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Just thinking ( no money and dont really need one, although I would like one), what are the nicest little affordable 222/223 actions out there?
Not single shots
That 700 dollar Sako the other day would've been primo probably.
I see a lot that prefer certain Howa's over others due to differing magazine orientations/sizes (I think).
Doesnt have to have a detachable magazine if that makes it nicer although I dont mind one either.
Let the fun begin
Howa mini is hard to beat for value.
* 10 round detachable mag
* versatile 1:8 twist
* decent factory trigger
* factory threaded
not gonna argue there are definitely nicer 223's depending what your need is but as an accurate work horse they are well proven
Can't really beat the howa mini at the minute
I would have to agree Howa mini from new but if you could find a zastava that would be my pick.
I have a Howa 1500 223, its a great rifle. Accurate, can take a bit of jostling on the quad. I forget what I paid for it, but it wasn't much comparatively.
If I was to do it again, I'd go for the Mini instead of the 1500. I was worried about the magazine catching on things, but I think I'd rather have the removable mag than the releasable base plate of the 1500.
you sir need a boot in the bum.One .223 is available to you ..end of story.even its big bro the 7.62x39 is willing to tag along if you desire Happy to sign their holiday leave chits!!comes under the good buggers scheme!!Quote:
Originally Posted by csmiffy
+1 for Howa - Have 223 and 308...
I've had a zastava, a sako AI and now have a howa mini. Of those I much prefer the Howa.
Would say it's better to get a 'short action' Howa 1500 or Rem Model 7 if you want to shoot long, heavy .224 pills. Although you'll probably need to stick a faster twist barrel on too.
Sako Vixen still the nicest mini action made, small internal magazine but at that time long heavy pills didn't exist. Nice floorplate (all steel) and they take a rear aperture peep sight as well.
However, you guys seem to get Howa's ridiculously cheap so the Mini or 1500 is a no brainer. The lightweight version of the 1500 action is choice, try and find an Alpine stock. :thumbsup:
There a little bit harder to find nowadays but like the cz 527, especially the ebony edition which has an almost flush magazine.
For a good reliable workhorse that tops the value for money stakes the Howa mini would be my pick. There's also plenty of aftermarket support if you want to upgrade it.
Should say I like the cz 527
@kotuku dont worry it's more window shopping.Quote:
Originally Posted by kotuku
Always nice to get some real world opinions
Another vote for CZs, they are a lot slimmer and better proportioned than the Howas. For years I wouldnt have one due to the protuding mag but I dont mind it now I've carried it a bit.
The BSA's are a nice small action too, a bit heavier than some but worth considering!
best bang for buck...the one you have got...end of day it wont matter in ten years time..... I still love my wee zastava,even in its crude stock. should really put it back in its hardwood one AGAIN...but the novelty of it being so light hasnt worn off yet.
the wee winchester model 70s are lovely
used an old paddlestock ruger and it was great too.
used a norinco and it was good too.
the zastava works well as long as I dont baby it.... accurate as heck and isnt fussy what it fed.
@Micky Duck already got a short a ton circa 1990 M70 lightweight 243. From the very few older 222s I've had in my hands, they have been lighter than that.
Also as a side story, a workmate now deceased, back in the early 90s had a Sako 243 and put it on a diet.
He lightened the stock and turned the barrel profile down.
May have shortened it but cant remember.
Made a huge difference to it.
Was the sort of rifle that should've been light but wasnt 7ntil the mods.
Thehowa mini is probably the best bang for your buck.
