223 bolt action rifle with irons and detachable magazines, does this exist?

[GrandPooba]

I'm looking for a bolt action rifle in 223/556 with detachable mags AND iron sights. Does such a beast exist?

Mossberg MVP - not considering this, seen too many feeding issues
CZ527 carbine - I like it, but would prefer something with more than 5 rounds in the mag
Ruger Ranch - the new version that takes AR mags looks promising, but it needs a custom iron sight solution

I've heard good things about the Tikka Lite, but that would need a custom solution for iron sights. Plus, I hear spare mags are expensive

[signal4l]

Steyr scout has back up ghost ring sights on the rail. Comes in 223.

[Lefty223]

Sights appear to be an issue too as most ‘entry level’ rifles arrive sans sights.

If it were me, I’d buy a Savage Axis 5.56 bolt rifle w/ detachable bottom magazine (DBM) and make your own extended mags for it. Easy enough to do, many videos on the process on YouTube.

I did the same, less in a LH 308 version, but upgraded to the bottom metal mag surround floorplate. May not need to do that on a 5.56, depends on use. If you’re handy at all, those mag-length conversions work slick!

[OIPactual]

Savage Model 110 .223 Hog Hunter.

https://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/110HogHunter

[Don't Tread On Me]

Mossberg MVP. Of note is that it's designed to take AR mags so no costly proprietary extra mags to hunt down. They make a few variations but I believe at least a couple come from the factory with decent irons along with a rail for an optic.

[Tx_Aggie]

I've always been a little leery of the bolt on the Mossberg MVP rifles. The little hinged finger that dangles from the bolt to aid in feeding seems like it might cause some issues with durability. But I have no idea if that is actually the case in use.

In addition to the Hog Hunter, Savage also offers a Scout rifle in 223 that uses AICS pattern 10 round detachable mags. The new stocks are pretty good for a factory production synthetic stock.

https://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/110Scout

https://s3.amazonaws.com/savagefiles/firearms/models/900/46c6b3b84d93034b7e63cf79c805307d_5a06796bc9203aeed18772e388d72382.png

Ruger also makes a 556 version of their scout rifle with a 16" threaded barrel that uses AI pattern 223 magazines:

https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifle/specSheets/6824.html

https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifle/specSheets/6825.html

https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifle/images/6824.jpg


If you'd rather not spend ruger scout rifle money and like the new Ruger American that takes AR-15 mags, Skinner Sights also offers an adjustable rear peep and blade front sight kit that can be installed on Ruger American Centerfire rifles (about $110 for both parts):

http://www.skinnersights.com/ruger_firearms_22.html

http://www.skinnersights.com/images/Rug_Amer_Cfire_1.jpg?997

http://www.skinnersights.com/images/Ramp_1.jpg?836

They make similar sights for other makes and models of long guns as well.


Of the above I would probably go with the Savage Scout rifle, especially since the should be around $700 street price once they start shipping to dealers.

[Tx_Aggie]

It looks like Dove's Custom Guns also sells iron sights and a scout scope mount for the Ruger American Ranch:

https://www.doveguns.com/product-page/ruger-american-peep-sights

https://www.doveguns.com/product-page/ruger-american-centerfire-scout-scope-base

Total for both sets of parts is about $210 ($140 for the sights, $70 for the scope mount). The front sight and scope base would need to be installed by a gunsmith, as with the Skinner front sight, so you would also have to factor in than cost.

Dove's also offers a complete Ruger American Ranch scout package, using the newer AR15 mag compatible rifle, for $829.

https://www.doveguns.com/product-page/ruger-ranch-223-ar-mag-scout-rifle

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/95bbec_4e05f59582874644bd14a88be7ceef0c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_498,h_150,al_c,q_90/file.jpg

That may or may not be a good price depending on what you're wanting, especially considering the Mossberg MVP Patrol can be had for around $500 online. The American has a superior action, but it may not be worth the extra $300.

[GrandPooba]

Nice, this was helpful. This rifle is going to be only for target shooting. Something I can shoot cheaply all day long.

Is there any general consensus between Savage and Ruger bolt guns in terms of durability and accuracy? I have a 10/22 and 22/45, both work fine. Never owned a Savage, nor do I know anything about bolt guns in general.

Second, does the AICS mag system mean that any 223 magazine that says AICS compatible will work in the rifle?

[Bayoublaster]

We've had good luck with both Ruger and Savage at the store. Solid rifles easy on the wallet. One advantage the Savage has is easy barrel changes should you decide to switch things around in the future.

[Buckaroo]

GrandPooba
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[Pappabear]

I am a HUGE 223 bolt gun guy, my favorite gun. But mine its a Rem 700 5R with NF scope. Why the issue with iron sights, why not just buy a 20 inch Colt competition or the new/old FN Military collection gun which is bad ass. Its 20 inch, takes a mag and come with iron sights?

Looks like there are options out there.

PB

[wanderson]

Nodak makes (or made) iron sights for Ruger Am Ranch .223.
I heard they got bought out by PSA so not sure what their situation is currently.
I’ve seen pics of their sites, looks nice but I think they’re clamp on. So if you’re wanting a survival rifle that can be dropped from a tree and not suffer damage, this might not be it.

For a survival rifle, I’d give the nod to AR mags for being plentiful & cheap. Heck, run a D60 drum for ‘max capacity’...

CZs are great but not cheap, mags included.

Almost bought a Mossberg MVP when I came across one super cheap on clearance at Academy Sports, but for every good post I found on one there was a bad one too.

I have a Ruger Ranch and a Predator, both are AR mag versions. No complaints. The gen II stocks are reinforced a bit better than the older ones.