New varmint gun opinions and feedback needed

[CDA]

I am new to this site, but really enjoy the forums.

I am considering buying a new small caliber rifle (.204, .22-250, .223, etc.) for small varmints and predators.

My choice at this point is:
H&R Ultra Varmint Fluted (.204 Ruger), Mueller Eradicator scope, bipod

Some of my concerns are: 1) Will I be satisfied with a single shot?, 2) How durable is the Ultra Varmint in the field/weather? 3) Is the Eradicator power too high or should I go with something smaller like a 4X16?, 4) Have never had or seen a Mueller scope., 5) Is the Eradicator a good choice for the .204 or should I go with a mil-dot? 6) Do I need a bipod?

Any feedback on rifles/equipment that you have or have experience with would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

[mitchell]

H&R Ultra Varmint Fluted (.204 Ruger), Mueller Eradicator scope, bipod

stick with that and you'll never be unhappy.  


and yes i would go with a mildot scope their handier then heck.

[aulrich]

I am with mitchell the handi (204) is a good choise for small varmints and predators.  While PD shooting the I vastly prefer the extrator to th ejector ( I had a 243 with ejector first), and while predator hunting so far it has not been a hinderance in speed,some what slower than a bolt but not too bad but ballanced out but handling characteristics. Two things and ammo slig on the stock helps and getting use to tilting the gun to the side when you open it it makes it easier to have the barrel pointing up that way the case either drops right out or far enough out to grab with gloved fingers.

Bi-pods are a thing of debate here, some like mitchell have gotten it to work, others have not. If you can borrow and try, then buy, just in case. I don't us one personally, Shooting PD's I use a home made rest



Predator hunting I sometimes us shooting sticks, but recently I have been going without the sticks just seem to be in the way most of the time while calling, but that is just me.

[poncaguy]

Great choice................I have one!

[CDA]

and yes i would go with a mildot scope their handier then heck.[/quote]

Mitchell,

What are the advantages of the mil-dot vs. the red dot with turret adjustments?

Thanks,
Chris

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard, CDA!!  A mildot scope will allow you to be consistent in hold over or hold off in wind, particularly when shooting varmints under other than ideal conditions. I recommend the new Mueller Tactical 8.5-25x44 Mildot, it's a great varmint scope. The Eraticator wouldn't be outa place, either, I have one on my .204 Ruger Handi!!

http://muelleroptics.com/8.5-25x44-Mil-Dot.htm

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111367&highlight=mueller+tactical

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109438&highlight=mueller+tactical

[mitchell]

A mildot scope will allow you to be consistent in hold over or hold off in wind, particularly when shooting varmints under other than ideal conditions.

just what i was going to say. it also helps when shooting running game , last june at the shoot i shot a lot of jacks while running (cuz i missed them the first time) and depending on rang i could lead it with my dots , don't remember what it was now but 2 dots at 200 sounds about right .

[cpj]

Aulrich, I must steal your design on the rifle rest! That is what I was looking for. Thanks for the idea!

[quickdtoo]

Here's a Mfd version...not inexpensive, but perfect for a Handi...

Premier Rest

[CDA]

THANKS for the input and the pictures. I checked in at Wal-mart and their supplier is out of stock of the .204 Ultras. (That just makes me want it even more)
I like the feedback for the mil-dot scope, but is the red dot worth it in low light? I killed a coyote just at daybreak. After it was light enough that I spotted her, I had no problem seeing her in my 3-12X50. (I guess I might have answered my own question)

The Eradicator has a larger FOV than the new mil-dot Tactical and I was thinking this might aid in getting the scope on. Any experiences?

I too like the design of that rest; Thanks Aulrich.

CDA

[mitchell]

well wvwn though i'm a huge 204 fan , out there at the P-dog shoot there was a lot of 223 shooting and they got some good red mist too , i think the 204 and the 220 swift where the best but 223 wasn't half bad either

[CDA]

Thanks for the info. I think I am going to go with a Mueller, but I am going to have to keep thinking about the choice of the Eradicator or the Tactical mil-dot.

Thanks again,
CDA

[AZ223]

The red-dot scopes are great for low light, but overall I prefer the Mil-dot. I'm currently using a Bushnell Trophy Elite 3-9x40 on my .223 Ultra; good light quality for a relatively inexpensive scope.

You asked about single-shot; the only times I've wished for a bolt gun or semiauto is when stalking through jackrabbit territory. I don't care how fast you can reload a single-shot; those buggers are gone in a hurry! But if you're sitting using cross-sticks or a portable bench and shooting at a bit of a distance, they're no problem.

[CDA]

Well, I finally got her put together.  :grin: This is not a good picture and it is my first posting.

[poncaguy]

Nice looking setup, if it shoots as well as my Fluted, you will be very , very, happy.......