I wanna kill me some varmints!

[Josh]

Hey guys I have been doing some research and it seems like the 22. 250 is probably the best varmint gone you can get your hands on. I just wanted to know what a good rifle would be..... I am a college student so I do not have unlimited funds but I am looking to spend anywhere from $300-650. I have looked at the Stevens model and found it for around $300. Now obviously it is not going to win any beauty contests but so far from what I can see it seems like a reliable gun. I wanted opinions of wether to stay away from the Stevens models or not.... The thing is it would be nice to have a longer barrel seeing that the Stevens is only 22" stock. Also the acutrigger would also be a nice luxury but I wanted to know if he barrel length and acutrigger is THAT important for someone who is not quite a SERIOUS hunter, but enjoys it thoroughly and will go out somewhat often and wants to get the job done at a fair range. I do not want to go the cheap route if it is going to cost me in the long run, I would rather pay some more money and get something perfect for me. I want a good reliable gun that I will get the job done is basically what I am saying....I want to know the cost benefits as opposed to advantages that paying more will give you in a rifle.
Also for a scope I was wondering what you would recommend. I was looking at the Mueller 4.5-14x40 APV Riflescope which seems to be at a good price and a good all around scope for this rifle, any other suggestions?

[charlie sterner]

Morning Josh,

No doubt the Stevens is a great value and a pretty decent rifle. Sure, it's a short barrel and no accutrigger, but I'd be willing to bet it's a shooter. I think the question is, do you want a lightweight sporter or a heavy barrel varmint rig? You didn't mention what you want to use it for. Calling or off the bench/bipod?

If you're looking for a lightweight "walking varminter", the Stevens is a great choice. If you want a longer, heavy barrel,with accutrigger, go with the Savage Model 12FV.

As for glass, buy the best you can afford. The Muellers are okay. I have a 4-16 and like it, but theres better glass out there. A couple great values out there are the Nikon Buckmaster and Bushnell Elite Series. Much better glass IMHO.

Good luck,
Charlie

[Sonny Pruitt]

I don't think you would regret going with the Stevens. It even comes in a camo version for $10-20 more. The barrel is floated on that rifle, so many factory rifles don't do that. This really adds to it's accuracy and appeal to a shooter who understands why it is. A friend of mine sent me a DVD he made using the rifle on groundhogs, it was very impressive for a sporter rifle. We were all laughing and wondering how they can produce such an accurate rifle for those dollars.

Like Charlie said though, the money you save on the purchase of the Stevens can be spent on a better quality scope like a Nikon or Bushnell Elite Series.

I bet the Stevens will impress you once you start shooting it.

I'd do it.

[huntinmedic]

:eek: I love my Mueller and have 4 Bushnells as well and would trade for more Muellers anyday. I would sugest the 4-16x50 however... The larger objective really helps with early and late shooting. The Stevens or Savage are both great choises. Talk to Rick B. adnd Red Foxxie about the Muellers too. Several board sponsors have them for great prices. Anyways good luck with whatever you choose and like others will tell you dont skimp on the glass. Buy the best you can afford!:D

[ThJudg]

Josh,

Like the others said, I think the Stevens is a pretty good choice for the money. A lot of guys on this board have them. I would also suggest that you check out the Bushnell Legend in 5.5 x 15 with the mil-dot reticle. For under $200.00 I don't think you can beat it.

ThJudg (Roger)

[LanceInOregon]

Hey guys I have been doing some research and it seems like the 22. 250 is probably the best varmint gone you can get your hands on. I just wanted to know what a good rifle would be..... I am a college student so I do not have unlimited funds but I am looking to spend anywhere from $300-650. I have looked at the Stevens model and found it for around $300. Now obviously it is not going to win any beauty contests but so far from what I can see it seems like a reliable gun. I wanted opinions of wether to stay away from the Stevens models or not.... The thing is it would be nice to have a longer barrel seeing that the Stevens is only 22" stock. Also the acutrigger would also be a nice luxury but I wanted to know if he barrel length and acutrigger is THAT important for someone who is not quite a SERIOUS hunter, but enjoys it thoroughly and will go out somewhat often and wants to get the job done at a fair range. I do not want to go the cheap route if it is going to cost me in the long run, I would rather pay some more money and get something perfect for me. I want a good reliable gun that I will get the job done is basically what I am saying....I want to know the cost benefits as opposed to advantages that paying more will give you in a rifle.
Also for a scope I was wondering what you would recommend. I was looking at the Mueller 4.5-14x40 APV Riflescope which seems to be at a good price and a good all around scope for this rifle, any other suggestions?

if you can somehow manage to come up with another $100, you should be able to find a Savage 12FV for about exactly $400. It will have a 26" barrel, giving you the full potential of the .22-250 And it also has the excellent Accutrigger, which is a big plus in my opinion.

And you can get that excellent Bushnell Legend 5-15x Mildot scope that was mentioned earlier from GO GO VARMINT board sponsor www.opticzone.com for only $189.00

See:

http://theopticzone.com/detail.aspx?ID=3329

So I think that you could do this with a Savage 12FV, and still have your total cost for the rifle easily under $700