Considering getting a .223

[GPtwins]

First, let me say that I am primarily a handgunner. I have one rifle for hunting purposes. With that out of the way, I am considering buying a .223 for target shooting just because it is a real fun caliber. So the question is which platform?

The AR types are popular and fun to shoot but I'm don't picture myself as the next John Rambo. Semi-autos can really burn through some ammo too if I am not careful.

A Remington 700 bolt action, especially a heavy barrel, would suite me just fine and it would look good in the cabinet next to my Remington 700 7mm Remington Mag. Bolt actions only load four rounds at a time and I must cycle the bolt each time. This will really slow the amount of ammo I send down range.

Then, tonight, I ran across a .223 in lever action. I almost forgot those existed. Also, four rounds in the box at a time and must cycle the lever.

Like I said, the primary function of the rifle will be target shooting. It may, on occasion, find its way to my dad's ranch as a varmint rifle on the four-wheeler. So, opinions please.

 

[Texan2]

Ar is the most versitile .223 platform IMO....it can do nearly anything you want to do in Texas

 

[Dawico]

If you want the best accuracy for the dollar, look at a Savage bolt. There are a ton of options available from Savage, but you can get started very cheap, and it will be a good shooter.

 

[Stumpy]

Ar-15

 

[MR Redneck]

AR15's require a 5 round mag for hunting large game in Texas. Now that only applies to licensed hunting. If it doesnt require a license to hunt it, it doesnt matter.

 

[Stumpy]

AR15's require a 5 round mag for hunting large game in Texas. Now that only applies to licensed hunting. If it doesnt require a license to hunt it, it doesnt matter.

say what? since when? prove it!

 

[MR Redneck]

say what? since when? prove it!

Read that little pamplet " Hunting and fishing Regulatiuons". It's in there where the Deer section is.

 

[SPCHardin]

I have a bushmaster XM-15. I know you did not really want an AR-15, but it sure is a great shooter! NEVER had a misfire or failure to feed / eject.

 

[tussery]

From TPWD:

Magazine Capacity (number of shells/cartridges allowed): There are no restrictions on the
number of shells or cartridges a legal firearm may hold when hunting game animals or game birds (except
migratory game birds, see Legal Shotgun, pg. 65).

 

[Texan2]

AR15's require a 5 round mag for hunting large game in Texas. Now that only applies to licensed hunting. If it doesnt require a license to hunt it, it doesnt matter.

I disagree

 

[M. Sage]

Ar is the most versitile .223 platform IMO....it can do nearly anything you want to do in Texas

+1 on the AR. You don't have to load the magazines to 30..

 

[Texas42]

First, let me say that I am primarily a handgunner. I have one rifle for hunting purposes. With that out of the way, I am considering buying a .223 for target shooting just because it is a real fun caliber. So the question is which platform?

The AR types are popular and fun to shoot but I'm don't picture myself as the next John Rambo. Semi-autos can really burn through some ammo too if I am not careful.

A Remington 700 bolt action, especially a heavy barrel, would suite me just fine and it would look good in the cabinet next to my Remington 700 7mm Remington Mag. Bolt actions only load four rounds at a time and I must cycle the bolt each time. This will really slow the amount of ammo I send down range.

Then, tonight, I ran across a .223 in lever action. I almost forgot those existed. Also, four rounds in the box at a time and must cycle the lever.

Like I said, the primary function of the rifle will be target shooting. It may, on occasion, find its way to my dad's ranch as a varmint rifle on the four-wheeler. So, opinions please.

I find that having a light recoiling, fun, and accurate rounds makes for lots of rounds sent downrange. : )

Besides, Lots of cheap .223 out there. Lots of great bullets which can be had to use on deer, varmits, or 2 legged creatures. Very accurate platform.

I don't want to disuade you form getting what you want, but there is nothing wrong with sending lots of rounds down range. : )

 

[shortround]

Invest in a bolt gun first. It will develop fire discipline, and will serve you well for varmints up to deer.

Once you've got the feel of the caliber, find yourself a good AR for fun and plinking.

I would no more hunt with an M-1 Garand than with an AR-15 variant.

But if you do, no problem.

As for the cost of ammunition, you will find 5.56mm/.223 Remington anywhere from thirty cents per round up to $1.75. You do not want to go hunting with the cheap stuff! Your game deserves better.

Be well.

 

[balloo93]

I'd say go for a AR. I'm thinking a Rock River Arms National Match rifle. It won't be your last AR. I'd suggest a 14.5" (with pinned flash hider to get 16") as your next AR.

 

[SevenMag]

Yup... RockRiver makes some of the best AR's - I own a few.... Also recommend the new Remington R-15 if you like them dressed up in camo.

 

[balloo93]

Forgot to mention, if you are worried about 5rd capacity, magpul is selling limiters for their 20rd mags so that 5rds is all you can load. It's easily switched back. 20rds mags are great for prone shooting anyway, so it's a no brainer.

PMAG ACCESSORIES - 5 Round Limiter – PMAG 20, 3 Pack

 

[MR Redneck]

I disagree

Why?

 

[Texas42]

Read that little pamplet " Hunting and fishing Regulatiuons". It's in there where the Deer section is.

it is not,

 

[The Mayor]

I to am looking at purchaseing a .223 I fire an M4 and want to get a civilian version for play time. However I don't know where to realy start looking or which brand to go with any ideas?

 

[Texan2]

I to am looking at purchaseing a .223 I fire an M4 and want to get a civilian version for play time. However I don't know where to realy start looking or which brand to go with any ideas?

get ready for the flood of answers...what is you budget?