AR for varmits
- Thread starter rjlt162
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If you're going to have it on a table all the time you could go with the 24" bull barrel. But if there's even a chance of wanting to use it for anything else, consider a shorter and lighter barrel.
I have a Stag Arms Model 6 (Super Varmiter) that is an amazing shooter but is just too heavy for anything but bipod work. The rifle ran me $1000 brand new and I topped it with a Nikon M-223 4-12x50 BDC scope. If I were to do it again I'd get the Stag Model 8 (piston) and mount an Aimpoint PRO on it.
When I hear varmit rifle I think bull barrel and big ole scope. Maybe a 20" bbl with a 6-24 power scope?
I have a Stag Arms Model 6 (Super Varmiter) that is an amazing shooter but is just too heavy for anything but bipod work. The rifle ran me $1000 brand new and I topped it with a Nikon M-223 4-12x50 BDC scope. If I were to do it again I'd get the Stag Model 8 (piston) and mount an Aimpoint PRO on it.
When I hear varmit rifle I think bull barrel and big ole scope. Maybe a 20" bbl with a 6-24 power scope?
1911 guy
Member
The actual parts are so numerous that I wonlt even try to recommend specific companies. But they "must have" requirements would be:
Flat top reciever
Free float barrel
Twist 1:9 or faster (depending on desired bullet weight)
aftermarket match or target trigger
Flat top reciever
Free float barrel
Twist 1:9 or faster (depending on desired bullet weight)
aftermarket match or target trigger
samoconnor123
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mastiffhound
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I went with 20" 1 in 7 twist FN made government profile barrel, free float quad rail, flat top reciever, with 4-12x40 vortex, and a Winchester brand bi-pod. It isn't to heavy for me to carry and it stays accurate for more than 3 shots(not stringing real bad like a pencil barrel). Try Paletto State Armory, that is where I got mine.
MtnCreek
Member
Maybe a little different than what you're looking for, but check out Mk12 clones. I built a mod 0 with a WOA barrel for a little less than your budget and bought a used mod 1 for about your budget. Both shoot great and the mod 0 has spilled yote blood more than once. These are 18" barrel rifles; I don't know what's ideal for prairiedogs.
primalmu
Member
Here's what I just built:
Specs:
YHM 20" Entry upper 1 in 7" twist
Spikes lower (CMMG LPK)
Nikon M-223 scope mount
Nikon ProStaff BDC 3-9x40 (Redfield on it now until I get my new mount for my Savage Hog Hunter)
Harris bipod
Price was about $1100, optics included. $1200 if you count the Harris bipod, but I bought that will credit card reward points so I consider it a freebie.
I haven't shot it yet. Been too busy. But I'm expecting some pretty good performance once I have it broken in and dialed in.
Specs:
YHM 20" Entry upper 1 in 7" twist
Spikes lower (CMMG LPK)
Nikon M-223 scope mount
Nikon ProStaff BDC 3-9x40 (Redfield on it now until I get my new mount for my Savage Hog Hunter)
Harris bipod
Price was about $1100, optics included. $1200 if you count the Harris bipod, but I bought that will credit card reward points so I consider it a freebie.
I haven't shot it yet. Been too busy. But I'm expecting some pretty good performance once I have it broken in and dialed in.
Great info & keep it coming! Sweet & clean build pics. I really appreciate all your comments. Also, If I use a faster twist rate for heavier bullets, will this "over stabilize" for 55gr. and under and diminish the accuracy for them?
MtnCreek
Member
I’ve heard people that know much more about it than me say it is possible to spin them faster than optimal, but I think that tends to apply to people that shoot much better than I do. I have 1:7 and 1:9 AR’s and can’t really tell a difference with most bullets. If I were buying a rig like you’re talking about, I’d look for a 1:8, but I wouldn’t turn down a 1:7 or 1:9.
Edit: Most of the varm bolt guns in .223 are 1:12. IMHO, that's just too limiting.
I’m not much for taking pictures; here’s a photo of the Mod 1 from the seller. It’s now sporting some cheaper glass than in this picture. :-(
Edit: Most of the varm bolt guns in .223 are 1:12. IMHO, that's just too limiting.
I’m not much for taking pictures; here’s a photo of the Mod 1 from the seller. It’s now sporting some cheaper glass than in this picture. :-(
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When you consider that the heaviest varmint bullets for .223 are 60gn flat base, a 1:12 isn't that limiting. Determine how far you need to shoot and work backwards from there considering wind drift, velocity and energy on target to determine the bullet that you need and the barrel length and spin needed to get it to that velocity at that range and stable.
Take a look at the Hornady 53gn Vmax bullet. The BC is as high as any varmint bullet in .224 caliber and it is lightweight meaning that you can really scream it out there. Resists the wind very well.
I've got a 16" .223 AR with a medium weight stainless barrel in a 1:9 twist that was put together specifically as a varmint rifle. It's all that's needed on a prairie rat to 300yds at least and 400 or more on a coyote. The only limiting factor is the ability to hit the target. The round has more than enough oomph if you connect.
