Which 223.

[sir-lamp-alot]

All 3 rifles on your list will serve you well

The CZ will do everything the other 2 will but just wont quite feel as refined

The Tikka is just a budget friendly sako with a few netal bits swaped for plastic like the mag ect but gives you the easiest option of turning it into a semi custom

The Sako will be the most well put together and will let you look down your nose at the others

In 10-15 years time all 3 will still be working and shooting just aswell as the next

 

[Leupsak]

Sako 85 laminate fluted heavy barrel set trigger and puts 69g matchking through one hole at 100m, heavy and a gun for sitting up not walking but I love it and wouldn’t swap.
For a lighter gun the Tikka would be a good choice but, you may just have to buy what’s available!!!
As SLA states all will serve you well just ensure you get the twist rate to suit your needs

 

[Tom C]

I bought a used t3x blued barrel (but like new) for my go to foxing / munty rifle.

Shoots half inch or so with factory ammo and is totally reliable & solid so far.

 

[norma 308]

Hopefully ticket with 223 variation due shortly so interested in this thread was going custom but a chiller project in the garden is getting £££ . My pal has and old tikka with lovely wood and after 1000s of round shoots v well , decisions decisions!

 

[Acm]

Hard to beat a tikka really, I also have a sako and a Mauser but having just bought a brand new t3x for £880 (ex vat- farmer ) I’m chuffed to bits with it. Incredibly Accurate, but then it is a .222

 

[norma 308]

Hopefully ticket with 223 variation due shortly so interested in this thread was going custom but a chiller project in the garden is getting £££ . My pal has and old tikka with lovely wood and after 1000s of rounds shoots very well still here’s waiting on postie

 

[Deerstalker6]

If you had to choose a new 223 rifle, which would you go for?

CZ 527 - most likely the 19" barrel carbine as they have discountinued the model etc and these seem to be what the few places I have visited have in, also would consider the American or Night sky (both 22" barrels), I believe all 3 are 1:9 twist. Tempted by these, decent price, good reputation etc, although slightly off put by the awkward safety etc. Benefit from a proper scale 223 action etc.
Think they price in around the £900 mark.

Tikka T3x - either the hunter or lite synthetic stainless version, both seem light enough, obviously well respected rifles, however they are a one size fits all action and not a small size action like many 223's.
Benefits from great reputation, known for accuracy, build quality etc.
Available in either 1:8 or 1:12 twist rate.
Tikka T3x lite roughtech fluted 223 - £1350 - quite like the look of this one.
Tikka T3X SuperLite Stainless Fluted - £1270
Tikka T3X Lite Stainless - £1185

Sako 85 XS action, a proper scaled down 223 size action.
Sako 85 hunter - £1735
I can't seem to find the regular stainless synthic Sako 85 in 223, only laminate etc.
Unless you want the Carbonlight for over £2750+ :O

Hey up Lloyd,

Out of the ones listed, I have had experience of the 527 and the T3X both are good,

The 527 is a good scaled action the safety is in a difference place and just takes getting used to,
very good rifle the mounts I found to be a bit funny due to the bolt clearance and all,

Very well built the night sky would be my recommendation between that and the American model.

The T3X is popular for a reason well built and magazines are now available with the steel feed lips,

It's true they aren't a scaled action but their barrels are spot on, in 223 format I had one that would shoot sub moa
with 50gr Sako Gamehead Pro Varmint and 1/2-3/4" groups with Remington Accutips.

Out of the models listed I would opt for the T3X Lite Stainless and CZ527 Night Sky,

Have a look at them if they are about in your local gunshops, rifle fit is every bit as important see what feels right to you.

Tikka have brought out some models that are factory cerakoted that look spot on they could be worth a look?

 

[Sniper308]

I was in the same position as you a short while back. The tikka t3 seems to be by far the most popular go to gun for .223 vermin. So I was immediately swayed towards it. However I chose the sako 85s. Reason being is to me it seems the refined version of the t3. Everything seems the same, just finished better.

