 PM

I don't think a Tikka is quite so tidy, but they're dandy rifles as well.

One of my local shops has that Ruger in stock. Good Lord is it small and handy! I want it BAD but I just can't get myself to pay that for a .223 carbine that doesn't hold 30 rounds.

But seriously, they're just lovely.

Best,
Oly

kwells6 · December 14, 2009, 07:22 PM

stevens/savage 200, sell off the synthetic and get a savage 10 or 110 series stock cheap

rickdavis81 · December 14, 2009, 07:24 PM

AR-15

fisherman66 · December 14, 2009, 07:35 PM

You sure the Ruger doesn't come with rings? My last Ruger did. In fact, I traded with Ruger for Low rings fer free.

CZ does make an excellent rifle as do several other makers.

NWCP · December 14, 2009, 09:22 PM

Another vote for the CZ 527 American. I have one in .223 and it's a great rifle. With HSM 50gr Ballistic Tip ammo it will give me sub MOA groups off the bench at 100 yards. It's light and well balanced.

Abel · December 14, 2009, 09:46 PM

That ruger with the 16.5" barrel is a nice rifle, especially in 223. Order one sight unseen with confidence.

.300 Weatherby Mag · December 14, 2009, 10:14 PM

The rugers come with the medium set of rings free in the box...

kwells6 · December 14, 2009, 10:27 PM

all of those are $500+ rifles...

the OP said REASONABLE... the stevens is $329 NIB, leaving money for GOOD optics and even ammo or goodies for the rifle like a new stock or something...

and if you hand load, I know of a SWEET load for it

granted, i've owned a CZ, but they arent all that.

cimarronvalley · December 14, 2009, 11:14 PM

Ditto Savage/Stevens 200.Stevens 200.jpg

blackdog_507 · December 14, 2009, 11:33 PM

I guess to get what I want, I'm probably going to have to save my pennies and buy the Ruger. Its really what I want, and I'm sure I'm not the only one to find out that its better to save your money and buy what you want rather than skimp and end up not enjoying what you get. Sounds like no one has a problem with M77 Compact other than the price. New question, what about a good, reasonable optic?

Lawyer Daggit · December 15, 2009, 01:48 AM

CZ 527 carbine or Remington model 7 carbine.

tINY · December 15, 2009, 03:12 AM

Rem model Seven is surprisingly handy to carry. There was a laminate stock version that was pretty nice.

Savage makes a model 25 that's nice (though it's heavier because of the full-sized stock).

-tINY

mozambique505 · December 15, 2009, 03:20 AM

I shoot a remington 700 youth model. 20" barrel, 12 1/2 lop. $399 new. It has a scout mounted 2x7x32 extended eye relief electrodot, burris pistol scope with burris med height quick detach z rings. Backed up with a willams peep sight. 7 power will get you to 300 yds On 2 power with the electrodot on, it can be used as a red dot and is quick for across the room, or across the street. The red dot is variable in intensity and can be used for low light situations. stocky's stocks has laminate stocks at good prices and are exceptional stocks. The scout mounted scope gives it good balance. fast and light.

NWCP · December 15, 2009, 04:22 AM

A CZ 527 Lux only weighs a tad over 6 pounds and has iron sights. It is accurate, light weight, reliable, has iron sights and is ready for a scope. They are reasonably priced as well.

PetahW · December 15, 2009, 10:45 AM

You might consider the Savage Model 25 Classic, blackdog - the street price is just a tad over $500 new:

.

L_Killkenny · December 15, 2009, 11:42 AM

Buy a Savage or Stevens. Not compact enough? Any gunsmith can cut the barrel down for cheap. Usually less than $50.

LK

stubbicatt · December 15, 2009, 12:17 PM

Another vote for the CZ527. I've been happy with mine.

Despite the soda straw barrel it is plenty accurate to pop prairie dogs out to about 400 or so.

azredhawk44 · December 15, 2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

The Ruger retails for $600+, and no rings or scope

http://www.ruger.com/products/m77Haw.../features.html

Quote:

PATENTED INTEGRAL SCOPE MOUNTS, machined directly on the solid-steel receiver provide a stable mounting
surface for scope rings, eliminating a potential source of looseness and inaccuracy in the field (scope rings included FREE).

