Update on Well Discussed Topic Please

chemcal · January 1, 2017, 12:04 PM

With many changes in rifle selections in 2015 & 16, what is the best out of box varmint bolt action .223?

HiBC · January 1, 2017, 01:45 PM

I don't even know today's bolt rifle offerings.
Think about your question.
Varmint? What varmint? Prairie dogs? Crows? Coyotes? Hogs? What range/terrain? Day/Night? Walking,1/4 mile? All day? From the vehicle? 6lb, 8 lb rifle or 12 lb rifle?
Is your budget $500 or $2500? Are you going to shoot light varmint bullets(1 in 12 or 1 in 10 twist) or does the wind blow?Willyou shoot longer range? You might want 1 in 9 or tighter twist.
You might be 6 ft 8in,I might be 5 ft 3 in.(Actually,I'm 6'3").I might like synthetic stocks,you might like walnut and blue steel.

I would at least look at CZ's and Howas. A lot of folks are into Savage.

Also,an AR with a flat top,a good free floated barrel,and a target trigger will deliver accuracy with the better bolt guns.
First,try tolearn what YOU want,and be able to describe it.
Then,we will be happy to help spend your money!

75218ron · January 1, 2017, 02:53 PM

Actually, I don't find that question that vague. He is asking about a reasonably priced .223 for small varmints, I would imagine. I would suggest a Weatherby Vanguard .223.

chemcal · January 1, 2017, 02:56 PM

ghogs. but, mostlly for trigger time at the range. I like to shoot-alone or with recreational club shoots; definitely wood or laminate. I'm 6' and shoot an anschutz 1710d and cz 455; both have good glass. i would like a moderately priced .223. I like the discontinued cz thumbhole varmint. It does seem that most rifles are more accurate than me, however all have idiosyncricies to deal with. If it were in my budget, I would buy another annie; presently too extravagant.

joed · January 1, 2017, 03:02 PM

Should be a lot of good choices. Remington, Savage, Weatherby and probably a few others. Where I find fault with the .223 for varmint hunting is most have a fast twist for heavy bullets and I prefer 50 to 55 gr for that purpose.

But, if you want to use it for range work then you won't mind the faster twist.

joe sixgun · January 1, 2017, 09:04 PM

Take a look at the Howa mini action in .223. It is a shorter action specifically built for the .223/.204 case size. I have one and love it. It's also got a 10 round DBM.

oldscot3 · January 1, 2017, 09:14 PM

Yep, Howa or Vanguard.

NHSHOOTER · January 1, 2017, 09:41 PM

My vote goes with Tikka T3 lite, I bought one with a synthetic stock, took that off and put a boyds thumbhole. Either stock it shoots 1/2" groups at 100 yds, has a 1-10 twist and really likes 50 gr vmax bullets.

SJCbklyn · January 1, 2017, 11:44 PM

anything with a heavy barrell. Your shooting vermin, not dimes. Sps varmint, 700, savage 25, Ruger predator.
All have 9 twist which can handle a wide variety of bullets.

Wyosmith · January 2, 2017, 12:40 AM

I still lean toward the CZ527

MrBorland · January 2, 2017, 08:50 AM

For your purposes, check out the Tikka T3 Sporter (1:8 twist)

MarkCO · January 2, 2017, 09:13 AM

Tikka T3 or Ruger American Predator are the two I would suggest. I really like my Ruger Americans.

chemcal · January 2, 2017, 11:35 AM

I've handled a CZ 527 thumbhole stock varmint .223 that is available; however, it has been discontinued. I've read of feeding and scope mounting problems with it. Any one have knowledge of issues with this gun?

fourbore · January 2, 2017, 11:44 AM

I have a 527 Cz Varmint. Mine is a wood stock euro model. It shoots 1/2 moa with factory hornady ammo. You can get other stocks if you dont like classic walnut. That is all manner of synthetic and laminate stocks, no problem. Options do vary year to year.

I been following a lot of posts regarding the 527. There are no problems mounting a scope, the varmint comes with factory high rings and here are good after market options. I never heard of a feeding problem. I have two.

The OP asked for a Varmint, many have suggested light sporters. I can offer an alternative if the OP does not actually want a "varmint" model.

As for "out of the box". I did no bedding, nothing. The gun came with rings that will accommodate any 40mm adjustable objective scope including room for a slip over cover.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · January 2, 2017, 12:10 PM

Picked up my TC Venture .223 for a song and its been a really good rifle------1 in 12 twist --so you're limited to the lighter bullets-----but it is a varmint rifle so no big deal---just not gonna pop bambi with it is all.

T. O'Heir · January 2, 2017, 02:10 PM

For what budget? There really is no 'best' anything. It's really a Ford vs Chevy thing.
CZ 527 Varmint is discontinued. There is a 557 Varmint though. Only in .308 or .243. MSRP is roughly $200 more than a Savage 25 Walking Varmint.

surveyor · January 2, 2017, 04:29 PM

I have a cz 527 varmint laminate in 223.
They are a mini mauser action.
They have a 5 rd magazine, and a nice single set trigger.
As far as scope mounting, the rings are a 16 mm dovetail,
While I had high rings on a scope, I found it easier to get a 1 piece
16 mm to weaver base adapter from diversified innovative products.
This opened up better choices in ring height selections for me.

