Author Topic: Varmit Rigs! (Read 2272 times)

Keith L · « **on:** February 01, 2004, 11:36:41 AM »

I hope to have two going soon. One is my original Contender, Pachmyer gripper and forend, .222 factory Super 14 barrel, and T/C 2.5 /7 scope with Leupold rings. That one is good to go now.

I also have a Super 14 .17HMR barrel to go on the G2 frame that is on the way. I have a Tasco 4 power scope with a 30mm tube and adjustable objective mounted with Leupold rings on that barrel. This setup needs to be shot a bunch before I will be trusing it, but from what I hear it should be fun too.

My wife's family farm is getting overrun with woodchucks, and they will have something to worry about this spring.

MF · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2004, 12:00:50 PM »

I use a 10" octagon .222 Rem with a Weaver 2.5-8x scope. 50 grain Nosler b/t's in front of IMR 4198=DEADLY!! Mike

flyfisher · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2004, 12:06:06 PM »

I have but one varmit rig of the T/C flavor...and that is all that I have ever needed. A 14" .222 Rem topped with a 3-12x Burris. For long shots I either use my homemade bench or a pair of pole cats. This rig originally impressed my father-in-law when I'd pick off ground hogs with open sights at mid-ranges, but really impressed him when I put the Burris on top of it and made some longer shots. Longest to date is 387 yards (measured with range finder) with 40 gr. V-Max Moly's.

KeithL...that 17 HMR sounds like fun for a varmit barrel and close range whistle pigs. Let us know how the performance is in a few months...just thinking about blasting ground hogs has me ready for Spring to come!

Gregory · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2004, 12:11:33 PM »

I just bought a 10" 22 Mag to use at a local conservation area. They restrict us to rimfires. I hope to run into a coyote there.

Rol Page · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2004, 12:12:40 PM »

My "varmint rig" is an older Contender that I had converted to easy open, with a factory super 14 .223 Remington barrel. Topped with a TC 2.5x7 illuminated reticle scope. Just got the .223 barrel before Christmas and have only been able to punch paper. With the Walmart Valuepack of Winchester 45GR JHP it will print just under or over 1" @ 100yds.

Can't wait for the woodchucks to appear this spring...

rickyp · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2004, 12:35:24 PM »

I have a super 14 in 17 remington with a 2.5-7 rail mount t/c scope
and I have a 10 inch bull in 22 lR with a 2x bushnell phantom rail mount scope. (the 22 LR barrel is up for trade)

coltfan · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2004, 02:39:35 PM »

My varmint rig is my deer hunting rig, my 14" 7 X 30 Waters, topped with a 3 X 12 Burris. I use varmint hunting as preperation for deer hunting.

bigbuck270 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2004, 03:05:37 AM »

Here is my set up. Its a 15" 22-250 heavy bbl. I have a harris bipod mounted on my homemade forend. I also have a red light mounted on my 2-7 scope. It will almost shoot MOA with factory ammo. I went out varmint hunting for the first time Sat. I hope to get out Friday night.

C A Plater · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2004, 03:58:57 AM »

I've got a couple of varmint grade rigs. #1 is a 16 inch .223 barrel with a pistol grip. It's will get a workout this spring on ground hogs. I have a 10" .17hmr that is real fun and superbly accurate. Also, a 10" .25-20 that could do varmint work along with a VV 11" 6.5tcu and 87 grain bullets. I'll be heading up to Wisconsin for some coyote hunting later this month. The .223 will be along and so will the 6.5

Phatinjun2 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2004, 04:50:12 AM »

Mine is 15"ss .223 40 gr ballistic tips 6-18x40 scoped encore deadly out to 150yrds also mount a optronics light on it for the night .

Rupe/PA · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2004, 05:00:01 AM »

My main rig for groundhogs is a Contender with a 15 inch 257 TCU barrel, thumbhole pistol grip and target style forearm w/mounted Harris bi-pod, topped with a Burris 3-9. This summer I will replace the 3-9 with the Burris 3-12. Outfit is deadly on groundhogs.

