r/canadaguns • u/harry196906 • Apr 19 '26
Buy recommendations Bolt action recommendations
I’m looking to get a bolt action rifle chambered in 5.56/.223 preferably. Was looking at the gen II Ruger American ranch, but haven’t had much luck finding one in stock.
Also looked into CZ600 trail, but from what I’ve researched, those mags have to be pinned at 5. Not sure if that is accurate though. I’d like to be able to use a 10 round if possible.
Was hoping for some advice from the community if I should be looking for something else or hold out and try to find one of the above.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Dependent_Account603 Apr 19 '26
I have a savage 110 varmint in .223 I use for the clubs benchrest shoot. Super accurate with handloads will throw 20 rounds into a 1" group at 200.
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u/harry196906 Apr 20 '26
Thanks I’ll look into that one. Appreciate it!
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u/Dependent_Account603 Apr 20 '26
The varmint rifles are front heavy, What's your intended use for it?
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u/Iokua_CDN Apr 19 '26
Cz trail you can get the 223 version with 10 round pistol mags, same as the ruger ranch.
I have the 7.62 x39 version, that one currently only is pinned to 5 unless you get the adaptors to use lar magazines, but the 223 version is good to go already.
It's a brilliant little gun. Folds down so small and compact, carries easily with a sling, and super easy to add iron sights to. I love it.
As for alternative?
Howa 1500 mini action in 223 is good. 10 round magazines and a good price. Weatherby vanguard is the same gun and they offer a 16 inch version that would be a perfect match for the ruger ranch. Maybe even better quality. Look up Weatherby Vanguard obsidian 16 inch barrel to find it.
Tikka ranch is great but expensive in 223.
Cz alpha and Winchestor XPR only offer 5 round mags so you'll likely want to skip those.
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u/harry196906 Apr 20 '26
Thanks man that’s some great info there! I’ll look into the weatherby it sounds like a great option as well.
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u/Iokua_CDN Apr 20 '26
I didn't know it existed until yesterday honestly, it came up as I was searching for 223 bolt guns. Only thing you will want to double check is if it's a removable magazine or if it's some kind of internal mag
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u/Batsinvic888 Bats888 on YouTube Apr 19 '26
If you're going for a more traditional bolt action, I'd say go with a Bergara B14 of whatever style you like (AICS compatability so no round limit). If you want a "tactical" go with the 600 Trail (you can use 10 round LAR pistol mags).
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u/harry196906 Apr 20 '26
Thanks! I’m not particularly looking for a tactical style rifle, but I do like the compactness of the CZ with the collapsing stock. I’ve heard it’s not the best though as it’s a bit wobbly
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u/Batsinvic888 Bats888 on YouTube Apr 20 '26
I've never been bothered by the 600 Trail stock. When its in your shoulder it's solid.
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u/No_Chipmunk_2656 Apr 19 '26
I’ll list u some affordable options I have heard are good:
Tikka t3x Howa 1500 Weatherby Vanguard Savage 110 Ruger American gen 2 Winchester XPR
If ur rlly on a budget u can get a savage axis or a Ruger American gen 1. They may feel a bit cheap, bolt might be a bit rough, trigger not the lightest but they shoot true. Around 1 moa with decent ammo, they ain’t pretty but they get the job done !
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u/No_Win_9797 Apr 19 '26
I got a Gen 2 imported, haven’t fired it yet, cuz it’s on its way back to the usa for warranty, Bent stock, loose trigger assembly. I was over excited about it and had high expectations. Boy howdy did I ever shoot myself in the foot for those hopes and dreams. That being said, I’ll sell you mine whenever I see it again ….probably 2 months from now. Haha….sigh
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u/harry196906 Apr 20 '26
Ah damn sorry to hear about that! I know it’s kind of a more budget option compared to the CZ and Tikka but that’s still unacceptable. If I go for one I’ll definitely want to have it in hand before purchasing
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u/raymondshackleford Apr 19 '26
You can also look at rifles chambered in .223 wylde. I recently discovered that it isn't a different cartridge but was specifically designed for both .223 and 5.56.
I got a Ruger Ranch Gen 2 5.56 from Al Flahertys in Toronto a few weeks back. Set up email reminder for when they were back in stock. Got a notification as soon as they received 15 of them.
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u/harry196906 Apr 20 '26
Ah thanks that’s great info! Good to know about the .223 wylde I’ll look into that!
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u/StrongBreak2142 Apr 19 '26
I bought at Tikka T3X CTR. Aside from the expensive magazine that I needed to buy one for spare, I have no complaints. I know its more expensive by more or less $500 that a Gen 2 ruger but you can’t go wrong with it in terms of quality, accuracy, and reliability. And that goes for all Tikka T3X.
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u/harry196906 Apr 20 '26
Thanks! I don’t mind spending a bit more to get a quality rifle so I’ll look into it!
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Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/harry196906 Apr 20 '26
Ah thanks for the heads up! I have a mossberg 590 RM that does the same thing with the safety. I love the gun but that is the one thing that annoys me.
I’ll look into the tikka thanks!
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u/prosper_0 Apr 20 '26
My Tikka Varmint shoots pretty darn good, but I just don't love the platform and I wouldn't necessarily 'recommend' it
Best advise is not to take advice from randos on the Internet. So, soooo many commenters only have experience with one or two guns, and recommend those. That's essentially a useless recommendation. Go to a gun counter and handle a few guns, and make up your own mind. It's not a popularity contest, find something that you personally like, not just whatever the herd of drones mutter about in an online echo chamber.
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Jun 01 '26
The .308 Winchester in a non-restricted bolt action rifle is the most practical choice for most Canadian hunters. It's available at virtually every retailer, has excellent energy retention to 400m, and the ammo is affordable for practice. If you're hunting mixed terrain in Ontario — bush and open cuts — the shorter .308 will handle both.
For budget under $1,200, the Savage 110 is hard to beat. Above that, look at the Tikka T3x. Both are non-restricted and widely available in Canada.
Victory Ridge Sports in Barrie carries a good range of bolt action rifles with Canadian-focused inventory: https://victoryridgesports.ca/product-category/shooting/rifles/bolt-action-rifles/
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u/Icy6521 Apr 19 '26
I recently picked up a Tikka T3x CTR in .223, and it’s an excellent rifle. It has a 20” heavy threaded barrel, a 1:8 twist rate, and comes with a 10-round steel magazine.