The other thing to be aware of is clearance of the eyepeice of the scope and the bolt handle.
Cz and James Cahoon both offer bolt handles with more clearance.

Boyds may make a thumbhole stock.

fourbore · January 2, 2017, 05:33 PM

Quote:

CZ 527 Varmint is discontinued

IS NOT!

CZ Varmint, right off the cz website:

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-527-euro-varmint-223-rem/

and for the plastic, suppressor orientated, buyer (not varmint)

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-527-euro-varmint-223-rem/

Here is a laminate Varmint at Buds:

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...nated+.223+Rem

walnut varmint at buds (yes 204, use google):

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...nated+.223+Rem

Quote:

While I had high rings on a scope, I found it easier to get a 1 piece
16 mm to weaver base adapter from diversified innovative products.
This opened up better choices in ring height selections for me.

This does not sound like a problem - Easy, for the special needs shooter. I mean that in a good way.

fourbore · January 2, 2017, 06:25 PM

I forgot about the bolt handle. CZ did a redesign a couple years back. The handle is sold separately to refit the older gun. I was able to go with medium rings on my Carbine with a leupold scope.

chemcal · January 2, 2017, 07:22 PM

so the bolt on the 527 thumb hole should not cause a problem with a 44 objective?

chemcal · January 3, 2017, 07:03 PM

Does anyone find their scope too high for a proper cheek weld?

Ocraknife · January 7, 2017, 12:39 AM

There are so many great options out there it's probably hard to go wrong. Like others, I too am a fan of the CZ. I used high after market rings and I have enough clearance.

I plan to get another one soon.

RC20 · January 7, 2017, 12:54 PM

If you can get it the Cabells only Savage Model 10T is by far the best.

Its has a decent Stock (acu stock) a good trigger (Varmint acu trigger down to 1.5 lbs, a good barrel (5R 24 inch) and its a Varmint contour.

Our Anchorage store has one. Maybe used, its in the gun library.

Buy it new and you can get as much as $150 off (75 Cabell rebate and 75 Savage rebate)

It has a rail.

I have one of their 12FV (Varmint barrel and acu trigger ) its sub 1/2 MOA.

January 1, 2017, 12:04 PM	#1
chemcal Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2014 Posts: 281	Update on Well Discussed Topic Please With many changes in rifle selections in 2015 & 16, what is the best out of box varmint bolt action .223?

January 1, 2017, 03:02 PM	#5
joed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2014 Posts: 442	Should be a lot of good choices. Remington, Savage, Weatherby and probably a few others. Where I find fault with the .223 for varmint hunting is most have a fast twist for heavy bullets and I prefer 50 to 55 gr for that purpose. But, if you want to use it for range work then you won't mind the faster twist. __________________ The 6 gun was once as common as the cellphone is today, and just as annoying when it went off in the theater.

January 1, 2017, 09:04 PM	#6
joe sixgun Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2010 Location: west michigan Posts: 185	Take a look at the Howa mini action in .223. It is a shorter action specifically built for the .223/.204 case size. I have one and love it. It's also got a 10 round DBM. __________________ DON'T TREAD ON ME !

January 2, 2017, 09:13 AM	#12
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,307	Tikka T3 or Ruger American Predator are the two I would suggest. I really like my Ruger Americans. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

January 2, 2017, 11:44 AM	#14
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	I have a 527 Cz Varmint. Mine is a wood stock euro model. It shoots 1/2 moa with factory hornady ammo. You can get other stocks if you dont like classic walnut. That is all manner of synthetic and laminate stocks, no problem. Options do vary year to year. I been following a lot of posts regarding the 527. There are no problems mounting a scope, the varmint comes with factory high rings and here are good after market options. I never heard of a feeding problem. I have two. The OP asked for a Varmint, many have suggested light sporters. I can offer an alternative if the OP does not actually want a "varmint" model. As for "out of the box". I did no bedding, nothing. The gun came with rings that will accommodate any 40mm adjustable objective scope including room for a slip over cover. Last edited by fourbore; January 2, 2017 at 11:56 AM.

January 1, 2017, 01:45 PM	#2
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	I don't even know today's bolt rifle offerings. Think about your question. Varmint? What varmint? Prairie dogs? Crows? Coyotes? Hogs? What range/terrain? Day/Night? Walking,1/4 mile? All day? From the vehicle? 6lb, 8 lb rifle or 12 lb rifle? Is your budget $500 or $2500? Are you going to shoot light varmint bullets(1 in 12 or 1 in 10 twist) or does the wind blow?Willyou shoot longer range? You might want 1 in 9 or tighter twist. You might be 6 ft 8in,I might be 5 ft 3 in.(Actually,I'm 6'3").I might like synthetic stocks,you might like walnut and blue steel. I would at least look at CZ's and Howas. A lot of folks are into Savage. Also,an AR with a flat top,a good free floated barrel,and a target trigger will deliver accuracy with the better bolt guns. First,try tolearn what YOU want,and be able to describe it. Then,we will be happy to help spend your money!

