The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Best long range varmint rifle for the money.

Mike38 · November 20, 2011, 10:34 PM

I got invited to go on a pasture poodle (prairie dog) shoot with a group of guys about 15 years ago. Back then money was tight, so I bought a N.E.F. Handi Rifle in .223 with the heavy barrel. Found a load that worked good with it and off I went to South Dakota. It was a blast, and I did it on the cheap. Plenty accurate out to 300 yards, and my longest shot of the week was 429 yards.

I then wiped a coat of grease on the rifle and put it away for 12 years. Got it back out, cleaned it up, worked up some new loads, and it still shoots 0.6 MOA all day long. This past year I shot more rounds threw it then any other guns except .22 LR. It’s a bunch of fun to shoot, and I have less then $400 in it including the scope.

November 20, 2011, 10:34 PM	#4
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,710	I got invited to go on a pasture poodle (prairie dog) shoot with a group of guys about 15 years ago. Back then money was tight, so I bought a N.E.F. Handi Rifle in .223 with the heavy barrel. Found a load that worked good with it and off I went to South Dakota. It was a blast, and I did it on the cheap. Plenty accurate out to 300 yards, and my longest shot of the week was 429 yards. I then wiped a coat of grease on the rifle and put it away for 12 years. Got it back out, cleaned it up, worked up some new loads, and it still shoots 0.6 MOA all day long. This past year I shot more rounds threw it then any other guns except .22 LR. It’s a bunch of fun to shoot, and I have less then $400 in it including the scope.