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Varmint gun for $700 or less?

G

GSRswapandslow

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 13, 2008
873
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North Carolina, Hudson (28638)
so...i need a small caliber varmint gun to shoot at my brother in law's tree farm..... he's got some major groundhog and coyote issues and wants me to clean up a bit for him.

I'm on a tight budget for this gun....have too many things on my plate, but I can toss $700 at it fairly easily....but not really much more. (i have to drop some hobbies..seriously)

I was originally thinking of buying a stevens 200 from walmart and putting a .223ai barrel on it (i don't wanna deal with trimming...could care less about the extra power in this case)...but it seems like the stock I want just isn't gonna be in stock for a long time (hart lrt)...so not sure if I want to go through with that idea...

i'd like to stick to .223 or .223ai......i'm eventually going to suppress it with a 30cal suppressor...but i have a 243 and 308 already.

so..what would you guys suggest?
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

also...i looked at a Mossberg MVP today...interesting gun, to say the least, but I'm unsure of it's longevity and reliability in the field with the round "pickup".... but I can get it out the door under $600....

and i'm not against a lighter barrel contour
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Remmy 700 SPS... Then when more funds become available, you can upgrade EASILY.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

+1 on the Remington 700. Have you considered the 6mmBR? Works great on Rock Chucks(groundhawgs) and Coyote, low recoil would suppress with 30 cal can possiably better than 223. Just food for thought.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Why aren't you using the .243 on the yotes? Then you can take that 700 and buy more ammo.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

I picked up an SPS tactical in .223 for $600 and had it punched out to .223 ai for $125. It didn't feed worth a damn out of the factory magazine so I used a single shot follower until I got set up to use aics magazines. Beyond that it has been nothing but excellent, fireforming loads are extremely accurate and the brass is wonderfully stable.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

forgot to mention, i don't want a Remmy....both of my current rifles are...and I'd like to try something a little different. If I can't...then, another Rem it'll be.

i'm not using the .243 out of request from my brother-in-law...he requested i use a .224 or smaller round to mitigate large divots in the ground on misses/impacts....he said the grounds are doing it enough, and if I went out there and added to it, he might as well just let them keep doing it. I tried to explain that it wouldn't make a difference...but, it's not my call.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

You might look into a Savage 10 PC .223. They are an accurate factory rifle with short barrel heavy barrel. Now if it was me, I would go .204 in a heartbeat. This round is a laser, very accurate, and easy to load for or find factory ammo. Tikka T3 varmint .204 would fit the bill nicely.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

i actually just saw the tikka t3 varmint...and the t3 lite.....temping...

I'm not sure if walmart carries Tikka or not...has anyone looked in the 2011 catalog?

oh, I'll also be making a trip to Dick's today...see if they have any sales on Rem SPS's...sometimes you can get one for around the $450 mark
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

I have a 12 pound Remy 223 that I tricked out, shoots great. I had the same problem. Bought a Savage Hog Hunter in 223, cut barrel off to 16 in, painted it white camo. At 7 lbs its my winter walking yote gun when I go to cabin & have to walk 1 to 2 miles with yote sets. I kept it stock & at $500.00 (w/scope) its a great walking winter yote gun. I am happy with it
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

I don't think walmart does but that would be the last place I would buy a gun.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

why wouldn't you buy a gun from walmart?????

I buy most of my reloading stuff there...and if i ever needed loaded ammo, they generally have the best price by a margin.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Savage 12FV...$559 @ Bud's.

I've got one and I'm a big fan.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: goatsie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with a CZ 527, great little rifles</div></div>
best friend just bought a 550 varmint kevlar and 527 from bud's....i might get to shoot his this weekend, never shot any cz's other than rimfires
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSRswapandslow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">why wouldn't you buy a gun from walmart?????

I buy most of my reloading stuff there...and if i ever needed loaded ammo, they generally have the best price by a margin. </div></div>

I like to support my local dealers.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Just like others have said a .223 would work fine or maybe a .204 altho I don't have any experience with that round. How ever I have a few friends that do and have shot many yotes on their ranches with that caliber.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

I say give the CZ 527 a go! The Kevlar is a great feeling rifle and shoots very well to boot!

