Best Factory 223 Fclass/Varmint Rifle?

[sevenmil]

I am considering either building or buying a nice 223 to use mainly for varminting, but occasionally using it on the range.

Any thoughts out there as to what out of the box 223 rifle would be accurate enough for FClass and hunting (varminting) - I am thinking Sako, Tikka or maybe Savage ?

[DaveMc]

Yes tikka (or sako) 1 in 8 twist varmint.

[macguru]

savage LRPV 7 twist

I should explain. Its a single shot target action left port right bolt. Fairly heavy coz of the barrel. I regularly shot good groups at 300m with it, sometimes 8-9 shots in about 1-1.5 inches on dead calm mornings.
There is also a low profile model with a repeater action, right port, slightly lighter barrel (.85 at muzzle as opposed to 1" for the lrpv) and 7 twist is available , its 7 or 9 so the 7 is the go , 9 is not good for 80gr pills. I did not try that one but if you are lucky it maybe another good option. As with any factory rifle in this price range you may or may not get a sweet barrel I am sure the odds would shift if you spend on the sako varmint, it certainly looks the goods.

[Razer]

Will agree with Andrew, a Sako varminter is a great off the shelf rifle. A second hand model75 I would consider over the 85. (The 75 was a better action in my opinion).
My 75 in 308w in a laminated stock is brilliant and would probably be even better with a compound bedding rather than just on the wood.Was a bit heavy to carry for walk about hunting though.
Sako are quality rifles, have owned them since 1958.

[sevenmil]

Thanks guys - I thought Sako would ne the preference. Any thoughts on Remington or have they lost the edge ?

[Send-it]

remington?
well i suppose you could consider the 5r-'Milspec'. in 223.
it also has a fast twist (1 in 9 ?) barrel.
their quality is ok,..............but could be a little better.

[pjifl]

1 in 9 inch is not enough for 80 grain 223 pills.

[OuttaAmmo]

1 in 9 inch is not enough for 80 grain 223 pills.

Most of the factory rifles won't be chambered to seat that long projie out anyway.

I'd say get a Tikka, especially since varminting sounds like it's main job.
Maybe find a load using 69 sierras, then you can shoot F std, Ftr or F Open, depending on how light you have the trigger or if you want to use a bipod or bags, etc...

[SunnyCoast 5r]

I know it might not be the best choice for either task but I am going with the new Lithgow LA102. The Made in Australia aspect has got me...I am not expecting miracles but my LA101 22 is very nice so I will take a chance. They are very similar to the long action Tikka with a choice of stocks. Only 1:9 twist so will use the 69gr projectiles at this stage. Will do double duty in the paddock and for the shorter ranges. Maybe a target barrel down the track. Anyway just a thought.

[mike H]

The thing that I can't understand is that some years ago,I think from some prompting from someone in Australia,Ruger made some varminters in .223 calibre,with 1-8 twist,I have one that was used by Jim McIntosh to test the idea of a .223/5.56 target rifle.This rifle has a 1-8 twist barrel and has always shot well with 80 grain bullets.Why the preoccupation with 1-9 twists from Ruger and others is hard to understand.
Mike.

[dazza284]

The thing that I can't understand is that some years ago,I think from some prompting from someone in Australia,Ruger made some varminters in .223 calibre,with 1-8 twist,I have one that was used by Jim McIntosh to test the idea of a .223/5.56 target rifle.This rifle has a 1-8 twist barrel and has always shot well with 80 grain bullets.Why the preoccupation with 1-9 twists from Ruger and others is hard to understand.
Mike.

there's more to life than just target shooting , when you look at what is loaded in

to nato ammo it is very easy to see why they like their 1:9 twist barrels in the US .