what is the best cheap .223 for prairie dog hunting?

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

Remember, you get what you pay for.

Ask yourself these questions:

1) "What is the typical distance to the prarie dog?" I would suspect you will say about 150 to 200 yards, at the minimum. For a shot like this, you should have a heavy barrel, not so much for the barrel heat dissipation, but to minimize the harmonic vibration of the barrel as the bullet rushes down the barrel.
2) "How big is my target at that distance?" Typically, you would be taking a head shot, about the size of a walnut ... maybe 1.5 inches in diameter. If you engage your target at 200 yards, you will need to have a rifle that shoots at least a 1/2" group at 100 yards (1" group at 200 yards) consistently, and at the point of aim, consistently. For this level of consistent, repeatable accuracy, you need a heavy barrel ... not your typical "deer rifle" ... you need a rifle capable of target rifle accuracy! This virtually eliminates your criteria for cheap.

By virtue of the task you set forth, you need a varmint rifle by design. This wopuld mean a rifle in the class of a Remington 700 VLS, a Winchester M70 Stealth, or a Savage M110/112 Varmint. Figure you are talking at least $500, more likely $600. Then, in order to hit your target, you need to see it. You need a good quality riflescope ... figure another $150 at the minimum.

The only way you will find a rifle like this cheap is if you find a widow who knows nothing about rifles selling a cheap .22, and you steal it from her!

Answer 2

Savage makes a few reasonable 223 rifles that don't shoot bad. They also make the Stevens 200, but as far as I know that rifle doesn't come in .223. The Model 12FV savage should sell for about $500. Look into that. It will shoot really well. It is cheaper just because it is a black rifle in synthetic. Not the fanciest, but it should give those dogs hell at 300-500 yds if you get used to it.

Answer 3

Stevens, which is made by Savage. I took one out this year in .223 and it was AWESOME. The New England Firearms handi-rifles are also a joy and have used several out ther in .223, .22 hornet, .243, .30/30 (yeah really) and .357 magnum. Both are about the same price and can be very accurate.

Answer 4

Look into a NEF ( New England Firearms) Handy rifle, they come with 2 barrels, one is usually a 12 gauge, the other can be any caliber they offer, including .223, they are single shot, highly accurate, and at a modest cost.You get 2 guns for the price of one!

Answer 5

SAVAGE!!!!!! There are a few heavy barreled models equipped with the Accutrigger that can be had for under $500. Amongst experienced shooters, it is well known that Savage makes some of the most accurate rifles out of the box.

Answer 6

I have a H and R single shot that groups very very well at two hundred yards.It is in 223 cal. and is very price friendly when it come to the gun and later on with the ammo.It is a very rugged gun.

Answer 7

savage has a good quality low dollar rifle that will do the job well. If you want a pretty rifle, look somewhere else, but if you want one that will just get the job done, go with a new savage. Their new trigger system is nice as well.

Answer 8

Check with Savage/Stevens

Answer 9

You don't want cheap, you want a varmint barrel, a heavy duty barrel which will dissipate the heat from shooting so much. Fluted is good. A .223 is good but you want the varmint barrel.

Answer 10

Stevens 200 works well and is a budget firearm.