Long story short - I'm "older" and recently had a young fellow show and let me shoot his ARs in 223 - not a big fan of that platform but really got bitten by the 223 Rem cartridge. I posted a thread under lever guns as i was looking for info on the Henry Long Ranger in that cartridge but after consideration, I'm really leaning towards a bolt action - will need to scope it due to eyesight issues - will be reloading and probably be using cast and jacketed out of it for plinking, punching paper, killing cans.etc. primarily a "fun gun" to play with both cast and jacketed - maybe out to 300 yards just to see if I could hit steel with my eyesight.
I have pretty much eliminated the Henry Long Ranger (even though I like lever guns) and for the cost of them, I think the $$ are better spent on one of the popular bolt actions out there.
I have been watching some videos. looking at the catalogs. etc. and so far, I'm thinking ,maybe one of the following.
Ruger American Ranch Rifle (
Ruger American Predator
Savage AxisII XE Hardwood (I'm old and like wood stocks)
While I would like a wood stock, I can live with synthetic as it will strictly be a range toy. I would probably put a bi-pod on it for bench use when possible.
I know everyone has their "preferences" - I know that the magazine capacity of the Ruger is more than the Savage but that's really not an issue to me. I would also consider a CZ, even though they are a bit more pricey but in looking around, they seem to be a bit scarce so a rifle in the above price range wold work just fine for may needs. I like the looks/length of the Ruger American Ranch as it would be handy to carry in the car in a case over the longer barrel models' F
From what I'm seeing, the Savages and the Ruger both have a 1:8 twist. The Savage mentions button rifling - not sure what the Ruger have. Not sure on how the barrel size compares between them as well - as in one heavier over the other? Quality comparison?
So I guess my questions are, is there a good reason to pick one brand/model over the other for shooting 223 in cast and jacketed?
Are there other makes I should be taking a look at too?
These seem to be in the same general price range and look like they would do the job for plinking and playing at various ranges using a scope. Input on how to decide would be appreciated.
Thanks.