January 1, 2017, 02:53 PM	#3
75218ron Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 191	Actually, I don't find that question that vague. He is asking about a reasonably priced .223 for small varmints, I would imagine. I would suggest a Weatherby Vanguard .223.

January 1, 2017, 02:56 PM	#4
chemcal Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2014 Posts: 281	ghogs. but, mostlly for trigger time at the range. I like to shoot-alone or with recreational club shoots; definitely wood or laminate. I'm 6' and shoot an anschutz 1710d and cz 455; both have good glass. i would like a moderately priced .223. I like the discontinued cz thumbhole varmint. It does seem that most rifles are more accurate than me, however all have idiosyncricies to deal with. If it were in my budget, I would buy another annie; presently too extravagant.

January 1, 2017, 09:14 PM	#7
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 997	Yep, Howa or Vanguard.

January 1, 2017, 09:41 PM	#8
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	My vote goes with Tikka T3 lite, I bought one with a synthetic stock, took that off and put a boyds thumbhole. Either stock it shoots 1/2" groups at 100 yds, has a 1-10 twist and really likes 50 gr vmax bullets.

January 1, 2017, 11:44 PM	#9
SJCbklyn Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2016 Posts: 102	anything with a heavy barrell. Your shooting vermin, not dimes. Sps varmint, 700, savage 25, Ruger predator. All have 9 twist which can handle a wide variety of bullets.

January 2, 2017, 12:40 AM	#10
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	I still lean toward the CZ527

January 2, 2017, 08:50 AM	#11
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	For your purposes, check out the Tikka T3 Sporter (1:8 twist)

January 2, 2017, 11:35 AM	#13
chemcal Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2014 Posts: 281	I've handled a CZ 527 thumbhole stock varmint .223 that is available; however, it has been discontinued. I've read of feeding and scope mounting problems with it. Any one have knowledge of issues with this gun?

January 2, 2017, 12:10 PM	#15
Omaha-BeenGlockin Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2001 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 1,183	Picked up my TC Venture .223 for a song and its been a really good rifle------1 in 12 twist --so you're limited to the lighter bullets-----but it is a varmint rifle so no big deal---just not gonna pop bambi with it is all. __________________ I take the leech that's bleeding me Can't stop to save my soul I take the leash that's leading me -------Metallica

January 2, 2017, 02:10 PM	#16
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	For what budget? There really is no 'best' anything. It's really a Ford vs Chevy thing. CZ 527 Varmint is discontinued. There is a 557 Varmint though. Only in .308 or .243. MSRP is roughly $200 more than a Savage 25 Walking Varmint. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 2, 2017, 04:29 PM	#17
surveyor Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2007 Posts: 770	I have a cz 527 varmint laminate in 223. They are a mini mauser action. They have a 5 rd magazine, and a nice single set trigger. As far as scope mounting, the rings are a 16 mm dovetail, While I had high rings on a scope, I found it easier to get a 1 piece 16 mm to weaver base adapter from diversified innovative products. This opened up better choices in ring height selections for me. The other thing to be aware of is clearance of the eyepeice of the scope and the bolt handle. Cz and James Cahoon both offer bolt handles with more clearance. Boyds may make a thumbhole stock.

January 2, 2017, 06:25 PM	#19
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	I forgot about the bolt handle. CZ did a redesign a couple years back. The handle is sold separately to refit the older gun. I was able to go with medium rings on my Carbine with a leupold scope.

January 2, 2017, 07:22 PM	#20
chemcal Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2014 Posts: 281	so the bolt on the 527 thumb hole should not cause a problem with a 44 objective?

January 3, 2017, 07:03 PM	#21
chemcal Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2014 Posts: 281	Does anyone find their scope too high for a proper cheek weld?

January 7, 2017, 12:39 AM	#22
Ocraknife Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2002 Location: Nashville Posts: 1,117	There are so many great options out there it's probably hard to go wrong. Like others, I too am a fan of the CZ. I used high after market rings and I have enough clearance. I plan to get another one soon. __________________ "The loudest sound you'll ever hear is a "bang" when you weren't expecting one." -Jimro

January 7, 2017, 12:54 PM	#23
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	If you can get it the Cabells only Savage Model 10T is by far the best. Its has a decent Stock (acu stock) a good trigger (Varmint acu trigger down to 1.5 lbs, a good barrel (5R 24 inch) and its a Varmint contour. Our Anchorage store has one. Maybe used, its in the gun library. Buy it new and you can get as much as $150 off (75 Cabell rebate and 75 Savage rebate) It has a rail. I have one of their 12FV (Varmint barrel and acu trigger ) its sub 1/2 MOA.

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