If you're looking to be making super long shots, you might want to look at a different cartridge and possibly a different weapon type that can handle a higher BC varmint bullet. The 6mms are typically where it's at in that regard. The 6x45 in the AR can greatly outperform the .223 from the AR. The limiting factor is the magazine length. The 65gn Vmax will outperform most any .223 bullet and the 75gn Vmax is better still.
Take a look at the Hornady 53gn Vmax bullet. The BC is as high as any varmint bullet in .224 caliber and it is lightweight meaning that you can really scream it out there. Resists the wind very well.
I've got a 16" .223 AR with a medium weight stainless barrel in a 1:9 twist that was put together specifically as a varmint rifle. It's all that's needed on a prairie rat to 300yds at least and 400 or more on a coyote. The only limiting factor is the ability to hit the target. The round has more than enough oomph if you connect.
If you're looking to be making super long shots, you might want to look at a different cartridge and possibly a different weapon type that can handle a higher BC varmint bullet. The 6mms are typically where it's at in that regard. The 6x45 in the AR can greatly outperform the .223 from the AR. The limiting factor is the magazine length. The 65gn Vmax will outperform most any .223 bullet and the 75gn Vmax is better still.
Thanks!
Thank you for all the imput - it was helpful. I was leaning towards the RRA after comments here and elsewhere, however, long wait time from the factory these days. So, I have a Stag Arms Super Varminter on its way to me (gracias ZGunner). Gave up the notion of mobility for yote hunting with it and resolved that a heavier gun would be best for the more stationary sport of pup poppin. I will add a Magpul PRS stock and a Leupold VX-3 6.5-20x50mm scope with their varmint recticle. Anxious to get it all pulled together and fly some lead. I'll let you all know how it shoots. Pics when I get em.
Regards & happy shootin!
Thank you for all the imput - it was helpful. I was leaning towards the RRA after comments here and elsewhere, however, long wait time from the factory these days. So, I have a Stag Arms Super Varminter on its way to me (gracias ZGunner). Gave up the notion of mobility for yote hunting with it and resolved that a heavier gun would be best for the more stationary sport of pup poppin. I will add a Magpul PRS stock and a Leupold VX-3 6.5-20x50mm scope with their varmint recticle. Anxious to get it all pulled together and fly some lead. I'll let you all know how it shoots. Pics when I get em.
Regards & happy shootin!
MtnCreek
Member
Sounds like it will be a great yote rig. I would suggest going with a lower powered scope. 6.5x willl be really tough to get on a moving target inside of ~ 150yds and 20x will take you further than you'll need. 3-12 would be about perfect IMHO.
meanmrmustard
Member
Prairie Panther. Damn accurate, well built, and the ONLY DPMS I'd own.
I got it from Model 1 sales, sweet isn't it.
http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=496
I built ARs with 24" heavy Shilen barrels in 17 Remington and 204 Ruger as well as a 20" NM WOA 223 Remington barrel. All three shoot .75 MOA or better.
A 26" WOA 204 Ruger is in the works.
Except for good two stage triggers and adjustable butt plates on the A2 stocks, the rest of the parts are fairly normal.
But, the long barrel rifles are approaching being "crew served" and are not terribly portable.
Got 'er done!
I would like to thank everyone that gave suggestions on my AR varmint build. Finished it up and have included some pics. Started with a Stag Model 6 Super Varminter with a 1 in 8 twist 24" bull barrel, changed out the A2 butsock to a Magpul PRS and the grip to a Ergo Tactical with palm shelf, added a Sinclair Tactical bipod and topped it off with a Leupold 6.5-20x56 Extreme Varminter scope mounted with a JP JPFTSM-30/1 one piece flattop mount. Weighs in at about 13 3/4 lbs. without ammo. Don't want to carry it around much but, it should be real stable prone or bench.
Now the fun begins! Looking to start with Federal gold Match 77 and 69 gr., Hornady 75 gr BTHP Superformance Match and 53 gr V-MAX Superformance. I will post some target results when I get them. Hope it's a shooter! Any ammo suggestions would be helpful.
I would like to thank everyone that gave suggestions on my AR varmint build. Finished it up and have included some pics. Started with a Stag Model 6 Super Varminter with a 1 in 8 twist 24" bull barrel, changed out the A2 butsock to a Magpul PRS and the grip to a Ergo Tactical with palm shelf, added a Sinclair Tactical bipod and topped it off with a Leupold 6.5-20x56 Extreme Varminter scope mounted with a JP JPFTSM-30/1 one piece flattop mount. Weighs in at about 13 3/4 lbs. without ammo. Don't want to carry it around much but, it should be real stable prone or bench.
Now the fun begins! Looking to start with Federal gold Match 77 and 69 gr., Hornady 75 gr BTHP Superformance Match and 53 gr V-MAX Superformance. I will post some target results when I get them. Hope it's a shooter! Any ammo suggestions would be helpful.
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