Help me pick a new or used gun
 

Hi Folks,

I recently started to reload. I currently have a couple of larger caliber rifles which have served me well over the years. What I would like to purchase is a small caliber, center fire rifle which I can reload for and plink with. I may try to shoot a varmit or two but mostly shoot it at the range and work up accurate loads.

With this in mind, I don't want to drop a ton of money. I've looked at the low end models at the stores and they have cheap stocks and what seems to be flimsy bolts and parts. I'm sure they shoot but not what I'm after.

I travel for a living and enjoy stopping at gun / pawn shops when time allows.

Can you throw out a few older rifles and calibers which have the characteristics I'm looking for? If I had a hit list I would hunt down a good deal on a good gun. Actually, the hunt for a new gun is part of the fun but I'm new the CF world and don't really know what I'm doing.

Thanks in advance,

Keep an eye out for a Remington model 788 in 222, 223,or 22-250, make sure it has a magazine, they are kinda hard to find
RR

Remington 788 are good rifles, own one in 222. But I can get a new rem 700 adl from Wal-Mart cheaper. Triple k makes good replacement magazines for the 788 in 222,22-250,243,308,7/08,44,and 30/30.
http://www.triplek.com/Products/id/38/grp/412/manuf/R/

I would find a 700 chambered in .223. You can not go wrong unless it has been abused or the barrel has been shot out. If you don't like anything about it there are more aftermarket options available than any other make of rifle.

You can get the rem 700 adl from Wal-Mart in 223.

If it were me I would go with a .223 - in that way I could shoot them in a bolt gun and a AR platform.

Go with the 222, Easy to load, and extremely accurate. A Remington 788 or a Savage 340 would be perfect.

Josmund,

Look for a quality design such as the older Winchester M70's that have CRF, and a mauser style action.

Avoid the entry level designs such as the 110 Savage and Rem 700's or 721-1's.

The 700's are known for accidental discharges caused by their triggers and there are many lawsuits. Nor do they have a three position M70 type safety that controls the firing pin.

Start with the 243 Winchester which is useful for varmints and some game.

Skip past the obsolete 222 as it's been replaced by the 223 which in itself is limited to varmints.

Good feedback.

Thanks.

Savage Axis in a .223 around $250.00-$275.00 the Axis XP Camo with the Bushnell or Nikon Scope about $325-$375 range.This year Savage is suppose to add their Accu-trigger to the Axis for a few dollars more!

The Ruger American is suppose to come out with the .223 Caliber this year and price would be around the $319.00-$375.00 range when price checking around and the Ruger American has the adjustable trigger!