I am looking at getting a 22-250 for groundhogs/ coyotes. Can anybody recommend a specific rifle and or scope? I would like a scope with at least 12 magnification. I would prefer a rifle with a heavier/ varmint contour barrel. I have an absolute max budget of $750. I do not know if this matters, but I reload and would load somewhere in the 50-60 grain bullets. Max shot would be 400 yards.
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Recommend varmint rifle and scope on budget
- Thread starter Jevyod
- Start date
Txhillbilly
New member
For that kind of budget,I'd start looking at some of the sporting goods stores exclusive rifles like this -
http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo.../savage-fv-varmint-rifle/1994604.uts?slotId=0
Natchez has some good deals on scopes that would work for you from Weaver,Nikon,Burris,Bushnell.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo.../savage-fv-varmint-rifle/1994604.uts?slotId=0
Natchez has some good deals on scopes that would work for you from Weaver,Nikon,Burris,Bushnell.
With PA sales tax that savage is $390, call it 400 for an even number
rings bases lets say $50, rounded off.
That leaves 300 for a scope, shipping or tax included.
here is a excellent 4-12x40 scope. That is a VX-2 Leopold $240 you can keep the rest of your life and $60 change in your pocket. Plus or minus the round offs.
https://webyshops.com/products/leup...-scope-fine-duplex-reticle-matte-black-114396
rings bases lets say $50, rounded off.
That leaves 300 for a scope, shipping or tax included.
here is a excellent 4-12x40 scope. That is a VX-2 Leopold $240 you can keep the rest of your life and $60 change in your pocket. Plus or minus the round offs.
https://webyshops.com/products/leup...-scope-fine-duplex-reticle-matte-black-114396
Savage Arms Model 11 Trophy Predator Hunter package. Regular Price: $649.99 . Currently on sale at Cabela's for $549.88. No more low end scopes on Savage package rifles either. That one sports a Nikon 3-9X40. Sexed up with a Mossy Oak camouflage stock.
12x really isn't necessary. Loses close range focus and longer range FOV.
12x really isn't necessary. Loses close range focus and longer range FOV.
I like the Ruger American Predators
https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/6945.html
The barrel is heavier than a sporter, but I'm not sure if it would classify 100% as varminter or not. But most places they are $450 or less, add in the Leupold fourbore mentioned, and you're in great shape!
I have one in 223 and love it!
https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/6945.html
The barrel is heavier than a sporter, but I'm not sure if it would classify 100% as varminter or not. But most places they are $450 or less, add in the Leupold fourbore mentioned, and you're in great shape!
I have one in 223 and love it!
Capt Rick Hiott
New member
This scope looks pretty good to me.....(For the money)
http://www.scoutdoornews.com/forum/...n-Argos-6-30x56-AHMR1-SFP-MOA-now-only-269-99
http://cameralandny.com/products.ht...t]=214021&catalog[sort][on]=relevance&x=0&y=0
http://www.scoutdoornews.com/forum/...n-Argos-6-30x56-AHMR1-SFP-MOA-now-only-269-99
http://cameralandny.com/products.ht...t]=214021&catalog[sort][on]=relevance&x=0&y=0
Savage axis or FV12 with a vortex, leupold or Nikon scope and your good to go.
I shoot woodchucks 100-300yards with a savage axis 2 heavy barrel, accu trigger with 6-18-44 vortex crossfire. Gun shoots 5 in a nickel and under at 100yards.
For those saying you don't need a 12x to shoot woodchucks I tried 9x and just want enough when they are creeping through the bean fields or farther out and you have to thread the needle.
OP its better to have a 12x and not need it than need it and not have it.
I shoot woodchucks 100-300yards with a savage axis 2 heavy barrel, accu trigger with 6-18-44 vortex crossfire. Gun shoots 5 in a nickel and under at 100yards.
For those saying you don't need a 12x to shoot woodchucks I tried 9x and just want enough when they are creeping through the bean fields or farther out and you have to thread the needle.
OP its better to have a 12x and not need it than need it and not have it.
