Thread: Looking for a new rifle

Hello everyone, I've taken to looking for a new rifle. I'm partial .223 and already have an M4 that I've outfitted to perfection (IMHO). Now while I do like auto-loaders I have a love for bolt actions. This alone isn't a problem there and an untold number of them, but the problem lies with the sights. I'm not a big fan of glass sights (scopes, red dots, reflex, ext) and would like it to be equipped with iron sights. Does anyone have any suggestions on a rifle that fits the bill in the $500-$700 range?

What do you plan on shooting with it? You could get a decent sharps for that. You could pick up a T.C. Contender and just plan on purchasing more barrels down the road. You could also pick up a lever gun. I love my little Marlin 30-30 but if you want to take down anything on this continent you could get one in 45-70. Heck, if you want to punch paper look in to an Anschutz or CZ .22 to do it with.

If it doesn't have to be a rifle I'm a huge fan of my Blackhawk in .41 mag. The 357 isn't bad and is easier on my wrists, but the .41 is just awesome. Last fall I got a luck shot on a Coyote on my FIL's farm. Hit the sucker right between the eyes at about .35 yards. I was on a small hill about 10ft in elevation and crosswind from him. Bullet went in. Bullet came out just below the spine. Coyote slammed to the ground and bounced about 2 feet in to the air.

I'm looking at a .223 for just shooting around. I'd love to get a 1911 or a sig but being only 18 it's not legal. I've thought about the T.C. but I'd prefer something thats multiple shot so should I decide to use it for either coyotes or varmints I'll have fallow up shots if needed. I'd love a Remington 700 but sadly they are no longer made in .223 with iron sights.

I really like my Ruger Mini-14 and it meets your criteria. I've had it for a year now and it's very accurate and reliable. I've shot Russian surplus through it without any problems and it fits your price range.

Originally Posted by Devilpup

I'm looking at a .223 for just shooting around. I'd love to get a 1911 or a sig but being only 18 it's not legal. I've thought about the T.C. but I'd prefer something thats multiple shot so should I decide to use it for either coyotes or varmints I'll have fallow up shots if needed. I'd love a Remington 700 but sadly they are no longer made in .223 with iron sights.

What state do you live in that doesn't allow 18 yr olds to own a pistol?

I'm an idiot. I see it now. Missouri.

Um Crotalus that's federal law that requires a person to be 21 to own a handgun.

OK Devilpup, here is my question. I know your young and your eyes haven't hit that 40 yr nose dive yet. But why a bolt action like a Rem 700 if your not going to take advantage of the potential accuracy by putting a scope on it?

If your looking for an open sight gun in 223 why not get something like the Ruger Mini14 or another one of the ar based systems. Even something like a savage 200 or one of the other savage models. The savages are generally cheaper than the rem 700 line and any of them will group better at 100 yards than your eyes will allow you to. My daughter hunts with a savage 200 in .243 that I paid $250 for. We put a scope on it and it shoots groups in the 1" range at 100 and its comfortable to shoot and carry. I doubt your going to get any better than 1" at 100 with open sights no matter what gun your shooting.

PS edit. Most high power rifles in a bolt action that your likely to find are not going to come with open sights now days. No matter what bolt action in a 223 that you end up with you will likely have to take it to a gunsmith and have it drilled and tapped and sights added. You may find an older model of something that has sights or is already drilled and tapped for sights.

Originally Posted by RayCover

Um Crotalus that's federal law that requires a person to be 21 to own a handgun.

Sorry, but this is incorrect. An 18 yr old can't buy a handgun from a FFL dealer in Texas, but he can own one.

Not incorrect. If a person under the age of 21 is found in possession of a handgun they are in violation of federal law. Ownership implies possession. Now there may be loopholes like grandpa left it to me in his will but it better be in an older guardians legal possession until that person is 21. I wouldn't want to be the guy sitting in court charged with under age possession letting the lawyers argue out the technicalities. I gave my 15 year old a 22 pistol for Christmas two years ago. Legally it sin my name and she cannot take legal possession of it until she is 21.

Here are the federal laws that apply.

"Most federal laws regulating firearms are included in Title 18 of the U.S. Code -- the Gun Control Act (GCA, 1968) as amended by various subsequent laws, including the Firearms Owners` Protection Act (1986), the Youth Handgun Safety Act (1994), the Gun-Free School Zones Act (1996) and other laws. Details on federal firearm laws are available from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. (www.atf.treas.gov)

Federal law imposes the following restrictions aimed at younger persons:

A person must be 21 years of age to purchase a handgun or handgun ammunition, and 18 years of age to buy a rifle or shotgun or ammunition, from a retail firearm dealer. (GCA, 1968)

A person under age 18 may not possess a handgun or handgun ammunition, and it is illegal for a person to provide a handgun or handgun ammunition to a person under age 18, except for target shooting, hunting, or certain other exempted purposes. (Youth Handgun Safety Act, 1994)"

Read your own post. It does not say a 18 yr old can not posses a handgun, they just can't buy one.

They CAN be given one. They can also buy one from a private collection. They just can't buy from a licensed dealer.

Your right Crotalus, I didn't read that closely enough and I stand corrected.