You boys seem pretty educated on these topics. I am looking to purchase a .223 rifle for varments (used). Considering a Kimber Oregon, Ruger M77, or Ruger 1B (single shot). Any pro's or cons on these or other options would be appreciated.

Welcome to the site woodrowsrc.

.223 is a fun cheap caliber to shoot but within the rifles you list below, my absolute favorite is the rugar #1. Classy rifles that can be incredible accurate. I'd go with it in #1V though. Rugar M77's are nice as are the Kimbers.


-DallanC

Howdy woodrowsrc Welcome to the Huntingnut. The one's you mentioned are all fine guns one i would ad is the Savage 112fv for the money they are hard to beat. I have one in 223 and it shoots 1/2 moa when i do my part . The accu trigger's are extremely nice and easy to adjust as well. You could probably buy one new and pay less than a used one ( of the one's you mentioned )
Joe

My only comment is I really like the Rugers. My M77 MKII VT .22-250 has put 4 shots into 0.5" at 200 yards with no modifications of any kind.

woodrowsrc, welcome to Hunting Nut. You will find a great and knowledgeable bunch of guys here.

I believe all of the rifles you mention are pretty good including the Savage mentioned by Joe. Another that wasn't mentioned is the Howa. Have a mate here in Australia that has one in .223 and he loves it. It is accurate and so far very durable. I believe that Howa are tied up with Weatherby (which I have in .243) or vice versa which makes them a rifle well worth considering.

Just another one to consider.

Cheers, Vince

The New England Firearms Handi Rifle with the heavy barrel in .223 is a good choice as well. Not as good looking as a #1 by any means, but it gets the job done for 1/4 of the price, with comparable accuracy.

Hey, Mike, your right. If looking that direction he could also look at the Thompson Center Encore. More money but top quality. In either one he can then switch to other calibers.

MY god has knowone mentioned Remington yet?
I love rugers if you are just gonna stick with the rifle in its original format or fit a Timney trigger. But if you wanna own a serious piece of kit by a remingon 700 VS shoot out the barrel and then get it bedded or even fit a mcmillan stock and get a match grade barrel such as a schillen or a border fitted, new magazine floor plate and trigger guard and there you go you will have one of the finest custom rifles money can buy! and it'll be just the way you like it in every sense of the word!

Good stuff! Thanks for the information- I will check out the new options. I want to stick with the .223 as I am all set up for reloading now.

woodrowsrc,
My choice would be the Savage 12FVSS in 223 as I already own one. Very accurate and the new accu-trigger is great. It is set at 2 1/4lbs and surprises me every time I squeeze the trigger! I like that in a non carry/seated & prone rifle!

I agree with cjp45 on the Savage 12fv. I've got the left hand version and it shoots .3 groups. My trigger is set at 1 1/2 pounds. For the moneyI don't think you can beat it.

Kimber of Oregon produced some fine rifles known for accuracy and craftsmanship. They are appeciating in value and that trend will probably continue. If you have found one at market value or less, it could be an excellent investment and a joy to own and shoot.

Vince, you are right about there being a connection between Howa and Weatherby. Howa.......House Of Weatherby Arms. HOWA
Just for tickles and giggles, next time you have the opportunity to compare a Howa and Weatherby next to each other; look at the scroll work along the left side of the receiver on both rifles. Same style letters, etc. Both are very fine rifles and usually good shooters.
Now, it's Friday and it's 5 O'clock somewhere.......I believe I'll have a cold beer.
Cheers,
YB

I faced this same situation about a month ago. I now have a CZ 527 varmet walnut 223 with a nicon BuckMaster 6X18 side focus scope. It is straight out of the box and will put Black Hills 55 gr reloads in 3/4 in and my reloads using surplus powder and dogtown bullets into less than 1/2 in. Im sure that after I get it brokein and do some load development I can get it to shoot "one ragged Hole", using cheep powder (wc844) and 5 cent bullets (rem PSP at 5.29 hundert). The scope wass on sale at midsouth for 149.00 and the rifle cost 525.00.

I faced this same situation about a month ago. I now have a CZ 527 varmet walnut 223 with a nicon BuckMaster 6X18 side focus scope. It is straight out of the box and will put Black Hills 55 gr reloads in 3/4 in and my reloads using surplus powder and dogtown bullets into less than 1/2 in. Im sure that after I get it brokein and do some load development I can get it to shoot "one ragged Hole", using cheep powder (wc844) and 5 cent bullets (rem PSP at 5.29 hundert). The scope wass on sale at midsouth for 149.00 and the rifle cost 525.00.