[Guest]

Hello. I'm new to the board and this is my first post. I am looking to purchase a rifle for coyote hunting in Illinois. The land I will be hunting is a combination of corn fields, small rivers, and patches of woods. The layout of the land will most likely prohibit shots any longer than 200 yards. I have been looking at a NEF .223 with the heavy barrel. Is this a decent rifle and is the calibre appropriate? Money is a consideration since Christmas is right around the corner. I would appreciate any input. Thanks!!

 

[Guest]

i am looking at the same rifle with the same heavy barrel. i plan on putting a Mueller Eradicator 8.5x25x50 on top of it.
i like the double cost savings of the .223 ammo and the affordable handi rifle. i have been told a little trigger work and a little tweaking and it should shoot very well out to 200 yds. i say go for it, now if i had a little mor money i would really love to have a heavy .223 in a ruger #1

 

[huntswithdogs]

Guys,

The first ones that came out were fine shooters,if you could get by the trigger. Since then they've improved on it some. If you want really good accuracy,you may want to have it worked. This is something that should be done by a gunsmith. I've shot them in .270 and .243. Their accuracy surprised me, as did the weight of a gun of this size. Buy one and I think you'll be pleased.

HWD

 

[Drop-Shot]

I want one to 5ocommando the ones I've shot were very accurate,223 is a great predator cartdrige and I think they work just fine for that purpose,I'm glad that the government are going to upgrade to the 6.8 m4,we have been undergunned since the m16 came out.But for our purpose the nef in 223 is perfect.Drop-Shot

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the input, fellas. I went ahead and purchased the NEF .223 Handi Rifle and just finished putting a 3x12 illuminated scope on it. I just need some time to get to the range now and zero it in...I'll let everyone know how it shoots as soon as I can. Thanks again

 

[Guest]

Well, I just got back from zeroing in my scope. I have a 3x12 on it. The scope is okay...it is a Baskra brand scope with illuminated reticle that was on sale for $60. I was able to shoot groups ranging from 3/4" to1 1 1/4" at 100 yards. This NEF Handi Rifle is very nice and I must say that I am very pleased with its accuracy. This is the first rifle I have ever owned and the fact that I, as a novice rifle shooter, was able to get groups like this is a testiment to the quality of this gun. Mine seems to prefer 45 grain white box Winchester ammo. I experienced no malfunctions of any kind. I did notice that my gun began to shoot about 6 inches high from point of aim after I had put about 25 rounds through it...I attribute this to fouling in the barrel. I forgot to bring cleaning pads with me so I wasn't able to confirm this but I can't think of any other plausable explanation. Overall, this gun is a fantastic shooter..especially for the money!!!

 

[Drop-Shot]

Clean that gun well fivecommando,when you are done,push a cotten ball through the bore and if with a bore light you see pieces of cotton,you have rough spots in the bore.Thats why I lapp the bores on all guns I own even the pistols.When you buy a custom gun you get a hand lapped barrell.Many folks,and some on this site feel you don't need it,and if your gun shoots 1/2 MOA then don't do it for accuracy,I mainly do it for cleaning my guns.After a bore lapping I only use nylon bristle brushes to clean my guns and 1/2 the time as before lapping the barrel.Most importantly.enjoy your new rifle and let us know how it shoots after 200 rounds.Drop-Shot

 

[huntswithdogs]

FiveO

Glad to hear that it's doing so well for ya. You might try some of the Hornady shells that have the ballistic tips. I've heard those things shoot dang good. I agree with you and Dropshot. Try cleaning it real well and see what happens. After a real good cleaning you'll probably need to fire one or two rounds before it'll group real well. Keep us posted on your adventures with it.

HWD

 

[mountainview]

Five-Com,

Your groups sounds very reasonable but think about handloading and I suspect that your groups would get even better. I used the white box ammo and got so-so accuracy. Now I shoot handloads and regularly cloverleaf my groups after doing some experimentation to develop a good load.

Safe shooting.

 

[Drop-Shot]

I reall need to price one of those things,The 223 would be great to go back to montana and coyote hunt.Drop-Shot