PDA

View Full Version : What brand for .243?


Flyfisher
May 1, 2008, 02:14 PM
I am admittedly a newcomer to the world of rifles, but have a variety of wheelguns and semis and am no stranger to shooting.
I want to start hunting varmints, yotes and whitetails up to probably no more than 200-250 yards, max. I know that the .243 is probably the one of the better choices if I am looking for that "one caliber fits all" category for my intended use.
I have been reading about rifle brands and am leaning toward a Savage. I also hear some good things about CZ and Ruger. I know there are a lot of rifles out there, but from what I hear, the Savage is about the best "out of the box" and for the price. With a scope, I want to keep the cost as much below a grand as possible.
I'm really looking for the brand that will meet my intended needs.

cdrt
May 1, 2008, 03:35 PM
I have a .243 Savage left hand bolt 110 that I bought used in 1968. It has killed a lot of deer; whitetail and muley, and all were one shot kills. It can still shoot a one inch group at 100 yards.

My son-in-law bought one of the Savage package guns a few years ago and he has been very satisfied overall with it, between price, accuracy, etc.

You really can't go wrong with a Savage. The .243 is a very user friendly cartridge. Low recoil, easy to reload, lots of bullet choices. Great choice for a first rifle and it will do exactly what you want it to; deer, coyotes, and varmints.

taylorce1
May 1, 2008, 03:43 PM
You should be able to buy a Savage, CZ, Remington, Ruger, Howa, Weatherby Vanguard, of Tikka for less than $1000 with scope pretty easily. Try as many out as you can with the options you want within your budget and buy the one that fits you the best. That will be the one that you will probably shoot the best.

cdrt
May 1, 2008, 05:45 PM
I would say that $500 to $600 is more in the neighborhood of what a Savage will run. More bang for your buck.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=98725782
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=98742255
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=98511913

Swampghost
May 1, 2008, 06:25 PM
I'm looking for the same, a tack driver out to 300 yds. I hate to say this but look into Walmart, they can order a lot of good rifles.

I'm looking at Weatherby's and was assured by the home office that the ones that you buy at Wallyworld are exactly the same as you will get anywhere else.

Look here. http://www.weatherbynation.com/ and here http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=170083

somerled
May 1, 2008, 06:33 PM
The Savage is a good choice. If you're on a real tight budget, look at the Stevens 200 short action in .243. It can be found around here for a bit less than $300. It has a gray synthetic stock, small bolt handle, and no Accutrigger. Other than that, it not different from the higher-priced Savage.

The Howa 1500/Weatherby Vanguard, the Tikka, and the CZ 550 are good options too.

HOGGHEAD
May 1, 2008, 07:53 PM
Savage makes a good rifle for the money. Out of the box they shoot very well, and the AccuTrigger is a good choice. If you buy one make sure it has a wood or laminated stock. The synthetic stock they offer is JUNK-stay away from the synthetic stocck. Other than that, the Savage should make you a good rifle, and should allow you some extra money to buy a good quality scope.

The TC Encore would also make a good choice, and would give you some extra options down the road. Tom.

Jack O'Conner
May 2, 2008, 06:24 AM
TIKKA is a high quality rifle from Finland. Bolt feels like it rides on a coat of teflon, very smooth. But amazingly, pricing is less than Remington 700 and other common USA made rifles.

Jack

JesterXD40
May 2, 2008, 07:37 AM
Not having ties, but Remington 243 at buds is 490 cash shipped. I have shot savages and remmys, and love them both.

There are benifits to both. I look at prices and ability to modify.

Savage is really doing a heck of a job, I just can't get past the new trigger style, I don't like something touching my finger before firing. I ended up changing to a SSS trigger.

I now shoot a remmy, I love it. Both are good rifles IMO, again I look at price and accessories. 490 for an SPS, and I'll put an AICS on it, with A USO and badger metal. Savage I'd have to look at other options for stocks and no good bottom metal options.

I'm actually looking to get that .243 and build it the same as my .308

My Remmy:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff154/Jester1911/DSCF1235.jpg

bluedog
May 2, 2008, 07:44 AM
Try a Tikka....you WILL NOT be disappointed!

sureshots
May 2, 2008, 08:47 AM
Try the new kid on the block. The Thompson
center Icon. This gun has features of guns many times its price. Which is only around eight hundred dollars. Believe me this gun has A lot to offer for the price. ( tcarms.com )

Flyfisher
May 2, 2008, 09:17 AM
...about the Icon last night in the current edtion of Sports Afield. Pretty positive review.
From the responses, it looks like there are a number of options out there, including some I hadn't thought about...TIKKA, for example. That's one of the really good reasons these websites exist...including the fact that I received feedback from all around the country. I hope I can give as much as I receive.
Thanks, much, folks!

Dilbert
May 2, 2008, 11:09 AM
CZs set trigger decimates every other trigger I have ever pulled, including worked over triggers and the Savage accutrigger.

bmyers
May 3, 2008, 12:26 PM
I have a beauty for sale. It;s an Interarms MK X Mannlicher with a 3x9 Redfield scope $450.00....

If interested, contact me for pictures.

[email protected]

ryalred
May 5, 2008, 10:20 AM
I love my Ruger M77 .243. It shoots a wide range of bullet weights well (I reload). It is very accurate and consistent and certainly isn't picky about bullet weights or styles.

Good luck finding what you want.