r/canadaguns • u/BayGullGuy • 29d ago

Buy recommendations What bolt .223 should I get?

So far most of my experience with firearms has been small game hunting and plinking at cans with a .22.

I recently moved from a rural area to a city and I’d like to keep shooting but will be going to the local range. It maxes out at 200 yards. I’d like to get into target shooting at that range. Nothing no crazy just a hobby on the weekends. The .22 is fine but want something bigger and more fun.

Google is suggesting a Tikka T3x in .223 but there are a lot of models (varmint? CTR?) Any suggestions on what I should be looking into? Id like to keep my budget low but I’m in no rush and willing to save for the right piece. Upper end of what I’m thinking is 1000-1500 but like I said I’m willing to go up and down.

Looking for something that’s good out of the box and doesn’t need any serious upgrades but that has enough aftermarket support for a different stock, etc. if I want to.

Edit:

-Budget is just the rifle thought I’d like to stay south of 2k with glass included. But again, I’ll save for the right thing at the right price.

-this will strictly be for the range. There’s nothing around me I can hunt ethically or illegally with a .223 except coyote and I’m not interested in them.

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u/ThatBigFuckoffTree 29d ago

Tikka T3X gets my vote. If you're only shooting at the range that is 200 yds I would lean toward one of the shorter barrel models like the CTR or Roughtech Ranch.

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u/bulletride308 29d ago

Good luck finding a Roughtech ranch, especially in 223

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u/ThatBigFuckoffTree 29d ago

I didn't know they were hard to find. Now I don't regret buying a custom 16" barrel instead

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u/bulletride308 29d ago

I got the ranch in 308, now I want one in 223, still debating importing one from the states. What barrel did you went with and how much did it cost you?

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u/ThatBigFuckoffTree 29d ago

I got a stainless pre-fit from IBI Precision in Chilliwack. 16 inches, medium contour, 1 in 8 twist, threaded. With the barrel nut, $879 subtotal, $1000 after taxes and shipping. It hasn't arrived yet so I can't give a review. But I've heard great things, and less hassle buying from a Canadian company.