ARDogman · December 15, 2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

AR-15

Ridiculous. "What's 2+2?" AR-15! "Who was the 44th president of the US?" AR-15!.

OP is dead set on a Ruger...despite several suggestions for the CZ. I wanted a Ruger recently...I still want it, I don't think there's anything wrong with it @ all.

bamaranger · December 16, 2009, 02:15 AM

NObody's mentioned the Mini-Mausers as imported by Interarms, charles Daily, and now Rem, though I can't think of the model #.

The Interarms rifles are out there used, the new Rems are pricey.

The actions are scaled to the ctg, so they are scads lighter than a Stevens or
Sav full size bolt rifle. A 20" sporting taper bbl adds to portability. The triggers are adjustable.

With a 6x leu, a simple leather carry strap, fully loaded, mine's just over 6 lbs.

It'll shoot into an inch w/ factory ammo, till that skinny bbl heats, but whocares on a hunting/rambling rifle.

stin303 · December 16, 2009, 07:56 AM

buy a CZ 527!

fyimo · December 16, 2009, 09:11 AM

I picked a Mint used Browning A Bolt in 223 with rings last month for $450 and it's an excellent rifle. Ruger makes an excellent rifle and if that's what you want you should hold out and get it.

December 14, 2009, 07:11 PM	#1
blackdog_507 Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Posts: 73	Handy, Lightweight, REASONABLE .223 Bolt?? I want to buy a nice little bolt 223 rifle for coyotes, varmints, and some extended range plinking. I'd like something extremely light, easy to carry and handle and the ability to shoot with some decent consistency out to about 300 yards. I've been looking at the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact that has a 16" barrel. Seems like a nice handy rifle, only my local gun shop doesn't carry ANY ruger M77's, let alone the compact version. I'd like a walnut stock as opposed to a synthetic. The Ruger retails for $600+, and no rings or scope, so I figure I'd have $800+ in the thing easy, and I just don't want to spend that. Anyone have any other suggestions? I don't mind buying a used rifle if there is a particular make/model that is readily available online or commonly found in shops. Autos like a Mini or AR platform are out of the question for this purpose.

December 14, 2009, 07:14 PM	#2
rbernie Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2004 Location: Plain Ol', TX Posts: 713	Given your criteria - the CZ 527 is what you want. __________________ -A conclusion is not a destination, it's simply a convenient place to stop thinking.- -Reading a thing doesn't automatically make it so; repeating it doesn't necessarily make it any truer.- -Every Texan should be a member of the Texas State Rifle Association.

December 14, 2009, 07:22 PM	#5
kwells6 Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 437	stevens/savage 200, sell off the synthetic and get a savage 10 or 110 series stock cheap __________________ "Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it."

December 14, 2009, 07:35 PM	#7
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,681	You sure the Ruger doesn't come with rings? My last Ruger did. In fact, I traded with Ruger for Low rings fer free. CZ does make an excellent rifle as do several other makers. __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

December 14, 2009, 10:27 PM	#11
kwells6 Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 437	all of those are $500+ rifles... the OP said REASONABLE... the stevens is $329 NIB, leaving money for GOOD optics and even ammo or goodies for the rifle like a new stock or something... and if you hand load, I know of a SWEET load for it granted, i've owned a CZ, but they arent all that. __________________ "Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it."

December 14, 2009, 07:15 PM	#3
AaronCoady Member Join Date: August 1, 2001 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 26	+1 on CZ bolt rifles, great value for the money

December 14, 2009, 07:22 PM	#4
olyinaz Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 877	I don't think a Tikka is quite so tidy, but they're dandy rifles as well. One of my local shops has that Ruger in stock. Good Lord is it small and handy! I want it BAD but I just can't get myself to pay that for a .223 carbine that doesn't hold 30 rounds. But seriously, they're just lovely. Best, Oly

December 14, 2009, 07:24 PM	#6
rickdavis81 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2006 Location: Missouri Posts: 398	AR-15

December 14, 2009, 09:22 PM	#8
NWCP Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 1,903	Another vote for the CZ 527 American. I have one in .223 and it's a great rifle. With HSM 50gr Ballistic Tip ammo it will give me sub MOA groups off the bench at 100 yards. It's light and well balanced.