Also enjoy "hoggin with my TC carbine with a 17 Mach IV barrel by Bulberry topped with a 6-24 Bushnell.

skb2706 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2004, 05:02:43 AM »

Mine is a 16 1/4" .221 Fireball in a Bullberry bull barrel with a 10 x Bushnell 3200 Elite. Excellent set up for prairie dogs out to 300 yds. also doubles as a fine carbine if I'm so inclined. All I have to do is add 40 gr. v-maxs and an appropriate dose of RL-7 and load up a couple hundred.........the rest is up to the shooter.

jhalcott · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2004, 05:08:26 AM »

I use several t/c's to "'hog hunt". 3 different length 7tc/u's.a6.5jdj a30-30 all scoped and some with bipods.I also have a 358jdj and a 45-70 for when the varmints get real big, or I feel the need to practice for deer. I almost forgot the little .223 14" that occasionally gets dusted off. jh

ra · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2004, 08:46:06 AM »

I started varmint hunting with a 10" 222 barrel with 4x Leupold scope. When T/C came out with the 14" 222 I switched to it, but the 10" barrel has a permanent home.
I wanted a round with a little more power, so in Oct. I ordered a 15" 6mm TCU barrel from Virgin Valley. It was supposed to be ready around the first of January, but now it looks like the first of March.
I have a 3-12x Burris, 400 223 brass cases, and 10 different .243 bullets just waiting for the UPS truck to come up the driveway.

xphunter · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2004, 10:33:19 AM »

My Contender set-up that I will be shooting this Spring is Hart SS fast twist 222 Rem. Mag. Imp. with a 3-12 Burris LER w/ Bal. Plex. I believe this cartridge is one of the top performers in the Contender, especially for longer ranges.

Ernie

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2004, 01:58:16 PM »

My current favorites are my 16.25" .221Fireball (TCA barrel) w/ Burris 10X and Harris Bi-pod mounted on Target style Carbine Forend and S-14 .17HMR. Both are Contender Pistols. Working on a new one...Encore w/ 15" .223 rechambered to .225Win...haven't picked out scope yet.
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt

Big Gun · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2004, 12:04:56 AM »

Yep - have a few TC varmit rigs:

1. Contender - 17 Rem 14" blued, with green laminate Fajen Big Shot Grips, and a weaver 2.5 - 8x - this is a riot on PDs. Newer (non G2) frame.

2. Contender - 223 Rem 14" blued, with Harret type grips, and a Leopold SS 4x. Easy open frame.

3. Contender - 222 Rem 10" Octagon, with older style Harret type grips, and a Tasco 3x. Older frame with slide bar safety.

4. Contender - 223 Rem 12" stainless MT barrel, with modern style synthetic grips, and a silver Bushnel 2-6x. This is on an engraved frame with PDs on both sides. I have not yet shot this one.

5. Encore - 22-250 Rem 15" blued, with Big Shot syle grips by Denzel Robertos, and a Burris 3-12x. Early standard encore frame. I have not yet shot this one in the field.

6. Encore Rifle - 25-06 Rem 26" blued w/Eabco installed slim line muzzle tamer, TC thumbhole stock set, Tasco 6-24x scope. This one is on a FRO Engraved frame with the gold inlay. I have not yet shot this one.

7. Encore - 243 Win 15" stainless, standard synthetic grips, Simmons 2-6x scope not yet mounted. This one is on a FRO stainless, engraved frame with the gold inlay. I have not yet shot this one either.

I would not consider any of my other rigs varmit rigs. I really need to get out and do some shooting soon.

Phatinjun2 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2004, 12:11:17 AM »

Chris I really don't have any recoil problems with the 223 , it's in Encore it's a little heavey for pistol but I use a home made shooting stick and have very little problems with it.Kurt

HOGSLAYER · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2004, 08:38:36 AM »

I have :
CONTENDER

1. 221 Fire ball in 14" 50 gr tnt's
2. 17 Rem in 21" 25 gr HP
3. 22 lr in 14"
4. 357 mag in 10" 125 gr SWC lead
ENCORE
1. 223 in 26" 52 gr hpbt
2. 25-06 26" 87 gr
3. 7MM-08 15" 100 gr HP

And they all ground hogs and yotes.

Joe

Phatinjun2 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2004, 12:09:52 PM »

Yes it is a factory 15"ss .223 encore have thought about letting it go afew times but it's just to fun to shoot.

Hawkeye · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2004, 06:20:59 AM »

Just finished putting another scope on this varmint rig. Contender 14" .223 barrel, TC scope and a forend and grip that I had Georgia Jim rough out from a walnut plank I had for a rifle stock. I finished the stock with true oil. Shooting 55grn Ballistic Tips under an inch at 100yds.

tripper · « **Reply #21 on:** February 04, 2004, 06:53:33 AM »

coltfan, what loads are you useing in your 7-30 for varmit?

patrick_sween · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2004, 08:11:33 AM »

I've got a few that I use, all on the Contender frame :

21" Carbine in .223, 6-18X Bushnell (ok, not a pistol, but fun)
10" .22 K-Hornet with 2-6X Bushnell
10" .22 LR with open sights (more used on targets than varmints)
10" 7-30 (bought it for deer but would love to have a coyote meet a 120 Ballistic Tip)

The first three barrels will all shoot under MOA, and the 7-30 may as well once I have a chance to work up a load for it. Just haven't had the time.

