I love lightweight rifles in 223 (and 222) and have had several Sakos in the past. As much as I like the old Sako Hunters that I have had, they are hard to find and usually bring about $AU1500 if in any sort of condition, so I never replaced my last one (a 1985 built 222, rebarreled to 223 and when it's fourth barrel wore out, I took it to a gunsmith to get rebarrelled. he forgot my instructions and fitted a No3 profile barrel,which was way tooo heavy for the rifle and destroyed the stock, hogging it out to fit the bigger barrel. It went from my go to rifle to one I had absolutely no interest in and I sold it when a Sako lover made an offer on it.
I saw a Ruger American Compact in 223 the other day and I think this will be my new go to rifle. I paid for it and picked it up this morning, complete with a VX3 Leupold 2.5-8 scope and Leupold rings. It is now an All American, .
Off to the range tomorrow to sight it in and run the barrel in with jacketed ammo. Pictures and range report to follow. The scope cost me $AU50 more than the rifle! It is a nice looking outfit. It is set to get a run at rabbits and hopefully a fox or a goat on Monday morning.