Looking for feedback on compact bolt action rifles in 223

[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.

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[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!