What bolt .223 should I get?

[u/BayGullGuy]

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.

[u/Nero29gt]

I also have a Ruger American Ranch and love it.

[u/No_Win_9797 → u/Nero29gt]

I recently got one of these, it’s my first ruger, and likely my last. The bolt on it is so sloppy.

[u/Nero29gt → u/No_Win_9797]

When I got mine it was pretty dry. After some oil she’s been great.

[u/No_Win_9797 → u/Nero29gt]

Yeah same, I ran some valve lapping compound in mine to ‘break it in’ as well as polish the bolt because it had that zipper sound. Runs great, I’m just not a fan of the loose tolerance in the action/bolt system ….very loosey goosey

[u/Nero29gt → u/No_Win_9797]

That is fair

[u/NemrahG → u/No_Win_9797]

Mine’s pretty sloppy too, probably my biggest gripe as well, but it hasn’t caused any issues so I guess that’s good