Don Fischer
New member
Either a Savage or Mossberg scoped combo is what I'd get. Or a Savage w/o scope or a Mossberg Patriot w/o scope and add a 3-9x Redfield of Nikon scope.
I have both new Redfield's and Nikon's and would not hesitate to buy them again. I've never owned a Savage CF rifle but have shot one of the older 110 a couple time,s. Based on all the good I hear about Savage I don't hesitate to recommend them. I do have two Mossberg Patriot's, 243 and a 308. The only reason I got the second, the 308, is because the first, 243, impressed the dickins out of me. Mine are the wood stock version, bit over $400.
I doubt you'll ever have a need for more than 9x in a scope! If you do, I can't help you!
I have both new Redfield's and Nikon's and would not hesitate to buy them again. I've never owned a Savage CF rifle but have shot one of the older 110 a couple time,s. Based on all the good I hear about Savage I don't hesitate to recommend them. I do have two Mossberg Patriot's, 243 and a 308. The only reason I got the second, the 308, is because the first, 243, impressed the dickins out of me. Mine are the wood stock version, bit over $400.
I doubt you'll ever have a need for more than 9x in a scope! If you do, I can't help you!
Don't forget that the Cabela's Savage 12FV TXHillbilly linked to has a $100 mail in rebate, bringing the net cost to just $269.99. That is one of the best deals around for a Savage action with Accutrigger, 26" heavy barrel and oversized bolt handle. I bought one for my son a couple years ago in .308 Win. and it has been a tack driver.
This might be a decent scope that fits your budget and leaves a few bucks for rings and bases. https://www.natchezss.com/burris-fullfield-ii-rifle-scope-4-5-14x42mm
This might be a decent scope that fits your budget and leaves a few bucks for rings and bases. https://www.natchezss.com/burris-fullfield-ii-rifle-scope-4-5-14x42mm
603Country
New member
Ruger American Predator and Burris Fullfield II in 4.5-14, or an upgrade in scope to Leupold VX3 4.5-14 CDS, if it fits the budget max. The Burris, and I have 2, is a lot of scope for the money.
Jackpro555
New member
400 yards is a long distance for shooting. Even at night this is much harder for someone for aiming accurately. I hope you'll get a good one under you budget $750. Good luck!
Way out of budget... I no longer shoot PD and other varmints
BUT I think the Sako Fin Lite 85---- in 22-250 cuz it is super lite and fits me like it was model on my body dimensions
http://www.sako.fi/rifles/sako-85/85-finnlight
I keep hinting to my son......who I have given $1000 of riles to
that this is my Xmas or Birthday wish
$1600...most places
I shot one to 400~430 yards with a cheapo Simmons scope.... blew PD brains on every shot... fell n love
BUT I think the Sako Fin Lite 85---- in 22-250 cuz it is super lite and fits me like it was model on my body dimensions
http://www.sako.fi/rifles/sako-85/85-finnlight
I keep hinting to my son......who I have given $1000 of riles to
that this is my Xmas or Birthday wish
$1600...most places
I shot one to 400~430 yards with a cheapo Simmons scope.... blew PD brains on every shot... fell n love
Another vote for the Ruger.
I have a Sightron STAC 4-20X50. Love the thing!
Just got a Sightron SI Tac 3-9X40. Picked it up for a co worker from Amazon for $98.
Really pleasantly surprised how good the glass is!
Going to have to get one for myself tomorrow.
Just don't tell the wife!
I have a Sightron STAC 4-20X50. Love the thing!
Just got a Sightron SI Tac 3-9X40. Picked it up for a co worker from Amazon for $98.
Really pleasantly surprised how good the glass is!
Going to have to get one for myself tomorrow.
Just don't tell the wife!
bamaranger
New member
what I did
If you are just dead set on a 22-250, I'd say the Ruger Predator is the answer. Virtually everybody says the Predators, in about any caliber, shoot lights out.
I recently wanted a budget varminter, and looked long and hard at the Predator. But the slimmer barrel did not fit the picture I had in my head, and I was not dead set on a 22-250 either.
