First gun for a friend

[Brian R]

I'm helping my friend out to pick his first rifle. He wants a bolt action 223 and has a budget of maybe 700$ to 800$ with the glass. I've given him a few recommendations but always looking for more input. Better yet, if someone has a good budget bolt for a first gun owner let me know. I've recommended just a plain ruger ranch because of price and popularity

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[oremike]

You can't really go wrong with Savage, lots of models at different price points some with a scope already on them. And all Savages just plain shoot.

 

[GWS]

Ruger American with a Vortex scope

 

[Aero Denezol]

You can't really go wrong with Savage, lots of models at different price points some with a scope already on them. And all Savages just plain shoot.

Ruger American with a Vortex scope

Both excellent choices.

In that range I vote for Savage with Accutrigger + any Nikon 3-9 x 40. He can always update the optic later.

 

[titsonritz]

Budget bolt gun? Savage all the way, the use to have combos with a cheap scope already mounted and ready to go, upgrade later if you want. At least that is the route I went, ended up throwing the scope on a 10/22 and installed a Leopold 3-9x on it. Great shooters without breaking the bank.

 

[ma96782]

My choice would also factor in.......a question about the possible ammo that he is selecting. Yeah.....refer to that twist rate chart (also provided IIRC in another thread you asked yesterday).

Aloha, Mark

 

[Brian R]

My choice would also factor in.......a question about the possible ammo that he is selecting. Yeah.....refer to that twist rate chart (also provided IIRC in another thread you asked yesterday).

Aloha, Mark

Yes you are right. He just starting out so he'll be shooting what Im shooting for now

 

[Member 34319]

Ruger ranch that takes AR mags should fit the bill. The varmint if you want more barrel. 16 = ranch / varmint = 18"

I'd also say a Savage Scout in 223 would be a good fit. Takes AICS mags. Which are more available than ever in 223/556. I think this one ups the Ruger as it has irons.

 

[Member 34319]

Good but inexpensive glass.

Home

www.arkenopticsusa.com

 

[Nosferatu]

This:

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...rem-bl-standard-22-1-2x28-t-c-prod146754.aspx

Plus this:

https://www.stockysstocks.com/bargain-barn/stocky-s-carbon-fiber-howa-mini-sporter.html

Equals one hell of a rifle.

For a nicer bottom metal that uses CZ mags, add this:

https://jeffersonoutdoor.com/howa-mini-cz-bottom-metal/

 

[Member 34319]

This:

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...rem-bl-standard-22-1-2x28-t-c-prod146754.aspx

Plus this:

https://www.stockysstocks.com/bargain-barn/stocky-s-carbon-fiber-howa-mini-sporter.html

Equals one hell of a rifle.

For a nicer bottom metal that uses CZ mags, add this:

https://jeffersonoutdoor.com/howa-mini-cz-bottom-metal/

Another option if going with Howa.

Oregunsmithing LLC - Pendleton, OR

Oregunsmithing, LLC - We build custom rifles, Pendleton Composite Stocks, offer reboring and relining, custom services, Howa Mini Bottom Metal

www.oregunsmithingllc.com

 

[Brian R]

This:

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...rem-bl-standard-22-1-2x28-t-c-prod146754.aspx

Plus this:

https://www.stockysstocks.com/bargain-barn/stocky-s-carbon-fiber-howa-mini-sporter.html

Equals one hell of a rifle.

For a nicer bottom metal that uses CZ mags, add this:

https://jeffersonoutdoor.com/howa-mini-cz-bottom-metal/

This was a plan for my howa. It'd make one good rifle

 

[wombatz]

Just the first rifle, or is this really the first gun?

If it is the first gun then I would have to support the 10/22 (or other 22lr) idea.

Prices are still a bit wonky right now, so this has a bit less weight I guess.

When learning you want to be able to shoot without much thought to cost. Get in lots and lots of careful trigger time.

I think I used to be able to go thru most of a brick of 22 in one trip to the range.

 

[Brian R]

Just the first rifle, or is this really the first gun?

If it is the first gun then I would have to support the 10/22 (or other 22lr) idea.

Prices are still a bit wonky right now, so this has a bit less weight I guess.

When learning you want to be able to shoot without much thought to cost. Get in lots and lots of careful trigger time.

I think I used to be able to go thru most of a brick of 22 in one trip to the range.

first gun

 

[wombatz]

first gun

I should also note that your Ruger Ranch recommendation is very good. I don't have personal experience with it, but I don't think they would go wrong that way.

I just feel that it will take them longer to get "good on the trigger" if they don't spend some quality 22lr time. But there is no hurry, so as long as they work at it and follow the rules that avoid developing bad habits then they should be good to go.

 

[dmack]

Broken record time. Bimart has the Ruger American Ranch in 5.56 for $495. I think they also have the Vortex Diamondback scopes for around $200. A set of $10 Weaver rings and they are in business.

 

[dmack]

Forgot to mention, I have a RAR. Handy rifle, takes AR mags, and threaded for a suppressor.

 

[s1xty7]

I'm a fan of the Ruger American Ranch (AR mag version). While you do say .223 rifles, there are only a few that officially support 5.56 as well as .223 and the Ranch is one of those. Those that are specifically intended for .223 could potentially have issues with 5.56 (probably not in this life time, but still). I think Mossberg makes one too. On my Ranch, I installed a set of NoDak Spud iron sights and a co-witnessed TRS-25 red dot as I was wanting more of a scout rifle. Unfortunately, PSA bought NoDak Spud and I don't believe you can get the sights for the Ranch right now (hopefully soon).

Here's a pic because I always need to post pics:


However, as others have said, if this is his first gun and he has his heart set on a bolt gun, I'd also recommend the Ruger American Rimfire in 22lr as ammo and mags are plentiful and cheap. Alternately, I'd also suggest a CZ 457 in 22lr but the gun and mags are a bit more expense but the fit and finish (and probably accuracy) are just a tiny bit better.

Ruger American Rimfire (outfitted with Tech Sights and a threaded barrel):


CZ 457 (this one is the shorter "Scout " model with a Skinner peep sight):


But CZ has some other models available too to fit any budget (this is the "Pro Varmint" with an Athlon scope; good for bench shooting, not for carrying so much):


Related: I have a 22 caliber bolt gun obsession.

Good luck to your friend choosing!

 

[Member 34319]

I should also note that your Ruger Ranch recommendation is very good. I don't have personal experience with it, but I don't think they would go wrong that way.

I just feel that it will take them longer to get "good on the trigger" if they don't spend some quality 22lr time. But there is no hurry, so as long as they work at it and follow the rules that avoid developing bad habits then they should be good to go.

Just means a Ruger American Rimfire should be purchased at the same time!

 

[Skully]

I'm helping my friend out to pick his first rifle. He wants a bolt action 223 and has a budget of maybe 700$ to 800$ with the glass. I've given him a few recommendations but always looking for more input. Better yet, if someone has a good budget bolt for a first gun owner let me know. I've recommended just a plain ruger ranch because of price and popularity

Though I don't know much about .223 bolts, don't underestimate used guns. Sometimes you may get a gun that goes for 1k for 800 used. So if the new price is a bit higher than the budget sometimes you can find it cheaper used.