.223 Savage or Howa

[stretchmiester]

Hey guys, first off I would like to say thanks for all the info I've been reading on here, I have learned a lot. I am looking into getting a .223 rifle. This is my first rifle, I always shot other people's guns, but never had my own. I'm surely not a pro, still a novice by all means. I am looking into a Savage 11FXP4 223 AT Package or a Howa Lightning with 3-9x42 scope 223 (or basically any other Savage with a scope). Any recommendations or experience with these rifles? I will mainly be shooting at a range and maybe 5% of the time shooting small game. I am set on the .223, but I am trying to decide which gun. Also, both of these packages go for around $400 (walmart & Jim's sporting goods online), is there any other places that offer a better price for these, or where could I find them cheaper? Thanks in advance. Steve

[airborne]

Go with the savage. I think you will be happy with it. I liked the bolt action and the style. The package deal is great. A buddy of mine bought one this past fall and likes it a lot.

[bullets]

I also just recently bought the Savage. I went with the .22-250 however. Really like the gun and it is a tack driver. Great for yotes and prarie dogs. Additionally, it is great for 100 yd. traget shooting. Just took a bit to get used to the accutrigger. good luck

[citori]

Either would be a great choice. I've shot the Howa and they are noted for producing accurate guns. They used to be imported by S&W as the 1500, later by Mossberg, and lately under their own name. The Weatherby Vanguard is also a Howa action and they are considered the most accurate of the Weatherby rifles by many. I own a Howa in 270 from the S&W days and it is still one very accurate gun. The Savage is a good gun too. I have one of the older pre-Accutrigger models in 7mm/08 and it too is pretty accurate. I had one in .223 but was offered a too good price for it and sold it before I even took a shot with it. I have used them some at demonstration events and they are as good as the old ones accuracy wise. Many consider them to be kind of ugly due to the barrel nut but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and an accurate rifle is a pretty one. I would lean towards the Savage as I do like the idea of being able to easily adjust the trigger to my liking but I could go the other way just as easily.

[winchesterwon]

I read an article in gun test magazine on a savage package gun. This gun was purchased at a gun shop before the test. The best group they could get was around 4 inch. Suspecting a scope problem it was replaced with a Leupold. With some factory loads this rifle suddenly shot sub moa. While these package guns apear to be a great value , im not sure the scope quality is there. But this may be all your budget will allow at this time. Gun test tested both of these guns in 223. they liked both guns for accuracy and quality. the howa they tested did not come with a scope.

[thehartofthings]

these days and times you can find a new discontinued rem adl in 223 for a tad bit over 300 at the local academy sports type or maybe even walmart who is phasing out of guns across the country., if not that then ante up a lil bit and buy the new sps 700 from remington. i have one in 204 ruger and it shoots fantastic. you wont be dissapointed. savage ok , i havent had any experience with howa other that knowing they are a rem 700 knock off. if you buy the savage you end up wanting a rem . the savage shoots dam good but the estetics are not that great . the bolt wiggles like a big cheap junk . but it shoots staight , got one of them also in 300 wsm.


seriously consider the ADL or[U] SPS. 204, 243, 223 or 22-250

[rooster52]

I own a Savage 10FLP in 223 with a simmons aetec 6-20x44 scope,this gun is so accurate it's gets boring to shoot.100 yard 10 shot groups the size of a dime is average.I handload 50 grain V-max bullets.I have played arround with the professional bench rest shooters that belong to our club and usually can hold my own.

[Hunter2468]

.223 is great but if your going to be shooting small game for eating i would maybe pick a smaller cal. just my .2
lucas

[Black Mamba]

Another vote for the savage

[auugminer]

I would like to say I just bought my Howa 223 today. I have several savage guns but went with the howa. Why you might ask, Well here is the skinny of it all. I live in nevada and have several friends in law enforcement and they have howa rifles chambered in 308 for there swat sniper rifles. several carry the 223 also. after shooting them and listening to these guys talk howa is a quality gun .
Just my 2 cents

[meatmachineman]

I read an article in gun test magazine on a savage package gun. This gun was purchased at a gun shop before the test. The best group they could get was around 4 inch. Suspecting a scope problem it was replaced with a Leupold. With some factory loads this rifle suddenly shot sub moa. While these package guns apear to be a great value , im not sure the scope quality is there. But this may be all your budget will allow at this time. Gun test tested both of these guns in 223. they liked both guns for accuracy and quality. the howa they tested did not come with a scope.

Agreed! The rifle/ scope packages seem to be hit or miss. I can think of three close friends and family who bought packages that I've shot (1 rem and 2 savgs) and all off them shot tight groups right of the box. Unfortunately, I've ran across a few folks who'd be lucky to hit a paper plate at 100yds. A couple remounted the scope, others remounted the scope then replaced the scope w/ a better one, and the others just replaced the scope without trying to remount the original. IMHO the scopes that come with these guns are sketchy at best.

As far as the gun goes, either one will work, but I've always had a special place in my heart for the Savage. I love the accutrigger! If you have issues w/ grouping, don't throw away the scope right away, remount it or have someone experienced give you a hand with remounting it and give it another go.

[rooster52]

SAVAGE ! No question about it .

[sailinghudson25]

Scope/rifles packages are moss a mit than a hit. Get a quality scope, no fogging, no wandering croasshairs, few problems. I used to own a savage 111 in a 30-06 caliber. I liked the rifle alot, just was a bit more rifle than I needed. I got rid of it mainly becuase I am left handed and the rifle was a right handed model. But, it was accurate, affordable, and reliable.

As far as the caliber. .223 is going to explode squirrels and rabbit. .223 be fine for woodchucks, small predators like bobcat and coyote. also, any desire to start hunting deer, that .223 is going to be underpowered. My friend has both .223 and 22-250, I've target shot both dozen or so times over the past few years. I like the 22-250 caliber better. I only target practiced with both. Think the .223 is a remmington 700 or 70 and the other is a ruger 77 mkII.

For varmit and the possibility of deer sized game a .243 or 25-06 would be a bit better choice. For having edible rabbit and squirrel up to 75-100 yard 22lr or 22mag. Need to go farther 17hmr. Never used a 17hmr, heard the light bullet gets pushed around by wind too much. Heard 125-150 yard shot on squirrel is possible.

A first rifle, a 22lr for 50-100 yard target practice is perfect and affordable to shoot. I personally got a marlin 925 bolt action recently, used to own a ruger 10/22 semi-auto. They both go for under $200. To get the rifle you looking for a better defintion of small game hunting is needed. The intended animals you intended to hunt, do you want the game to be in edible condition, do you hunt in large open fields or in brush/forested areas.