bolt 223

[big flash]

I want to buy my dad a retirement rifle this spring, at least that's the plan. He loves shooting 22s but I think he needs an intermediate cartridge too. He wouldn't want anything with too much punch as he just doesn't need this gun for extreme long range or moose lol

I'm thinking of 223 caliber with the ability to take standard ar mags, if not out of the box, after some upgrades. The versatility and availability of that caliber already have me pretty sold.
I like upgradability as it gives me future presents to give him. I'm thinking nice optics will be next though
I'd see him shooting this 100 yards regularly whacking chucks and steel plates in his backyard. But I'd like it capable of hitting paper plates at 200+ when we have the opportunity.
He doesn't reload but I could see him starting after retirement if he shoots a centerfire rifle. I shoot enough semi auto 223 to have brass for him if we do start reloading
He's got a browning 270 that's his go to big game hunting rifle that he otherwise doesn't shoot often. I'm thinking this is more of a regular use tactical option
I'm thinking bolt because he doesn't need semi

Any platform recommendations?
Barrel length/twist recommendations to keep it versatile? Doesn't need to be too lightweight.
223 is a reasonable choice right?

[EvilD]

How much do you want to spend? I would stick with a Savage 11 or Remington 700 action than pick the model that fits your budget.

[Doc8404]

Mossberg mvp

[24Pink14Stink]

That's pretty awesome of you Flash!

I'm thinking about getting something similar, but haven't started the research. I'd like me a little tack deiver.

[Meketrefe]

You can start with a baseline model like a savage 10 or Remington 700 and then upgrade. The savage hog hunter in 223 is probably the best deal going and easy to rebarrel.
If you do not shoot the barrel you can upgrade to a match one very easily. Both will take AR magazines, the remigton with the PTG and the savage with the MSA ak bottom adaptor
adapted to either one. But with the factory 1:9 you will be good up to 75gr amax and 75gr hpbt. Otherwise a 1:8 wylde chamber is a much better choice for everything.
Savage and remigton are the brick and mortar of america and the most popular actions all over the world (Aside for the mouser in Europe) so they have endless possibilities.
One of these is what I would do:
A) Get a savage action type for the best price I can find like aorund $430. Sell the barre, sell the stock brand new and use that to get a B&C medalist stock, a nice wylde barrel
in 1:8 and probably a bottom plate for the AI or AR15 mags.
B) Do the same as the above with a R700 and have paknor sending me a match barrel with their nut so I can rebarrel myself that is easy.
C) Stick to the baseline models and shoot them and then upgrade later. Still can sell the parts as pre-owned.
D) Buy a savage precission carbine with the accustock that is a great value out of the box and stick to it and avoid some of the 80gr and solid 223 loads that will not stabilize in 1:9.

Either way get a decent rail and rings made of real steel and a nice glass.

[big flash]

Excellent everyone thank you so much. I have shopping to do to take a look at these suggestions.

I figure he only retires once. I don't want to do a low budget build even though cost is always a consideration. Functionality is paramount and sometimes it costs ya if I have take it his retirement/father's day/ Christmas present so be it lol

Thanks again everyone I knew I could count on you all

[Cgrutt]

Shot a golf ball at 100 yrds with my BILs MVP. Nice gun and takes AR Mags out of the box.

[EvilD]

Excellent everyone thank you so much. I have shopping to do to take a look at these suggestions.

I figure he only retires once. I don't want to do a low budget build even though cost is always a consideration. Functionality is paramount and sometimes it costs ya if I have take it his retirement/father's day/ Christmas present so be it lol

Thanks again everyone I knew I could count on you all

Both Savage and Remington have high end factory guns, an also look at Georgia Precision and Surgeon if you jave deep pockets

[big flash]

Both Savage and Remington have high end factory guns, an also look at Georgia Precision and Surgeon if you jave deep pockets

Dayum those are really nice but no my pockets aren't that deep lol

[big flash]

Shot a golf ball at 100 yrds with my BILs MVP. Nice gun and takes AR Mags out of the box.

Reaally? I guess I had this incorrect preconceived opinion that the mvp's weren't all that accurate good to know!

[Meketrefe]

mossbergs are good beater guns but like ruger they lack aftermarket support And it is early to say how those will hold with time. Savage and remington however win matches left and right and they are both battle tested. The bottom plate to take AR mags costs $125 for the rem and $80 for the savage and they take 5 minutes. However if it is going to be dedicated I would go for the AI mag system that gives you extra coal so you can later shoot vld and longer match bullets.
with aluminun framed stocks and trued actions is not rare to have them shooting inside one dime at 100 yards consistently with federal gold match or good match reloads.

[Cgrutt]

Reaally? I guess I had this incorrect preconceived opinion that the mvp's weren't all that accurate good to know!

IDK only took 1 shot. Maybe got lucky lol...