Looking for feedback on compact bolt action rifles in 223

[7mmfan]

I'm looking for a compact bolt action rifle in 223, something short and lightweight that I can pack around with me in the woods on scouting trips, off season trips, etc. Something that will be fun to shoot with that has a little more moxy than a 22 or 22 mag.

I've been eyeballing the old Ruger American Compact as the size fits the bill, but I've read lots of mixed reviews on them.

Any other suggestions? Key qualities include: Compact stock, shortest barrel possible, light weight, synthetic/stainless if possible.

Go.

[Cougartail]

I bought a Ruger American SS as I was looking for a truck gun. The more I've used it the more I like it. Accurate and light. Seemed cheap at first but It's definitely grown on me.


The action was a little stiff at first but loosened up after shooting it a bit.

[carpsniperg2]

I have sold a ton of Americans and own several of the different models. For there price point they are hard to beat and have been very accurate. I do not like the mags but can’t complain much at there price point.

[X-Force]

Look at the Savage Lightweight Storm. The barrel is a little longer 20" but its under 6 pounds and stainless and adjustable LoP.

[WapitiTalk1]

Hey Rory,

Look no further than the new Savage 110 Lightweight Storm.  Lightweight, pretty compact, and accurate... Did I mention accurate?  Target pic is first two, three shot groups at 100 yards after breaking in barrel and getting rifle close to zero at 50 yards.  Upper three, first group and second three after a few windage/elevation clicks on the Sig scope.  I've now got it zeroed in like a dream at 200 yards.  Yep, I really like the little Storm. 

v/r  Rory   

[b23]

I'm no particular fan of Rem's 783 but for only $339 it'd be worth taking a chance.  Maybe not the lightest one out there but definitely compact and already has the barrel threaded.  Also, this particular model doesn't have that fugly bolt knob like the regular 783's.  You can also get it in 6.5 Creedmoor.

I've talked to a couple guys that have built off of them and they told me these 783 actions are pretty darn true.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020208148/remington-783-synthetic-rifle-165-heavy-barrel-threaded-matte-synthetic-flat-dark-earth

[AWS]

There is the Howa Mini action, Sako Vixen, there are quite a number of compact 223's my first was a rem 600 in 1966, still shoot it but it is a 6x45 now.  Don't overlook the 222 Rem., plus you can find them in nice Euro combo guns(CZ, Tikka, Valmet) for under $k.

[CP]

The newer Ruger American Ranch rifles use standard AR mags.  If you go with a Ruger make sure it's one of these.

[jackmaster]

Tough to beat the little ruger Americans .. those little Rossi’s are pretty cool little rifles , great for the wet side but they might only come in break action 

[7mmfan]

Ruger was my #1 based on price point alone, but I was under the impression they weren't doing the 223 in compact anymore? Am I just not seeing it? I was just on their website and couldn't find it.

[carpsniperg2]

I don't know if they are discontinuing them or not. I am sure you can still find one in a shop, I still see some listed with my wholesalers. So someone has to have them.

[7mmfan]

Hey Rory,

Look no further than the new Savage 110 Lightweight Storm.  Lightweight, pretty compact, and accurate... Did I mention accurate?  Target pic is first two, three shot groups at 100 yards after breaking in barrel and getting rifle close to zero at 50 yards.  Upper three, first group and second three after a few windage/elevation clicks on the Sig scope.  I've now got it zeroed in like a dream at 200 yards.  Yep, I really like the little Storm. 

v/r  Rory 

That is a sharp looking outfit you got there Rory. It's a little more than I wanted to spend for a truck/multi purpose rifle, but I may have to look at them a little closer.

[7mmfan]

Any thoughts on the 22-250 version of these guns? I've always wanted that caliber, but lately I've been leaning towards the 223 for ammo availability and $$$

[carpsniperg2]

I have the predator in 22-250 which is the same but green stock and threaded barrel.
It does great I run the 50g btips and it turns the lights out quick.

