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Posted: 10/2/2014 11:15:12 AM EDT
Not sure where to post this: if I want a gun for 100-300 yd target shooting, what's my best choice - a bolt gun in .223 or take one of my ARs and put a free float handguard and scope on it? Want to stick to .223 cal as I have lots and don't think I necessarily need a different one for this use. Thanks for the input.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:16:35 AM EDT
[#1]
AR all the way.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:19:41 AM EDT
[#2]
If you already have an AR or two, why not a 5.56 bolt gun? I am looking hard at the ruger American Ranch that just came out. I would rather have the mossber MVP I think but the Ranch looks to be cheaper, and I prefer the ruger American action.

Nothing wrong with diversity in a collection.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:20:13 AM EDT
[#3]
Its a matter of taste and storage. 223 bolt actions are relatively cheap. Just watch the rifling. I have an older 223 bolt action with 1:12 so I am limited to light bullets.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:20:41 AM EDT
[#4]
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Quoted:
AR all the way.
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That's kind of the way I'm leaning, but why? Trying to learn, Tks.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:26:14 AM EDT
[#5]
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Quoted:


That's kind of the way I'm leaning, but why? Trying to learn, Tks.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
AR all the way.


That's kind of the way I'm leaning, but why? Trying to learn, Tks.


Depends on how good your stick is... and how good you are.
{RodeoFan's 24" RRA, Georgia Arms Precision Plus 55gr NBT, AETEC 2.5-10x44 and 100yds}




I haven't even had a reason to go bolt in .308, yet.  Luvzmesum ARMALITE AR-10s.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:48:56 AM EDT
[#6]
You can build a new dedicated target upper for the price of a bolt gun.

You can have a crazy light trigger in a bolt gun, and if you reload, a bolt gun will not fling your brass.

Personally, I would get the bolt gun with a pretty stock and a nice scope.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:54:50 AM EDT
[#7]
Since you dont have a bolt gun the answer is easy.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:55:05 AM EDT
[#8]
CZ 527 Varmint.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:55:15 AM EDT
[#9]
If I go the Ar route, what's a good scope that won't break the bank?
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:56:24 AM EDT
[#10]
I vote bolt gun because I've always wanted one.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 11:59:31 AM EDT
[#11]
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Since you dont have a bolt gun the answer is easy.
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I do. It's a Ruger M77 in .30-06. Just thinking what to do for a lighter, cheaper caliber.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 12:02:34 PM EDT
[#12]
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I do. It's a Ruger M77 in .30-06. Just thinking what to do for a lighter, cheaper caliber.
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Quoted:
Since you dont have a bolt gun the answer is easy.


I do. It's a Ruger M77 in .30-06. Just thinking what to do for a lighter, cheaper caliber.


Maybe a Savage Varmit model?

I've got a CZ 527 & Rem PSS in 223, nice shooters but not the cheapest.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 12:03:17 PM EDT
[#13]
AR with non-chrome lined heavy barrel, free float and crisp 2 stage trigger will hang with bolt action guns all day long.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 12:05:09 PM EDT
[#14]
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 12:05:38 PM EDT
[#15]
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If I go the Ar route, what's a good scope that won't break the bank?
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Vortex Viper PST, choose your magnification.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 12:15:44 PM EDT
[#16]
Sold my 223 bolt guns after I got into ARs.  Just never wanted to use them anymore and the AR is just as accurate for those distances.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 12:31:53 PM EDT
[#17]
Not a bolt, but another inexpensive .223 option is a TC Contender carbine.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 12:55:33 PM EDT
[#18]
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If I go the Ar route, what's a good scope that won't break the bank?
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White Oak Armament 20" SDM 1/7 twist barrel. 5 shots of Hornady 75gr TAP (.223) at 85 yards

I have a Vortex Viper HS, good scope for the money, IMO.



Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:01:45 PM EDT
[#19]
Remmy 700 Sps tactical or Sps varmint in 223.  

Jewel trigger and hs precision stock.  

Vortex scope.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:01:57 PM EDT
[#20]
Thanks for all the advice guys. Re scopes, what's the usual magnification choice for this? As you can tell, I dont know much about this stuff.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:02:17 PM EDT
[#21]
double tap
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:08:48 PM EDT
[#22]
I'm looking hard at Ruger's new American Ranch or whatever they call it.  I have a "spare" 5.56 can that needs a host, and bolt guns are nice and quiet suppressed.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:10:50 PM EDT
[#23]
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I have both.  Both are accurate.

My bolt gun is more accurate.

(And before you listen to anyone that says differently, go look to see if they have proven it here:  One MOA All Day Long Challenge

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Sage advice.

Maybe someday I can post in that thread.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:11:55 PM EDT
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Thanks for all the advice guys. Re scopes, what's the usual magnification choice for this? As you can tell, I dont know much about this stuff.
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I would check out the Vortex PST 1-4x24 mil/mil or an SWFA SS 6x42 mil/mil. Just depends on the magnification you want.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:12:52 PM EDT
[#25]
a .223 will barely go 300 yards, certainly not with any accuracy.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:14:27 PM EDT
[#26]

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Quoted:
That's kind of the way I'm leaning, but why? Trying to learn, Tks.
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Quoted:



Quoted:

AR all the way.




That's kind of the way I'm leaning, but why? Trying to learn, Tks.