I ended up with a Savage Hog, .223 and topped it with a Bushnell Elite 10x. If I ever shoot the Hog enough to need another barrel (one can hope), rebarreling the Savage system is fairly simple. I dunno about a Predator. The 22-250 is indeed fast and flat, but these days, with the right bullet, a .223 rifle does not give up a whole lot to the bigger cartridge.
The big decider for me was .223 brass is everywhere......usually underfoot from the latest AR barrage .
If you are just dead set on a 22-250, I'd say the Ruger Predator is the answer. Virtually everybody says the Predators, in about any caliber, shoot lights out.
I recently wanted a budget varminter, and looked long and hard at the Predator. But the slimmer barrel did not fit the picture I had in my head, and I was not dead set on a 22-250 either.
I ended up with a Savage Hog, .223 and topped it with a Bushnell Elite 10x. If I ever shoot the Hog enough to need another barrel (one can hope), rebarreling the Savage system is fairly simple. I dunno about a Predator. The 22-250 is indeed fast and flat, but these days, with the right bullet, a .223 rifle does not give up a whole lot to the bigger cartridge.
The big decider for me was .223 brass is everywhere......usually underfoot from the latest AR barrage .
Don't forget that the Cabela's Savage 12FV TXHillbilly linked to has a $100 mail in rebate, bringing the net cost to just $269.99. That is one of the best deals around for a Savage action with Accutrigger, 26" heavy barrel and oversized bolt handle. I bought one for my son a couple years ago in .308 Win. and it has been a tack driver.
I missed this and it bear repeating.
Th OP want a heavy barrel. The OP wants a 22-250. The Op wants 12x min power scope. Why not help the guy out?
Looks like opportunity was missed. Cabela's now shows the 12FV back at regular price of $419.99. Rebate of $100 is still available through March 1. $319.99 net is still a decent deal on a very accurate rifle that I am sure would serve the OP well. When great deals pop up, one must seize the moment. It may be a while before another one as good comes along. You snooze, you lose.
The Ruger Predator is a good rifle for the money. I've been very impressed with the reported accuracy.
I liked the .22-250 Rem for varmint hunting, but had a few concerns. First, the twist on my Remington 700s was too slow, so it wouldn't stabilize 60 grain bullets. Second, it is pretty wind-sensitive beyond 200 yards, especially with 50-53 grain bullets. Third, it's not a great cartridge to reload for, due to the tapered case walls that cause more case-stretching than other straighter-walled cases exhibit. Fourth, it's hard to spot misses with those small bullets, especially after using a .30-06 for varmint hunting, when younger.
I got rid of mine and got a 6mm Rem heavy-barreled 700 Varmint. It was much better, but too heavy to carry all day. You may want to look into the .243 Win as a better long-range varmint cartridge. Mine are very accurate and I like the extra power and wind-bucking 6mm bullets deliver.
Right now, Natchez and other mail-order companies are selling Leupold VX2s 3-9x scopes under $280. A great scope at a good price, but they're being slowly phased out. I have about six and won't buy anything else. JP
I liked the .22-250 Rem for varmint hunting, but had a few concerns. First, the twist on my Remington 700s was too slow, so it wouldn't stabilize 60 grain bullets. Second, it is pretty wind-sensitive beyond 200 yards, especially with 50-53 grain bullets. Third, it's not a great cartridge to reload for, due to the tapered case walls that cause more case-stretching than other straighter-walled cases exhibit. Fourth, it's hard to spot misses with those small bullets, especially after using a .30-06 for varmint hunting, when younger.
I got rid of mine and got a 6mm Rem heavy-barreled 700 Varmint. It was much better, but too heavy to carry all day. You may want to look into the .243 Win as a better long-range varmint cartridge. Mine are very accurate and I like the extra power and wind-bucking 6mm bullets deliver.
Right now, Natchez and other mail-order companies are selling Leupold VX2s 3-9x scopes under $280. A great scope at a good price, but they're being slowly phased out. I have about six and won't buy anything else. JP