$1000 "varmit" rifle

[only1asterisk]

The Rules:

Pick a rifle, scope, mounts, rings and dies for primary use against furry critters out to 700 yards spending only a total of $1000.

Bonus if also suitable for larger game and 2-legged varmits.

All modifications must be accounted for with $ except for glass bedding/free floating. No DIY discounts.

I'm interested in what people will skimp on to bring it in under budget.


David

 

[Rupestris]

Done! I'd skimp on buying new and pick up something like this used one. A Savage 12VSS has a MSRP of $960. You can find them on line for under $800 new.

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=20718765

Savage Model #12VSS (.308) Includes: - Leupold VX-II 6-18x (A/O,Windage& Elevation turrets, Target Dot Reticle) - Harris pivoting bi-pod Condition = 99.9% (Only 20rnds. through gun)

For varmint I'd prefer a .22-250. For larger game I'd have to opt for .243. (.22 illegal in MI).
My Uncle uses a setup very similar to this out west on prairie dogs. He made Varmint Hunter Magazines 500 club in 2002, and topped his 540-something yard shot with a with a shot in 2003 at just under 750 yards using a .22.250.

 

[Brian Williams]

Ditto I'd go with a Savage

12 Series Varmint
Model 12BVSS – with AccuTrigger™
Action Short
Caliber 223 Rem., 22-250 Rem., 243 Win., 308 Win., 300 WSM.
Overall Length 46.25"
Barrel Length 26"
Weight 10 lbs.
Magazine Capacity 4 rounds (223 Rem., 22-250 Rem., 243 Win., 308 Win.)
2 rounds (300 WSM.)
Stock Target style heavy prone laminate with ambidextrous Wundhammer palm swell, dual pillar bedding.
Sights Drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
Rifling Rate of Twist 223 Rem. (1 in 9")
22-250 Rem. (1 in 12")
243 Win. (1 in 9.25")
308 Win. (1 in 10")
300 RSUM. (1 in 12")
Features New AccuTriggerâ„¢, oversized bolt handle, stainless barreled action, heavy fluted, free-floating and button-rifled barrel, internal box magazine and swivel studs.
Suggested Retail $696.00

GUNSAMERICA PRICE$609
SCOPE

Category: Scopes & Mounts GA#: 976447072
Model: Leupold Seller #:
Seller: Dennis Jensen
Return Policy: 3 Days
Shipping Terms: Call For Terms

(See boxes below to contact)
Description: 4.5x14x40, matte finish,Target Knobs,mil-dot reticle,adjustable ojective,new condition. $325.00


GUN $609
SCOPE $325
TOTAL $934

Rings and mount add $40
RCBS dies $35

 

[Black Snowman]

I went with a CZ 550 Varmint Laminated. Out the door locally with rings and tax for $700. I've since bought 2 scopes for it, both BSA. A 3-12 and a 6-24 (which is on it now). Both scopes totalled less than $180. Mine is in .308 but it's also available in .22-250. I'm still developing loads for it. Not quite as tack-driving as my Dad's Browning A-Bolt Eclipse w/ BOSS and 3.5-14 Nikon but not bad for $600 less. Plus I really like the set trigger.

My next project for long range shooting is a build it myself AR using an Oly Arms .243 WSSM upper and a DMPS stainless lower. It will be right around $1000 once I get optics on it. Probably get another cheap BSA scope. That way I'll have a spare to swap out when one of them dies

 

[dakotasin]

remington 700 vls in 308 - $550.
leupold vx-2 6-18x40, turrets, a/o w/ free rings and bases - $450 (www.swfa.com).

there it is. your on your own for dies - but since everybody has at least one set of 308 dies, i doubt they'd cost much, if anything, in the real world.

 

[Dionysusigma]

^^^ Same, but with a Bushnell 3200 10x40mm...

 

[Kamicosmos]

I got a pretty good deal on my Bushmaster Varminter ($930). With the cheap BSA 6-24x50 scope, it was right at a grand. I also threw on a harris bipod. I am extemely happy with the rifle's performance. One day I hope to be able to put one of the expensive Leopold scopes on it.

The BSA scopes seem to be going up in price now, so you probably can't build this combo for a grand now, although just over by 20 bucks or so. Could go with a used AR, or maybe a slightly cheaper variant, like one of the DCM match rifles.