A Shultz and Larsen 223 with an extra pair of barrels in 204 and 300 blackout would be mean :-)
I'll put a vote in for the Ruger American ranch, it might not be flash but it gets the job done ;)
Or the 6x45 would be cooler since they do those tooQuote:
Originally Posted by Friwi
+1, I have it's brother in 300blk. I especially like the flush mag.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sh00ter
my two cents worth an early sako vixen- smoothest action I have ever tried - but if I was spending money and wanted to work up a super .222 then a trued Remington 788 action - good barrel such as shilen or tru flight and new walnut stock ( likely hardest to get ) timney trigger - very nice thought
I wouldn't consider any old out of production actions good value "bang for buck", Sako Vixens are ludicrously expensive and parts for anything out of production is a nightmare
The Sako 85 has several worthwhile improvements over the Vixen.
the howa actions smooth up real well with a bit of elbow grease
If bergara did a extreme hunter in 223 with a 1 in 8 twist.
Oh my that would be quite the rifle.
Dreams are free unless a model 7 pops up.
I do know a few people with howa mini's and ruger ranch rifles. Both seem to be just as good as the other although the common complaint about the howa being the mag release button. Then the ruger gets a complaint for its funky trigger so yeah couldn't go wrong with those 2 that's for sure.
Supposedly Bergara are going a special run of 223s just for NZ . . .
nope its your rifle...waiting patiently for you to pick it up....Quote:
Originally Posted by Dusty Fog
If it comes to fruition I'd be stoked!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tentman
Your such a tease, lovely idea though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tentman
The down range performance of the .223 has been advanced over the last decade or so with the move to faster twist barrels and longer/heavier projectiles , but to take advantage of that you need to be able to load them long if you want .
Actions/Magazines that allow a longer cartridge OAL are almost a necessity in my opinion.
The Howa’s are the best “ bang for your buck “ at the moment, but I prefer the 1500 SA over the mini .
its funny when you read about the early .222s that hit our shores...there was one of them on this forum a while back....medium action length so strong as heck...apparently some of the reloads were hotrodded to heck....... one thing for sure,it would solve the mag length and feeding long projectiles issue.
And being able to find those long projectiles in the country!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Ground Control
Thought Targex did some heavier pills that @Tahr used?Quote:
Originally Posted by Friwi
Well, Remington, Howa and others use their 'short action' that'll take a 2.8" or longer loaded round (308 family).Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
To feed at 222/223 size case, a block is put into the magazine box and shorter follower used. However this takes COAL down to about 2.3".
With some modification (removing the block in the mag box and replacing with a smaller one) you can get 2.5" COAL rounds into the magazine.
Worth reading this thread: Start At The Fucking Start............... | As Real As It Gets
Just check your barrel has a generous throat before trying to send some downrange :thumbsup:
Well, Remington, Howa and others use their 'short action' that'll take a 2.8" or longer loaded round (308 family).Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
Attachment 204498
To feed at 222/223 size case, a block is put into the magazine box and shorter follower used. However this takes COAL down to about 2.3".
With some modification (removing the block in the mag box and replacing with a smaller one) you can get 2.5" COAL rounds into the magazine.
Worth reading this thread: Start At The Fucking Start............... | As Real As It Gets
Just check your barrel has a generous throat before trying to send some downrange :thumbsup:
Yes, Targex do an 80grn that I use. Unfortunately he is out of jacket material for them so wont be making any more 80's for quite a while.Quote:
Originally Posted by caberslash
Not exclusively. The 77 grn Sierra tipped match king is designed for a short AR 2.3" mag (Tikka length) and they are exceptional performers on deer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ground Control
Like being very heavy...Quote:
Originally Posted by Bagheera
what about some of the euro types that Graeme Champion sells sometimes? seem to recall maybe a sauer or carl gustav single stack magazine models that looked quite nice?
do these fall into the hard to get bits for category/
The Howa is hands-down the best value for money, a good design and well made. The Ruger American is also a good action but needs some work to get running nicely. Zastava's are OK but a bit sloppy in the action. CZ's are not a particularly good design but quite well made. None of them are as good as my old pre-Cindy Ranger AR was! (sub 1/2 MOA consistently). My current Tikka CTR is good, but not quite as good (1/2 t0 3/4 MOA).
