Need opinions on varmint rifle

[bowhunter94]

I am looking into getting a rifle for varmint and target shooting, there is a $600 price limit on it, and I shoot left handed. I was thinking about 22-250 or 308 but I'm not sure which one would be best for a beginner

[Decatur]

www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12FLV

Full retail is $698, but I've seen them for $625 on Gunbroker before. They are accurate, and you'll love the Accutrigger! For coyote, fox and groundhogs, you can't beat the 22-250 vs .308.

[huxbux]

I would opt for the 22-250 over the .308 also if it's a dedicated varminter you're after. If I were going to go with a 30 caliber do-all hunting rifle, I'd probably choose the 30.06 instead of the .308 due to it's greater versatility.

[bowhunter94]

what about the howa combos? they're good price and have a scope with them..but how is shooting and cycling a righty bolt left handed?

[huxbux]

Awkward and slow. Learn to shoot right It's really easier than you think. Or get a rifle with a lefty action.

Then again, just go with something in an AR platform.

[dsayer]

The Howa combos are UGLY and pretty bulky, but I've heard good things about the way they shoot. They came highly recommended from the local gun shop even though I was planning on buying a much more expensive gun. I went for the Marlin .338 MXLR though, so I have no personal experience with the Howa. And I can't comment on shooting left handed, but like hux says I'm sure it's awkward.

[bowhunter94]

hux- I would learn to shoot right handed but I am left eye dominant so I have no choice, and I'd love to have an AR but I don't like semi-automatic rifles and they are expensive

[hornharvester]

The Stevens 200 by Savage is around 300.00. They make a 22-250 in a sporter model They shoot great out of the box. Take the money you save on the gun and spend it on glass. Good optics on a varmint gun is mandatory for long range shooting.

This is a very good scope for the money.

www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=bh327214m&src=tpSlrByr2

www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentId=productSearch&searchItem=nitrex

[oneshot]

Last march I bought a Savage Mod. 16 LH Accu trigger and Accu stock in .243, I put a 3 X 9 Leupold VXII scope on it. I couldn't be happier. I like you am left eye dominant. I also own a Rem. 1100 LH. You might look at Savages line up on LH rifles.
I killed a deer with it in Alabama this fall also!

[ith2020]

If all you are interested in with this gun is varmints I would go with a .223 and as stated previously I would also go with a Stevens 200.

The Stevens action is the same as a normal Savage rifle. They do have a cheaper stock and barrel but they are a good economy rifle which you can customize to your taste and stay well within budget. A new stock will run you $100+ and barrel is a good $200-300. So for the same money as a good out of the box rifle you can build a better custom rifle for the same money.

As far as cal. of weapon I beleive you are going a bit big for varmints. A 308 can take down elk from 1000yds. A bit much for a 40lb coyote. A 22-250 is a nice round and very usable for alot of situations but a .223 is a prob the best all around cal. for varmints and predator hunting. The you can buy high quality rounds for hunting down to bulk ammo for target practice that will get you out to 400yds noprob. I have personally have used .223 for a long time and have done plenty of hunting with a .17 for these same purpose you just do not have the range.

If you go with a stevens just msg me and I will send ya plenty of links to customize and other predatory hunting forums which might help you alot better.

[moose1am]

When you close your left eye the right eye become dominate. That's how I shoot these days. I too am left eye dominate when both eyes are open. But I shoot guns as a righty. Makes it harder to shoot doves but it's better than missing when both eyes are open.

I actually shoot a lot better ( BIF with shotguns) when closing my left eye.

Jan 27, 2011 21:45:49 GMT -5 bowhunter94 said:

hux- I would learn to shoot right handed but I am left eye dominant so I have no choice, and I'd love to have an AR but I don't like semi-automatic rifles and they are expensive

[steiny]

If you are left handed, get a left handed gun. They can be found in most standard calibers, although a bit more pricey than right handed.
I'd recommend a .223 caliber.

[saltydog]

Bowhunter; I have had the Howa 1500 Lightning in a 223 cal for 9 yrs and love it, it is a little heavy but that helps in the accuracy. I have had the barrel cryro'd and did a trigger job on it. it is very accurate, have taken many a dog with it . I agree with 2020 about going with the 223, for this state the 22-250 is a bit much, (A very good round tho) and the 223 is a little less expensive to shoot. Here is a pic of the bad boy!!