 

[Lloyd90]

I would like a stainless synthetic 85 if they do them?? Did you find one

I don’t think they make them in 223.

Only the wooden hunter or the super expensive carbonlight.

 

[antsa]

I don’t think they make them in 223.

Only the wooden hunter or the super expensive carbonlight.

If you like Laminate they do. I have one. Lovely, accurate rifle. I have the single-set trigger on mine.

Cheers

 

[User00040]

I was in the same position as you a short while back. The tikka t3 seems to be by far the most popular go to gun for .223 vermin. So I was immediately swayed towards it. However I chose the sako 85s. Reason being is to me it seems the refined version of the t3. Everything seems the same, just finished better.

Shame the engineering is worse...

 

[Sniper308]

Shame the engineering is worse...

What do you mean? They are made in the same factory so I’d imagine engineering and quality is the same

 

[User00040]

What do you mean? They are made in the same factory so I’d imagine engineering and quality is the same

Tikka T3/T3x has a lot of benefits from the design, whereas the Sako 85 has shortcomings.

To list a few:

Feeding- Sako is double stack magazine with a blade ejector, Tikka single stack with plunger ejector. Numerous 85's eject the case upwards into the scope tube/windage turret. Have not heard about Tikka's ever having ejection problems.

Bedding- take off your stock and have a look at the 85's 'bedding' assembly, not ideal... Tikka T3 much more sensible

Scope mounting- Sako tapered dovetails were amaizing in 1946 when they came out, shame Sako forgot how to make proper mounts and peep sights (or Beretta told them not to!) Tikka on the other hand can be fitted with a rail, or better still, Sphur direct mounts.

Interchangeable parts- every Tikka T3/T3x is 'the same' , so from action to action there are minimal changes, you could turn your 223 into a 243 or even 270/7mm Rem mag by changing the barrel, bolt, boltstop and magazine. Not possible with the Sako 85 due to differing action sizes.

There is a reason why it is easy to get aftermarket stocks fot Tikka T3's but not Sako (despite many crying owners). You can pay Sako silly money for a 'carbon' stock, but not as good as the aftermarket ones for Tikka.

Weight- despite having unique action lengths for different cartridges, they are about the same weight as the equivalent Tikka, usually more! Helps that Tikka magazines are plastic!

 

[Lloyd90]

If you like Laminate they do. I have one. Lovely, accurate rifle. I have the single-set trigger on mine.

Cheers

Isn’t that the heavy barrel Varmint one?

 

[antsa]

Isn’t that the heavy barrel Varmint one?

Nope, it's the Hunter Laminated Stainless, available in a whole bunch of calibres and chamberings. The .223 has a 57cm unthreaded barrel or a 51cm threaded - sporter weight, non-fluted. Look it up on Sako.fi.

Cheers

 

[suburban bushwacker]

From the choices listed: the CZ 527 is a wonderful little rifle, all Tikka’s are nice.

money No object the Shultz & Larsen Legacy can the be ordered with two twist rates of 223 and a 6mm x 45 if you fancy a heavier pill

The real,BARGAIN is the RWS Titan3 like the Legacy a three lug bolt, and its a take down. £350 is a lot less than £1500 For the S&L

 

[Keith Edmunds]

Is go for the 527 out of those 3, lovely little scaled action, light and accurate - just what you want out of a fixing rifle.

I’ve owned 3 and still have one in K-hornet.

 

[ChesterP]

I'd go CZ527 and drop it into a GRS Light adjustable stock.

 

[75]

I’m also looking for a 223 at the minute but have a mental block for CZs! I’ve got an old 22 and the bolt is as rough as a badgers. It works but it’s definitely not slick…

 

[404Shooter]

When it comes to optics people on here say ‘buy once, cry once’ and they steer you towards high-end optics. I have no investment here but I was able to shoulder a number of rifles and the S&L Legacy stood apart from its peers. Before you buy, try them all, whatever the cost.