Best inexpensive 243 I can buy

[Cat 64]

LoneWolf...we intersected paths here before...I am Catalin

[LoneWolf]

$225 base. add ons are the same as SSS's LVT stock (butthook, Accesory rail, Adjustable riser, and bipod boss) for the 10/110 series. I have about $1300 into the build total and hitting the 5" X ring at a grand with it makes it pretty priceless.

[bootsmcguire]

You can build on the Axis, and stocks are finally available. Boyds has some offerings in laminate. The Axis is plenty capable of the same accuracy as the 10/11/12/14/16 models, and it uses the same small shank barrels. The trigger is horrible (can be upgraded though) and stock choices are fewer, and the DBM has a lot of plastic in it (some of the cheaper 11's use this same DBM so that's a toss up).

For me, if the money is similar go with a 11 or similar platform. Lots more aftermarket support. I would look for a model 10/11/12 with the side/top bolt release rather than the bottom/trigger guard release for the most options. Also I prefer the Centerfeed magazines of the 2006 and up models to the older pre-2006 Staggerfeed Models if you have a choice when scouring the used gun racks, but if the deal is right I would go with either.

Edit: Wow, while typing this post 6 more showed up. Dang I had better start typing faster.

[Dummos]

I have an axis youth (20") .243 and it shoots .3 groups at 100 with factory winchester silver tips.

[emtrescue6]

I know is a bit more but I looked yesterday at a Howa HWK98101 AXIOM VARMINTER Bolt 243 Winchester 24" Black...are those good?...just checking. However I think I am inclined to go Savage way...

Howa's are great rifles for the money....the Howa 1500 is what Weatherby uses to brand as the Weatherby Vanguard. My daughter niece both shoot Vanguards in .243...hard to beat them accuracywize for the $.

[Monkeymaster]

Stevens 200
Put money into steel bases, rings, and mid range scope, maybe even e bay a scope.
Build the 200 up over time with better stock, trigger, may be barrel depending on how it shoots.
Good luck

[snowgetter1]

Stevens 200. Can't go wrong and it uses all standard Savage parts.