Recommend varmint rifle and scope on budget

Jevyod · February 21, 2018, 01:06 PM

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.

Txhillbilly · February 21, 2018, 02:25 PM

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/shoot...4.uts?slotId=0

Natchez has some good deals on scopes that would work for you from Weaver,Nikon,Burris,Bushnell.

fourbore · February 21, 2018, 02:59 PM

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/leupo...e-black-114396

T. O'Heir · February 21, 2018, 04:10 PM

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.

Tallest · February 21, 2018, 04:16 PM

I like the Ruger American Predators

https://ruger.com/products/americanR...eets/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!

Mobuck · February 21, 2018, 05:51 PM

You really don't need 12x to shoot groundhogs/coyotes @ 400 yards.
I'd recommend a HOWA with a $150-200 Sightron or Vortex scope.

Capt Rick Hiott · February 21, 2018, 06:42 PM

This scope looks pretty good to me.....(For the money)

http://www.scoutdoornews.com/forum/s...ow-only-269-99

http://cameralandny.com/products.htm...evance&x=0&y=0

axis223 · February 21, 2018, 07:52 PM

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.

Don Fischer · February 21, 2018, 08:12 PM

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!

2ndtimer · February 22, 2018, 12:19 AM

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-ful...pe-4-5-14x42mm

603Country · February 22, 2018, 09:23 AM

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 · February 22, 2018, 09:35 AM

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!

fredvon4 · February 22, 2018, 02:54 PM

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

std7mag · February 22, 2018, 10:20 PM

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!

jmr40 · February 22, 2018, 11:01 PM

The Ruger Predators are $389 OTD here. That leaves $361 for a scope. Between myself, my brother, and friends we have 7 of them in 308, 223, and 6.5 Creedmoor. All 7 are tack drivers.

bamaranger · February 23, 2018, 01:47 AM

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 .

std7mag · February 23, 2018, 03:06 PM

Sigh...

Yes, 223 brass is everywhere. I have yet to find a single 250 Savage casing at the range.

fourbore · February 23, 2018, 03:44 PM

Quote:

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?

2ndtimer · February 23, 2018, 09:34 PM

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.

Picher · March 17, 2018, 08:32 AM

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

wild willy · March 18, 2018, 07:05 AM

I hunt groundhogs in Pa and Prairie dogs in SD. I don't think I've ever seen a dedicated heavy barreled rifle with just a 3-9.I've seen lighter gun used for walking with a 3-9.I find that most of the time my scopes are set at around 15 power.The 22/250 works fine but if I every get mine rebarreled again it will be 1-8 twist would be nice to use heavier bullets.I would be looking at the .243 and the 6mm Creedmoor also.Picher pretty well covered it but I like the higher magnification scopes

Kvon2 · March 18, 2018, 07:21 AM

I would look at a howa m1500 scoped package.

If not I've had good luck with Simmons scopes or for a little more money but still budget friendly Mueller scopes.

Picher · March 19, 2018, 05:39 AM

I also like Mueller scopes for the money, but don't have one on a heavier-recoiling rifle. They're very clear and accurate.

We tended to walk around a lot when hunting chucks in Maine, so didn't see the need for high-powered scopes for most varmint hunting.

When we were teens, we used woodchuck hunting to practice for deer season. I didn't have much money and variable scopes were way out of my price range in the 1950's, so I had a 2.5X Weaver on my accurized Savage 110, 30-06 "deer rifle". It grouped under 1 min. with handloads. My buddy had a Win 70, 30-06 with a 4x Weaver.

NOT considered a varmint rig, but I averaged 220 yards for my prone kills one season that I kept records. That was around 1960, when chucks were plentiful and stupid in central Maine. All shots around 100 yards were offhand and we didn't miss many.

Jevyod · March 19, 2018, 08:11 AM

Thanks for the input guys. We went with a Ruger American Predator and topped it with a Nikon Prostaff 5 in 3.5-14x40. I think this will make a great combo ( after we do something about the ugly green stock!)

MisterYuck · March 21, 2018, 10:46 AM

I also have the Prostaff 5 in 3.5-14x40. What reticle did you get in yours? I got the Mil-Dot and I have it on my Ruger American .30-06. So far I can bust a milk jug at 880 yards with it. The glass looks VERY clear to me.

February 21, 2018, 01:06 PM	#1
Jevyod Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 172	Recommend varmint rifle and scope on budget 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.