With that lineup, I feel I have it pretty well covered, although I'd like to get one of the new 23" heavy Carbine barrels in .223, and have it rechambered to 5.6X50R. It'd be nice to get 22-250 performance out of a Contender safe chambering and not even have to buy new dies (I already have the .223 and .357 dies it needs.)

Patrick

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2004, 09:23:23 AM »

I have a Encore with a 15 inch barrel, topped with a Weaver 2.5 X 8 in 22-250.

coltfan · « **Reply #24 on:** February 06, 2004, 07:16:58 PM »

Tripper,
I'm using a Sierra 130 gr. SSPB over 35.5 grains of WW 748. I believe this is a load Greybeard passed along, a ways back.

larry223 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 19, 2004, 03:11:44 AM »

hello chris i only have one right now hope to have another soon
i have 14in 223 2x6 bushnell. 50gr. bts varget powder.
works good.
see you around.
larry

Doc T · « **Reply #26 on:** February 19, 2004, 06:03:45 AM »

I just bought a 10" stainless 22 Hornet and put a 2X-6X Bushnell Trophy on it. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. I also have a 23" .223 barrel and a 21" Custom Shop 22WMR that I like. Then I have a 10" and a 24" barrel in .300 Whisper that does double duty. Here in north Louisiana, we don't have ground hogs or prairie dogs. Our varmints are coyotes, raccoons, armadillos, possums, and turtles. Foxes and bobcats are somewhat protected and have strict rules regarding taking them. Wait, I forgot about Nutrias! South of Interstate-10 Louisiana pays a bounty of $5 per "tail". They are literally destroying the marshes.

Javelina · « **Reply #27 on:** February 19, 2004, 01:55:42 PM »

Hello My Fellow T/C Fans,

I have a few T/C varmint rigs that have to work pretty hard for a living:

1. SS Encore frame, SS 15" factory tapered .223 Rem barrel, VV pillar-bedded forend, Harris fixed BR bipod, Jim Henry trigger, T/C duo-rings, Bushnell 2-6x scope.

2. SS Contender frame, SS 14" BB .17 Ackley Hornet full bull barrel, BB hangar-bar (bedded with Marine-Tex) forend, Harris fixed BR bipod, Jim Henry trigger, T/C duo-rings, Bushnell 2-6x scope.

3. SS Contender frame, SS 14" factory full bull .22 barrel, BB hangar-bar (bedded with Marine-Tex) forend, Harris fixed BR bipod, Jim Henry trigger, T/C duo-rings, Swift 4x scope.

4. SS Contender frame, SS 22" BB full bull .17/.222 carbine barrel, BB hangar-bar (bedded with Marine-Tex) clear epoxied extra long forend, BB clear epoxied buttstock, Harris fixed BR bipod, Jim Henry trigger, SS VV 6-hole weaver-style scope mount with Burris Z-Rings, 6-24x AO Tasco scope.

I use these for everything from rabbits up to javelina (just got one of my namesake javelinas a few days ago with my .223 Encore above), crows, pop-cans, small pests, etc. I use some of my larger caliber guns on our Arizona jackrabbits too, but the larger calibers can't really be considered pure varmint guns no matter how many lies I tell. I handload for all my T/C's except the .22 LR and really enjoy trying to get the smallest groups possible to hunt with.

Sounds like you other guys who posted really have some cool rigs. I guess I'll have to dig up some more pennies from the cookie jar to keep up with you! :grin:

Just a quick word of support and thanks to our host GB - we sure appreciate you! Thanks for letting us hang out here with you, smoke cigars, spit chaw in paper cups, share our strategies for hiding money from the wife so we can get more T/C's and tell big whoppin' lies about our favorite T/C handguns! :grin:

Safe and good shooting to you all!

Javelina

redawg · « **Reply #28 on:** February 19, 2004, 04:44:45 PM »

Javelina, those are some good looking T/C's. Thanks for posting the pics. I especially like the forend on that .223. I've been considering a .221 Fireball, but that 17 AH sounds like fun too! Ahh decisions, decisions.

kirkwhitaker · « **Reply #29 on:** March 03, 2004, 08:08:30 AM »

14" bullberry 22 hornet w/3X on top.
14" tc factory 219 zipper w/2X7 on top.
kirk