If you are interested, there is one locally for sale in .223. I could possibly get you guys hooked up if you want to pursue that idea!
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSRswapandslow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">why wouldn't you buy a gun from walmart?????

I buy most of my reloading stuff there...and if i ever needed loaded ammo, they generally have the best price by a margin. </div></div>

I like to support my local dealers.</div></div>

walmart is my closest local dealer
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

http://www.impactguns.com/cz-527-varmint...703030418.aspx\


wal-mart

UPC# Description
8-0670303045
*80670303045*
• MFG# 03045 • 204 Ruger • Bolt Action • Single Set
Trigger • 24” Bar Len • 5 + 1 Capacity • Walnut Stock
• Blue Finish

Savage Model 12
1135618472
*01135618472*
• MFG# 18472 • 223 Remington/5.56 Nato • Bolt Action
• Accutrigger Trigger • 26” Bar Len • 4 + 1 Capacity •
Laminated Stock • Stainless Steel Finish


1135601282
*01135601282*
• MFG# 01282 • 223 Remington/5.56 Nato • Bolt Action
• Accutrigger Trigger • 26” Bar Len • 4 + 1 Capacity •
Black Synthetic Stock • Blue Finish

1135618144
*01135618144*
• MFG# 18144 • 223 Remington/5.56 Nato • Bolt Action
• Accutrigger Trigger • 26” Bar Len • 1 Capacity • Black
Synthetic Stock • Stainless Steel Finish
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Kind of assinine to buy another rifle when youve got something that will work already. Just download some 55g nosler bt in your 243 and be done with it.
Xdeano
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xdeano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kind of assinine to buy another rifle when youve got something that will work already. Just download some 55g nosler bt in your 243 and be done with it.
Xdeano</div></div>

like i said, not my choice. if i want to get to shoot for free at his farm, i have to play by his rules. Other than the 400-500yds there...my only other option is the 200yds I have here. I, possibly, will have some more long range land available again, soon...but until then, i'm stuck at 200yds and that ain't no fun.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Try the .204 Ruger. That'll make him happy, plus it will out-perform both the .223 and .223 AI on varmints.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ranger1183</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you can break away from Walmart, buy one of these.

Howa Varminter, 223 Heavy Barrel, Hammer Forged and <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">FLUTED</span></span> is MSRP less than $700.

http://www.legacysports.com/products/howa_hogue20hvy.html</div></div>

now that's not too bad...trash stock, but so are all of the rest it seems, lol

do you happen to know what barrel twist and chamber it is?
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try the .204 Ruger. That'll make him happy, plus it will out-perform both the .223 and .223 AI on varmints. </div></div>

cost of ammo
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Contender/Contender Rifle in 204 ruger... ??

Just diving out of the box for a minute....
smile.gif


My TC is a tack driver/toy and controls the ammo expenditure...
Dave
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

I vote for a cz527 mannlicher in the triple deuce, .222 rem if you reload. If not then the .223
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Have your dealer get you a price on a Howa barreled action, I think Jerry's sports center is the us distributor. I have seen the blue HB sell new for 400 to 450. Then find a stock either a laminate or a B&C and your sent.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

so....it's about time to choose...here's my choices, so far:

1. Stevens 200 from walmart and build on it as I go...this will end up costing $1500ish...for a pretty much basic build (pst114 stock, CBI barrel, CDI bottom metal, AI mags)

2. Tikka T3 Varmint from Buds (unless someone knows cheaper)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...cts_id/80591/Tikka+T3+Varmint+.223+Rem,+Blued

say $800 shipped/transferred ($789.00 gun + $10 transfer)

but I worry the stock might not be up to par...but i also hear such good things about the action....other than it being the size of a long action and chambered in .223...