February 21, 2018, 04:10 PM	#4
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	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. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

February 21, 2018, 04:16 PM	#5
Tallest Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2016 Location: West of the Atlantic Posts: 418	I like the Ruger American Predators https://ruger.com/products/americanR...eets/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! __________________ Matthew "All men are ignorant. The topics of our ignorance may vary, but the nature of the world is that no man may know everything." ~ R Jordan

February 21, 2018, 06:42 PM	#7
Capt Rick Hiott Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2010 Posts: 376	This scope looks pretty good to me.....(For the money) http://www.scoutdoornews.com/forum/s...ow-only-269-99 http://cameralandny.com/products.htm...evance&x=0&y=0 __________________ Capt Rick Hiott Charleston,SC

February 22, 2018, 12:19 AM	#10
2ndtimer Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 293	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-ful...pe-4-5-14x42mm __________________ NRA Endowment Member

February 21, 2018, 02:25 PM	#2
Txhillbilly Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Posts: 512	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/shoot...4.uts?slotId=0 Natchez has some good deals on scopes that would work for you from Weaver,Nikon,Burris,Bushnell.

February 21, 2018, 02:59 PM	#3
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	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/leupo...e-black-114396

February 21, 2018, 05:51 PM	#6
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	You really don't need 12x to shoot groundhogs/coyotes @ 400 yards. I'd recommend a HOWA with a $150-200 Sightron or Vortex scope.

February 21, 2018, 07:52 PM	#8
axis223 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2016 Posts: 178	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.

February 21, 2018, 08:12 PM	#9
Don Fischer Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2017 Posts: 1,868	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!

February 22, 2018, 09:23 AM	#11
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	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.

February 22, 2018, 09:35 AM	#12
Jackpro555 Member Join Date: February 19, 2018 Location: Mountainview, Carlifornia Posts: 21	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!

February 22, 2018, 02:54 PM	#13
fredvon4 Junior member Join Date: January 18, 2010 Location: Lampasas Texas Posts: 154	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

February 22, 2018, 10:20 PM	#14
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	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!

February 22, 2018, 11:01 PM	#15
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	The Ruger Predators are $389 OTD here. That leaves $361 for a scope. Between myself, my brother, and friends we have 7 of them in 308, 223, and 6.5 Creedmoor. All 7 are tack drivers. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

February 23, 2018, 01:47 AM	#16
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	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 .

February 23, 2018, 03:06 PM	#17
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Sigh... Yes, 223 brass is everywhere. I have yet to find a single 250 Savage casing at the range.

February 23, 2018, 09:34 PM	#19
2ndtimer Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 293	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. __________________ NRA Endowment Member

March 17, 2018, 08:32 AM	#20
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	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

March 18, 2018, 07:05 AM	#21
wild willy Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2006 Posts: 404	I hunt groundhogs in Pa and Prairie dogs in SD. I don't think I've ever seen a dedicated heavy barreled rifle with just a 3-9.I've seen lighter gun used for walking with a 3-9.I find that most of the time my scopes are set at around 15 power.The 22/250 works fine but if I every get mine rebarreled again it will be 1-8 twist would be nice to use heavier bullets.I would be looking at the .243 and the 6mm Creedmoor also.Picher pretty well covered it but I like the higher magnification scopes

March 18, 2018, 07:21 AM	#22
Kvon2 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2016 Posts: 757	I would look at a howa m1500 scoped package. If not I've had good luck with Simmons scopes or for a little more money but still budget friendly Mueller scopes.

March 19, 2018, 05:39 AM	#23
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	I also like Mueller scopes for the money, but don't have one on a heavier-recoiling rifle. They're very clear and accurate. We tended to walk around a lot when hunting chucks in Maine, so didn't see the need for high-powered scopes for most varmint hunting. When we were teens, we used woodchuck hunting to practice for deer season. I didn't have much money and variable scopes were way out of my price range in the 1950's, so I had a 2.5X Weaver on my accurized Savage 110, 30-06 "deer rifle". It grouped under 1 min. with handloads. My buddy had a Win 70, 30-06 with a 4x Weaver. NOT considered a varmint rig, but I averaged 220 yards for my prone kills one season that I kept records. That was around 1960, when chucks were plentiful and stupid in central Maine. All shots around 100 yards were offhand and we didn't miss many.

March 19, 2018, 08:11 AM	#24
Jevyod Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 172	Thanks for the input guys. We went with a Ruger American Predator and topped it with a Nikon Prostaff 5 in 3.5-14x40. I think this will make a great combo ( after we do something about the ugly green stock!)

March 21, 2018, 10:46 AM	#25
MisterYuck Member Join Date: December 20, 2015 Location: South West Alabama Posts: 39	I also have the Prostaff 5 in 3.5-14x40. What reticle did you get in yours? I got the Mil-Dot and I have it on my Ruger American .30-06. So far I can bust a milk jug at 880 yards with it. The glass looks VERY clear to me.