Chuck, I was also very interested in trying a 223 so my wife got me a HogHunter for Christmas. It quickly became my favorite rifle for the range. The AccuTrigger was tuned and stock replaced with a Choate Tactical, and it easily shoots 1/2 MOA at 300 yd with 69gr SMK. Unless you are interested in much longer ranges, you will not miss the velocity loss with 20" vs 26". This is such fun to shoot, I have to force myself to take other rifles to the range now! So much so that I bit the bullet and ordered a primo Brux barrel for it, and I will be happily satisfied if it shoots better ( I am the weak link in the equation ). Either of your Weavers should work well too. Good luck with the 223 .