[WapitiTalk1]

Hey Rory,

Look no further than the new Savage 110 Lightweight Storm.  Lightweight, pretty compact, and accurate... Did I mention accurate?  Target pic is first two, three shot groups at 100 yards after breaking in barrel and getting rifle close to zero at 50 yards.  Upper three, first group and second three after a few windage/elevation clicks on the Sig scope.  I've now got it zeroed in like a dream at 200 yards.  Yep, I really like the little Storm. 

v/r  Rory 

That is a sharp looking outfit you got there Rory. It's a little more than I wanted to spend for a truck/multi purpose rifle, but I may have to look at them a little closer.

I hear ya.  If you'd like to put your mitts on mine and try it out for size, you're more than welcome to.  RJ

[headshot5]

I'd consider the following

 A TC contender .223 carbine (draw back single shot).

A ruger American ranch 556 (it's a 223 with a 16.25" barrel, slightly bigger profile than regular ruger American, and it is threaded)

Maybe a howa mini-action 223 (don't have any experience here, but the action is smaller). 

All would do what you want.   If length isn't such a draw back, a Tikka t3 .223 is hard to beat for weight.

Of course the Savage LWH (light weight hunter) model 16 is also a solid option too I think it has a 20" barrel, but lightweight. 

Are you wanting to shoot heavier bullets or lighter weight ones? 

[7mmfan]

Haven't really decided if heavyweight bullets, or lightweight bullets are on my radar. Probably whatever shoots best out of that particular rifle. It's really going to be meant for opportunistic coyotes, Grouse, rabbits, pop cans , rocks, Etc. I want to do more offhand shooting, and shooting in general, but I don't want to always be shooting my hunting rifles. I know what they can do, and they're are a lot more expensive to shoot.

[mountainman]

Don't rule out the CZ 527

[yorketransport]

Don't rule out the CZ 527

I love the little CZ 527! The Ruger American is a good gun at a great price but I just don't like the feel. One of the Howa mini actions would be high on my list too.

[b23]

Don't rule out the CZ 527

The little CZ 527's a great little gun, I still have three of them, but depending on the model, they're going to cost you around $525-$600.

One of those little shorty Rem 783's like Midway has for $339 kinda looks like it'd be a fun little gun to mess with.  I see Cabelas has the same gun, they just want more for theirs and they aren't in stock yet but since that isn't a sale price Midway has, I bet they'd price match and you'd save the delivery cost as well as the transfer fee.

[davef]

New ruger ranch with the pmags. Dont think there's any other answer for what you want. Perfect fit.

[time2hunt]

https://www.rsrgroup.com/product/RUG26968
Throw a can on it and shot subs  perfect little 100 yard gun or shot supersonic and she a  300 yarder.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[7mmfan]

New ruger ranch with the pmags. Dont think there's any other answer for what you want. Perfect fit.

I went and handled one of these along with the American compact yesterday. The Ranch felt like a solid gun. Anyone with any experience with them? Out to say 250 yards?

[CP]

New ruger ranch with the pmags. Dont think there's any other answer for what you want. Perfect fit.

I went and handled one of these along with the American compact yesterday. The Ranch felt like a solid gun. Anyone with any experience with them? Out to say 250 yards?

I have one in .300 BLK - it can reliably whack the hanging coke cans at the Marysville range 225 yard line

[headshot5]

CP brings up a good point.  You might want to consider a 300 blackout.  Ammo is relatively cheap, and it would be legal for deer.   The ruger American ranch are good shooting guns.  You will be happy with one.   

[7mmfan]

I'm pretty set with my big game guns. This is really meant to be a small game pinker and something I can teach my son to shoot with in a few years.

[JJB11B]

I have 3 roger Americans. My next gun will be a new Ruger American Ranch in .223 I currently shoot a .22-250 Ruger American Predator and she’s a tac driver out to 400. Haven’t had the opportunity to shoot further. My .204 is very accurate as well. I also have a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creed. Most accurate rifle I own

[huntnphool]

Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/778332116

My kids each use one in 7mm-08, very nice little rifles.

[Cougartail]

I also have a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creed. Most accurate rifle I own

  I bought that rifle not really buying the 6.5 Creed hype. Boy was I surprised!