.223 trainer

[RussDXT]

So if someone already has several accurate suppressed AR’s in 5.56 is there any large benefit to adding a Tikka .223 other than to be one of the cool kids at rockslide?

Thanks!

 

[wind gypsy]

Some of the reasons I prefer a 223 bolt gun:
-Actually quiet when suppressed
-Prefer the general gun manipulation - aligns with my other hunting and precision rifles
-Can shoot higher BC bullets without the AR mag constraints
-Doesn't trash brass

I've tried but i cant get too excited about shooting ARs in precision applications.

 

[RussDXT]

Some of the reasons I prefer a 223 bolt gun:
-Actually quiet when suppressed
-Prefer the general gun manipulation - aligns with my other hunting and precision rifles
-Can shoot higher BC bullets without the AR mag constraints
-Doesn't trash brass

I've tried but i cant get too excited about shooting ARs in precision applications.

If I had it to do over I’d go bolt, but with a PWS, LaRue, and LMT I figure I should attempt to utilize what I have.

 

[wind gypsy]

I should say i've kind of tried.. Have had as nice of ARs as you do. Maybe something that runs a little smoother or is tuned up better would be a better experience.

A guy can get a tikka compact 223 for sub $700 last i looked, maybe even sub $600 with recent rebates. So that is pretty hard to skip over.

 

[RussDXT]

I should say i've kind of tried.. Have had as nice of ARs as you do. Maybe something that runs a little smoother or is tuned up better would be a better experience.

A guy can get a tikka compact 223 for sub $700 last i looked, maybe even sub $600 with recent rebates. So that is pretty hard to skip over.

For sure, Can’t hardly give an AR away in the current market and reluctant to add another .223 if there isn’t a huge benefit.

 

[Lawnboi]

There is nothing quite like shooting a bolt 223.

 

[TxLite]

I prefer bolt actions in general. But any trigger time is good practice and there’s nothing wrong with shooting what you’ve got. As mentioned above you’ll be more limited on your COAL for high BC bullets.

I hate getting gassed out with a suppressed AR but the piston guns are a much better experience than a standard DI. In my experience they are not typically going to be as accurate as DI or a bolt gun though.

 

[SloppyJ]

As a guy who just built a 223 trainer, a bolt gun shoots so much better than an AR. Now, I'm not a huge fan of shooting ARs though. If for nothing else, it's more similar to your hunting rifles more than likely so it should be better to train with. The number one deal is that it suppresses so well.

 

[TaperPin]

We put together an AR from misc sources and a no-name barrel - it is capable of shooting as well as many factory bolt guns, but the milspec trigger is horrible. One of the kids had a friend recommend some POS replacement trigger - waste of money. I’d rather use a sharp stick than shoot an AR with schitt trigger.

 

[ElPollo]

I have an AR and a Tikka in 223. My AR isn’t nearly as nice or likely as accurate as the ones you mentioned. But my suppressed Tikka is hands down the most fun rifle I have.

 

[wind gypsy]

My “December/January” 223 rebarrel finally got back to me today. I’ve really missed it!

 

[Ajsomp]

There’s merit to having a gun set up identical to a gun you’d shoot less often- say your 6/6.5 creedmoor or PRC. You can get a lot of practice for cheap, there’s plenty of evidence that you can hunt with it, and it’s going to last 20k rounds on the factory barrel.

By that accord, you can get your primary rifle broken in, trued etc. and then use it marginally less than your practice rifle. If you’re only putting 100 rounds per year down your primary, it could last you a lifetime while still getting practice at 10 times that per year on your 223.

 

[RussDXT]

There’s merit to having a gun set up identical to a gun you’d shoot less often- say your 6/6.5 creedmoor or PRC. You can get a lot of practice for cheap, there’s plenty of evidence that you can hunt with it, and it’s going to last 20k rounds on the factory barrel.

By that accord, you can get your primary rifle broken in, trued etc. and then use it marginally less than your practice rifle. If you’re only putting 100 rounds per year down your primary, it could last you a lifetime while still getting practice at 10 times that per year on your 223.

Looks like I need to start looking for a tikka optic for my new .223

 

[justinspicher]

I must be the weirdo because I’m not a fan of bolt guns and the 556 bolt gun I do have is the least shot rifle I have, even suppressed. I will always take one of my ARs over the bolt gun when I go out to the woods.

 

[Anschutz]

So if someone already has several accurate suppressed AR’s in 5.56 is there any large benefit to adding a Tikka .223 other than to be one of the cool kids at rockslide?

Thanks!

If your primary hunting rifle isn't a Tikka, I'd say no and get one to match your primary. If your primary hunting rifle doesn't come in .223, I'd say yes.

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[RussDXT]

If your primary hunting rifle isn't a Tikka, I'd say no and get one to match your primary. If your primary hunting rifle doesn't come in .223, I'd say yes.

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My primary is a 6.5 PRC Element.


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[Ajsomp]

You coul

My primary is a 6.5 PRC Element.


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you could call seekins and see if they would do a custom shop and put a 223 barrel on an element- or you could get one of their 223 havak hit and put a different chassis/stock on.

 

[TheViking]

are you guys setting up your 'trainer' rifles the same as your hunting rifles? same stock, glass, etc?

I have a Tikka 6.5 PRC in a Pure Precision stock. Just ordered a 223 Tikka. Should I toss the same stock on there as well? Pure Precision usually has decent BF deals.

 

[Ajsomp]

are you guys setting up your 'trainer' rifles the same as your hunting rifles? same stock, glass, etc?

I have a Tikka 6.5 PRC in a Pure Precision stock. Just ordered a 223 Tikka. Should I toss the same stock on there as well? Pure Precision usually has decent BF deals.

If your budget allows it, yes. I set mine up in identical stocks, initially with my 6.5 PRC with a maven and my 223 with a Swfa. I snagged another maven last month and will slap it on after the season and have them near identical, with the differences being barrel length and suppressors on the end.

 

[TheViking]

If your budget allows it, yes. I set mine up in identical stocks, initially with my 6.5 PRC with a maven and my 223 with a Swfa. I snagged another maven last month and will slap it on after the season and have them near identical, with the differences being barrel length and suppressors on the end.

Makes sense.
I just sold another rifle, so I have the spare funds to deck this one out to match.