Help me pick a new 243!!!!

Elkslayer

Active Member
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363
Please help me pick a new 243.

I will use this gun for hunting deer mainly, and a bit for coyotes. Would like the most accurate gun possible. The gun will get a Nikon Monarch 4-12 scope on it.

These guns listed have 20", 22" and 24" barrels on them. Tell me which barrel length is the best and most accurate for shooting out to 400 yards.

Also tell me which rate of twist is better and why? 1 in 10, 1 in 9 1/8 or 1 in 9.

Pick your first two suggestions and tell me why you picked these guns and how they perform.

I like a shorter length of pull.

I will be shooting 100 grain bullets.

These are not in any order of preference for me. I am probably leaning towards a Winchester.

A. Remington PSP, Blk/Blk/,24" barrel, 1 in 9 1/8, LOP is 13 3/8". 4 in Magazine,43 5/8" long and 7 1/4 lbs. Around $425.

B. Remington Model 7, Blk/SS, 20" barrel, 1 in 9 1/8", LOP is 13 3/8". 4 in Magazine,39 1/4" long and 6 1/4 lbs. Around $575.

C. Ruger, Wood/ Blk or Blk/SS, 22" barrel, 1 in 9, LOP is 13 1/4". 4 in Magazine, 42" long and 7 lbs. Around $465.

D. Winchester Model 70 Short, Wood/Blk, 20" barrel, 1 in 10", LOP is 13". 4 in Magazine, 39 1/2" long and 6 lbs. Around $580.

E. Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, Wood/Blk, 22" barrel, 1 in 10", LOP is 13 1/2". Would have the stock cut doen just a little and have the Winchester pad removed and a Packmeyer Decylerator installed to get a LOP around 13 1/4". 5 in Magazine, 42" long and 6lbs 8 oz. Around $580. ( Really like this gun with 5 in magazine and 22" barrel)

Am really looking for a shorter gun for mountain hunting, but do not want to give away accuracy with a shorter barrel length. Not intersted in any other calibers.

Thanks for your help. Alan
 
i picked up a model 7 in .243 a while back. bought it "for my daughter" (she's 3). thought it would make a heck of a nice first gun for her. i love that gun, i carry it with me pretty much everywhere i go. its very compact, and handy to have around when a coyote opportunity arises. it shoots very well-definetly a good goat and deer gun. it will rag a hole at a 100yds if you do your part. i never expected it to be the shooter it is. i haven't used the 100grs much, since i've used it mostly on p-dogs and yotes-i've used mostly 60's in it. i think i'll have to work up a heavy load for it this summer, as i may use it for deer. thinking about a backpack hunt this year, and its compact size and light weight should suit it well to that.

a friend of mine shoots an ADL in .243, with the 24 inch barrel, also a top shooter, and the gun that peaked my interest in the 243. he does get more speed out of the longer tube, but accuracy is about the same.
 
I am thinking about making the same purchase, I want a .243 for coyotes and for my wife and kids to use. I am looking at two different models.

I have a .30-06 Ruger M77-Mark 2 ultralight, it's black with stainless and a great rifle (it has killed 2 deer, 1 elk , and an antelope in 2 seasons). It has a 20" barrell and is really light and slim (6.25 lbs), yet is still feels like a real rifle when it is time to shoot. I like it so much I think I might buy another one in .243.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7975&return=Y
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdSpecsView?model=7975

I also like new Weatherby Vanguard compact, it has a 20" barrell, weighs 6.75 lbs, and comes with two stocks, one is a full size and the other is smaller with a 12" length of pull. I am thinking about buying one in .243 so my kids and wife can use it, and I'll put on the full size stock when I want to shoot it or when my kids get bigger. Weatherby promises at least 1.5" groups at 100 yards, good enough for big game or coyote hunting. I had a Vanguard .22-250 and it shoot better than that, < 1" groups. MSRP is $549

http://www.weatherby.com/products/guns.asp?prd=Rifles&prd_sub_type=3&prod_code=VGC222RR0O



It is always fun buying new guns, let us know what you decide.

Dax
 
I my opinion, the most practical gun would be the browning BLR. I bought one this winter. After using this gun, I will probable never own another bolt action for hunting North America Game
Justin
www.huntinco.com
 
I would suggest finding a remmington 788, the action is more accreate than the 700, and model 7, pluse they are more of a youth rifle that is rather light to pack aroung.
 
First choice: B (Model 7)
Second choice: D (Model 70 short)

Since you really want a lightweight mountain rifle, I think your choices come down to these two. The shorter barrel length shouldn't affect accuracy, although you will lose some velocity.

In my opinion, Remingtons tend to be more accurate out of the box than Winchesters. I've owned two of each, and both Remingtons (a 700 mountain rifle and a 700 BDL SS/Synthetic) outshoot both Winchesters. Given your desire for a very accurate rifle, I'd recommend the Remington over the Winchester.

My first rifle was a Winchester 700 featherweight in .243. It was heavier than the specs would lead you to believe, and I couldn't get it to group better than 2 inches, no matter what bullet/powder/primer combination I used. That said, I did shoot half a dozen deer with it . . .

One downside to the Remingtons is their trigger. I've had problems with the triggers on both of mine. Make sure you have the trigger properly adjusted (by a qualified gunsmith) and use a lubricant on it that won't gum up in cold weather. Better yet, have a new trigger installed.

Good luck with your choice.
 
how about a cooper rifle they have a 1/2 inch @100yds guarantee
www.cooperfirearms.com
4209712115a8bdc2.jpg
 
Take your time and find a pre 64 model 70. They are out there if you look. You will love this rifle!!!!Savage 99 also.

Go to auction sites, search google, check big city gun stores. These rifles will hold their value and more.

Another opinion for ya. Good Luck
 
SAKO !!!!!!
TIKKA!!!!
KIMBER!!!
WIN. Pre-64, Model 70 !!
REM.700 Mtn. Rifle!!
RUGER#1 !!
 
I bought my wife a Remington Model 700 ADL (not BDL) in .243 Very nice little gun. She is a small women and the ADL has a shorter stock, and shorter barrel than the BDL. I believe the ADL is a youth model. She's killed 2 deer in 2 years with 100 grain bullets.
Good Luck.

Lien2
 
You should really look at the Kimber 84M Montana if you want a lightweight short action gun. Aroudn $1,000.

223098.jpg
 
Kimber 84M, I have one topped with an Leupold VXIII 2.5-8X36 and LOVE it.

Eddie
 
My wife shoots a encore in a 243 she dropped a deer at 340 yrds with it, she was shooting a 85 gr partion, at to 400 yrds I would say a 24 in barrel. due to the vel diff over a 20 in, close to 400 fps you will loose also 100 gr bullet is a bit to much for 400 yrds. the 243 is a heck of a gun.
 
How about a 243 super short?

If you a set on a 243 you might want to consider a 234 Winchester Super Short. I own a Browning A-bolt SS with 22" barrel in that caliber that shoots clover leafs. A buddy owns a Winchester Model 70 Coyote with a 24" barrel which shoots just as well. This is my first rifle in the short and super shorts cartridges and I'm sold on them. They can flat out shoot.
 
If you dont care about looks and want "out of the box accuracy", get a Savage. Otherwise, the Tikka is a great gun at a great price.
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Eric
 

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