CMP Service Rifle Iron sights.  (look it up)  



 
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:15:11 PM EDT
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Thanks for all the advice guys. Re scopes, what's the usual magnification choice for this? As you can tell, I dont know much about this stuff.
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Had a 20x nice to see the holes at 100yds. Thought about getting a 36x for my bolt guns

my AR 1x4 for all ranges
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:15:55 PM EDT
[#28]
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a .223 will barely go 300 yards, certainly not with any accuracy.
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Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:17:27 PM EDT
[#29]
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a .300blk will barely go 300 yards, certainly not with any accuracy.
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Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:21:21 PM EDT
[#30]
I have a Remington 700VS in 223 and its been a favorite of mine since I brought it home, nothing against ARs as I have BRD like most of us do....but a 223 bolt gun is almost a must in my book.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:21:50 PM EDT
[#31]
Pick up a NEF handi rifle for a cheap tack driver.  
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:24:30 PM EDT
[#32]
My .223 AR is just a plain 'ol Bushmaster 20" nothing special.

It shoots fine but is nowhere as accurate as my Winchester Model 70 Coyote medium heavy barrel .223.


I suppose I could have accurized my AR, but since I like different rifles, I bought the Winchester and I prefer it for long range shooting.

















Three shots at 100 yds followed by three more at 100 yds:











 
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:35:01 PM EDT
[#33]
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a .223 will barely go 300 yards, certainly not with any accuracy.



I know. Realistically it'll be 100yds as that's the longest I have available to me locally.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:45:20 PM EDT
[#34]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Thanks for all the advice guys. Re scopes, what's the usual magnification choice for this? As you can tell, I dont know much about this stuff.
View Quote




It would be tough for me to hit a target at 100yds without 4x magnification.  Go to a gun shop and look at scopes.  Point it out the window at targets 100+yds away, and see what you think.  



If you want a basic scope, you can catch these Nikons on sale for about $100.  

 
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:49:56 PM EDT
[#35]
on the serious side, how "accurate" do you want? my M16a2 would put every round in 12" at 500 with iron sights, prone position unsupported. Good shooters can do much better than me.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:50:22 PM EDT
[#36]
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Quoted:


It would be tough for me to hit a target at 100yds without 4x magnification.  Go to a gun shop and look at scopes.  Point it out the window at targets 100+yds away, and see what you think.  


If you want a basic scope, you can catch these Nikons on sale for about $100.     http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-P-223-3-9x40-Mate-BDC/dp/B006YVT0R8

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Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks for all the advice guys. Re scopes, what's the usual magnification choice for this? As you can tell, I dont know much about this stuff.


It would be tough for me to hit a target at 100yds without 4x magnification.  Go to a gun shop and look at scopes.  Point it out the window at targets 100+yds away, and see what you think.  


If you want a basic scope, you can catch these Nikons on sale for about $100.     http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-P-223-3-9x40-Mate-BDC/dp/B006YVT0R8



I have one of these on a 16" AR. It is a very good scope for the money.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:54:41 PM EDT
[#37]
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 1:57:55 PM EDT
[#38]
I like both, but unless I'm really trying for tiny groups at those ranges, an AR is plenty easy to use. That said, I usually have more fun shooting my bolt guns, to be honest.
Link Posted: 10/2/2014 2:05:17 PM EDT
[#39]
Build yourself a nice Savage Heavy barrel 223...way easy...
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:26:31 AM EDT
[#40]
The Ruger Americans have a 1 in 8" twist in .223 & would compliment your existing ARs. Economical rifle with a good twist is dang tempting. Quite a few configurations too.
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:31:58 AM EDT
[#41]
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a .300blk will barely go 300 yards, certainly not with any accuracy.


Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:34:48 AM EDT
[#42]
go bolt.
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:37:28 AM EDT
[#43]
There are some things that can be done with a .223 bolt gun that an AR can't approach.

Long, hot 80+ grain loads are fairly impressive.
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:38:42 AM EDT
[#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
There are some things that can be done with a .223 bolt gun that an AR can't approach.

Long, hot 80+ grain loads are fairly impressive.
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Paging TRG/
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:39:02 AM EDT
[#45]
I'd say AR just for the fun factor. I haven't touched any of my bolt guns in a long time.
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:43:02 AM EDT
[#46]
The primary reasons to buy a bolt are price, weight, and classy wood stocks. Maybe feeding if you hand load exotic stuff.

If you're breaking $700 or 8lbs, go AR. It's a boring choice, but it makes life easier.
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:47:55 AM EDT
[#47]
REM 700 sps tactical, my most accurate rifle


5 shots 100 yds sierra game king 65gr seriously the first load I tried so I never messed with it. I doubt I could shoot better anyways
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:51:35 AM EDT
[#48]
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Quoted:
a .223 will barely go 300 yards, certainly not with any accuracy.
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Yeah, sure.  That's why the military  qualifies at 500 yds

Going to a bolt gives you the chance to  go ultralight or load heavier bullets.

I have a Remington mdl 7 that is lighter than some of my .22's.

I have a 4x Redfield on it, perfect for jackrabbits.
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:53:34 AM EDT
[#49]
Link Posted: 10/3/2014 11:58:19 AM EDT
[#50]
A non chromed heavy barrel ar with a 1-9 twist  will shoot 55 gr bullets dam near as good as a good bolt gun, if you have 3 coyotes standing on a hill 250 yds away, an ar would be hard to beat.
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