I'm looking for a rifle for shooting for fun, light hunting, or maybe an SHTF...and was looking at .223/5.56. I really don't want to get an AR, being I live in CA. Maybe a Ruger Mini 14...or a light bolt gun.

Here is a couple of options I was looking at:

CZ 600 Trail
https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-600-trail/

Ruger Ranch
https://ruger.com/products/ame...pecSheets/26965.html

What are the thoughts out there? Different caliber?

Discontinued CZ 527 in .223 is a fun little bolt rifle. If you could find a used one for sale.

I like the 527 and have one. But honestly if you are going to get something that shoots .223/5.56 you really really want one that takes AR mags. The two that come to mind are the MVP and the Ranch rifle. The CZ is also noted above but the CZ600's seem to be in some technical difficulties and overall IMO currently CZ sucks on parts. All of which would be fine for what you wanted. I think there is also? a couple of AR like types that are bolt, but I've no idea who makes them.

So I went with a Ruger American Ranch in 5.56, and got a 1-6 Truglo Omni. I'll send pics and a range report when I've gotten it in hand, and can go to the range...

The Ruger Ranch isa fun kit but out of the box I expect that you'll find the accuracy is a bit lacking. Good news is that there is a huge array of options for the mini 14 and among those options are some very good barrels.

Personally I would have looked at that CZ. I have several CZ products and all are items you get a lot of bang for the buck spent.

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Originally posted by Scooter123:
The Ruger Ranch isa fun kit but out of the box I expect that you'll find the accuracy is a bit lacking. Good news is that there is a huge array of options for the mini 14 and among those options are some very good barrels.

The Ruger American Ranch that the OP was considering - and later bought - is not a Mini-14. It's one of Ruger's bolt action rifles. Accuracy is reportedly quite good.

What amount of shit is hitting how big of a fan ?

I have an assortment of 223/5.56 rifles, of course ARs are well represented. One of my favorite, simple bolt guns is a Browning A-Bolt, in 223. I put a light Timney trigger spring in, mounted a nice Zeiss scope. Even though it’s a ‘sporter weight’, it does well out west prairie dogging.

I do have a CZ-527 in 7.62-39, light, compact & handy. Since they discontinued, prices went up.

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Originally posted by bendable:
What amount of shit is hitting how big of a fan ?

Oh...the usual California variety...

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
What amount of shit is hitting how big of a fan ?

Oh...the usual California variety...

Like the Rodney King verdict's aftermath?

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Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
What amount of shit is hitting how big of a fan ?

Oh...the usual California variety...

Like the Rodney King verdict's aftermath?

I hope to never see that kind of mess again.

How light of hunting is “light” hunting? .223 is awful light for, say, a deer round, and not right for anything larger. However, as a “fun” rifle, and for self defense it is just right.

Take a look at 300BLK. Ammo is a bit more expensive, but you can find factory plinking ammo for 50-60 cents per round. Plus, it is just right for deer and medium game.

I’ve been eyeing a Ruger American Rifle myself in 300BLK, mostly as a quiet suppressor host.