Thread: 223 options.

Originally Posted by H.M

Have a howa 1500 heavy barrel varmint model with boyds stock in 223,nice rifle very accurate but is just to heavy for what i am now wanting to do with it, (carry more around hills). What would be a good replacement 223? Thinking howa mini action but not sure if i like the stock seems a bit to plasticy...or am i just being to fussy as i know these are great shooters? Any advice be helpful or some other options to look at, mainly shooting roos hares rabbits goats. Cheers.

If you really like the Howa 223, I think I may have a Howa Short action (same as your Heavy barrel) with a ranchland barrel and possibly a laminate black stock if you dont want the Hogue. It is brand new and has the internal mag with the flush plate metal. Blued steel $895 with the Hogue stock, $995 with the laminate. Brand new in the box and has been in shop storage for a while.

These do turn up form time to time 2nd hand. CZ and Zastava also worth looking for. CZ will be dearer but Zastava a bit cheaper?.I prefer the Zastava or the Howa to carry with the flush mag, but the CZ is a very nice rifle to shoot.

There is always a Baikal single shot for $500 (new as well) but you would likely have asked for one if that was what you are after....