December 14, 2009, 09:46 PM	#9
Abel Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Posts: 1,161	That ruger with the 16.5" barrel is a nice rifle, especially in 223. Order one sight unseen with confidence.

December 14, 2009, 10:14 PM	#10
.300 Weatherby Mag Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Posts: 1,777	The rugers come with the medium set of rings free in the box...

December 14, 2009, 11:14 PM	#12
cimarronvalley Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2007 Location: Shawnee, Ok. Posts: 155	Handy, Lightweight, REASONABLE .223 Bolt?? Ditto Savage/Stevens 200.Stevens 200.jpg

December 14, 2009, 11:33 PM	#13
blackdog_507 Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Posts: 73	Thanks for suggestions...... I guess to get what I want, I'm probably going to have to save my pennies and buy the Ruger. Its really what I want, and I'm sure I'm not the only one to find out that its better to save your money and buy what you want rather than skimp and end up not enjoying what you get. Sounds like no one has a problem with M77 Compact other than the price. New question, what about a good, reasonable optic?

December 15, 2009, 01:48 AM	#14
Lawyer Daggit Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Posts: 1,181	CZ 527 carbine or Remington model 7 carbine.

December 15, 2009, 03:12 AM	#15
tINY Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2005 Location: Orygun Posts: 2,589	Rem model Seven is surprisingly handy to carry. There was a laminate stock version that was pretty nice. Savage makes a model 25 that's nice (though it's heavier because of the full-sized stock). -tINY

December 15, 2009, 03:20 AM	#16
mozambique505 Junior Member Join Date: November 28, 2009 Posts: 3	I shoot a remington 700 youth model. 20" barrel, 12 1/2 lop. $399 new. It has a scout mounted 2x7x32 extended eye relief electrodot, burris pistol scope with burris med height quick detach z rings. Backed up with a willams peep sight. 7 power will get you to 300 yds On 2 power with the electrodot on, it can be used as a red dot and is quick for across the room, or across the street. The red dot is variable in intensity and can be used for low light situations. stocky's stocks has laminate stocks at good prices and are exceptional stocks. The scout mounted scope gives it good balance. fast and light.

December 15, 2009, 04:22 AM	#17
NWCP Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 1,903	A CZ 527 Lux only weighs a tad over 6 pounds and has iron sights. It is accurate, light weight, reliable, has iron sights and is ready for a scope. They are reasonably priced as well.

December 15, 2009, 10:45 AM	#18
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	You might consider the Savage Model 25 Classic, blackdog - the street price is just a tad over $500 new: .

December 15, 2009, 11:42 AM	#19
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,676	Buy a Savage or Stevens. Not compact enough? Any gunsmith can cut the barrel down for cheap. Usually less than $50. LK

December 15, 2009, 12:17 PM	#20
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	Another vote for the CZ527. I've been happy with mine. Despite the soda straw barrel it is plenty accurate to pop prairie dogs out to about 400 or so.

December 16, 2009, 02:15 AM	#23
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,313	mini-mauser NObody's mentioned the Mini-Mausers as imported by Interarms, charles Daily, and now Rem, though I can't think of the model #. The Interarms rifles are out there used, the new Rems are pricey. The actions are scaled to the ctg, so they are scads lighter than a Stevens or Sav full size bolt rifle. A 20" sporting taper bbl adds to portability. The triggers are adjustable. With a 6x leu, a simple leather carry strap, fully loaded, mine's just over 6 lbs. It'll shoot into an inch w/ factory ammo, till that skinny bbl heats, but whocares on a hunting/rambling rifle.

December 16, 2009, 07:56 AM	#24
stin303 Member Join Date: March 30, 2009 Location: Lafarge WI Posts: 24	buy a CZ 527!

December 16, 2009, 09:11 AM	#25
fyimo Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2009 Posts: 360	I picked a Mint used Browning A Bolt in 223 with rings last month for $450 and it's an excellent rifle. Ruger makes an excellent rifle and if that's what you want you should hold out and get it.