3. Savage BVSS from Buds (once again, unless someone can point out a cheaper place to buy)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...3+Remington+223

$820ish shipped....good enough stock, 1:9 twist, prove action...wanted one for a while... I could also pull the barrel and just get the chamber recut to .223ack and have it cut to length at 22-24" and the muzzle threaded.....

4. try something new and go with a CZ527 in a funky stock...from bud's
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...7+Bolt+223+Remington5.56+NATO+24"+Kevlar+Blue
077e9c05c2587a7a5dcf568a980c24b3.png


never had a CZ...best friend just bought a 550...he hasn't shot it yet i don't think, but he says he likes it.....lol. has a really funky stock....and it's cheaper than the Savage or Tikka....at $790 shipped/transferred...


so...this is where I'm stuck :-/
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

i think i've decided to just go with the Savage 12BVSS.....wanted one for a good while now....

i'll be mounting an 8x32 Sightron SIII on it...just have to find rings and a base now....
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

Watched a gentlemen shooting a CZ .223 the other day they are dam fine rifle. I'm on the hunt for a CZ 452 22LR myself. I hate buying imported products but for the price cant say I've found a US made 22LR counter part that can touch one.

Best advise i can pass on is buy what you like or else you will doubt yourself down the road and it can effect your performance as a shooter. being happy with what you buy is as important as how well the rifle shoots. If it doesn't perform the way you want you can always re sell.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSRswapandslow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i think i've decided to just go with the Savage 12BVSS.....wanted one for a good while now....

i'll be mounting an 8x32 Sightron SIII on it...just have to find rings and a base now....

</div></div>

I have the Savage VLP in 204 Ruger. Nearly the same rifle you are getting. They are very nice out of the box and shoot well. I put a choate tactical stock/bedding and SSS comp trigger on mine and its great. Took it last week to South Dakota and slaughtered PD's with it. Great rifle for the $715 I paid for it.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSRswapandslow</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try the .204 Ruger. That'll make him happy, plus it will out-perform both the .223 and .223 AI on varmints. </div></div>

cost of ammo </div></div>

Its not that bad at all. If you handload (which I assume you do since you're asking about .223 AI, its the same price as .223, if not, its $1 a round for good varmint ammo compared to about $15 for good varmint ammo in .223 Rem. Its really a great round.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSRswapandslow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">why wouldn't you buy a gun from walmart?????

I buy most of my reloading stuff there...and if i ever needed loaded ammo, they generally have the best price by a margin. </div></div>

most of your reloading stuff? can you please clarify? does your walmart actually carry powder and bullets?
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: upjeeper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">does your walmart actually carry powder and bullets? </div></div>

Some do...none near me, but Minot ND does.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

I seen reloading equip at Walmarts in North Platte, NE and Colby, Kansas. Powder, bullets and the whole deal. Better selection there than the Gander Mountains in Denver.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: upjeeper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">most of your reloading stuff? can you please clarify? does your walmart actually carry powder and bullets?</div></div>

Sierra, Hornady, and Nosler bullets
RCBS dies, only
frown.gif

Hogdon/IMR/Winchester powders
RCBS and MEC presses and kits
CCI and Winchester primers

I was told I could order about anything I wanted, but usually I'm good with what they have in stock already
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

sigh....i feel icky, i ran into Dick's today after work...was gonna pick up a few bricks of $25 CCI SV (it's $27.99 now...screw that) and looked at the rack of guns....and, well, i bought one :-/ They had a Rem SPS Tactical for $499....so I just went ahead and bought it. Rang up as a Varmint...so...not sure the deal on that lol. Serial numbers matched, that's all I care about...
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

GSR, there is a rebate on the SPS Varmints until the end of the month for $50. Check out Remington's site.
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StanwoodSpartan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remmy 700 SPS... Then when more funds become available, you can upgrade EASILY. </div></div>

+1 i've got one, and its great!
 
Re: Varmint gun for $700 or less?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bayou1535</div><div class="ubbcode-body">GSR, there is a rebate on the SPS Varmints until the end of the month for $50. Check out Remington's site.</div></div>

Is it applicable considering I bought the Tactical.....
 
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