Entry level Varminter - for youth - need input

[scootrd]

I'm looking to create an inexpensive Entry level package for my nephew as a gift. (age 14, 4'11" tall). Could use some help identifying inexpensive entry level Varminters within my price point. caliber most likely 223 or 22-250 (very small possibility 243 so it could pull double duty if he shows greater interest in deer hunting). 

Parameters are:
Scope 200.00 or below ,Rifle 300-500.00 (well kept used not out of the question) ,100.00 Misc ...Sling, scope shade, rings , bases, 1 box of ammo,Trying to keep the whole package around 7 - 800.00.

while researching I came across the following below: are there others I should be looking at? are the ones below decent entry level rifles?

Remington 700 SPS Varmint
Savage Arms Model 25 Lightweight Varminter
Weatherby Vanguard Varmint Special

I've decided on using one of the new Burris Timberline scopes $199.00 in the gift package.
Timberline™ Riflescope 4.5X-14X-32mm, Reticle   Plex Ballistic Plex, FOV, ft.@1000yds.17@4.5x 6.3@14x, Exit Pupil, 7.1 Low-2.3 High
Eye Relief, 3.75-5, Mntng. Length, 6.0,weight, oz. 15.0, Length, in. 11.3

[no guns here]

Sounds to me like you are on the right track.  If you really need to cut price, you could probably find a used Handi-Rifle.  Might also look into a T/C that way you can get new barrels for $200 or less.  You could start with a .223 and then next year, throw on a .260 barrel, and then later a .308 (for example).

[sachel.45]

id get the weatherby but im preety partial to them. you could just get the standard version for around 399. (i have the standard version in .223 and it shoots really well)

[GregP42]

Also don't forget the Stevens 200 series of rifles. They are a good deal for the price. As for scopes, look a one of the Mueller scopes, there are several nice ones in your price range and they are also a sponsor here on the forum.

Greg

[scootrd]

Thanks for the input I will be sure to check the other rifles suggested.
Follow up question ,
While researching the Remington and the Savage I noticed the rate of twist are significantly different
Remington 700 SPS 1-12 twist 26 inch barrel
Savage 25 1-9 twist 24 inch barrel

Is there a handicap between a 1-9 twist compared to a 1-12 twist for the .223

Would the savages 1-9 twist provide more versatility with Bullet selection?

[Badnews Bob]

1-12 twist limits your bullet selection to 55grains or less. Not really a big deal unless you really start streatching the ranges then the heavier bullet fly better.  The Savage in my opinion is a very good deal. 

[Graybeard]

scootrd PM sent. Let me know what ya think.

[LHitchcox]

Stevens 200 in .223 @ $300 plus tax + call, Mueller APV 4.5-14 @ $115 shipped, Weaver bases and rings @$25. Do a trigger job and you are good to go. These are really accurate rifles.

[351 power]

i would definitely go with a 1 in 9" .223. cheap rounds for practice he could buy himself. and options for heavy bullets. my stevens has been great. plus someday he may change the barrel to .243 or whatever easier

[scootrd]

That Stevens 200 really looks appealing price wise . Question , performing as a varminter what should be expected cartridge performance in .223 between the Stevens with a 22" barrel 1-10 twist and the Savage with a 24" barrel 1-9 twist ? Is two inches of Barrel length and the Accu trigger worth dropping the extra 200.00 on the savage when selecting for a youth entry level rifle as a gift . ?

Rough prices
Stevens 325.00
Savage 545.00


Your thoughts ?

[GregP42]

That Stevens 200 really looks appealing price wise . Question , performing as a varminter what should be expected cartridge performance in .223 between the Stevens with a 22" barrel 1-10 twist and the Savage with a 24" barrel 1-9 twist ? Is two inches of Barrel length and the Accu trigger worth dropping the extra 200.00 on the savage when selecting for a youth entry level rifle as a gift . ?

Rough prices
Stevens 325.00
Savage 545.00


Your thoughts ?

The two inches of barrel will give maybe 50 fps away. The 1-9 vs the 1-10, the faster twist will let you shoot the long heavy for caliber bullets better, but the 1-10 will do almost as good. As for the trigger, for a new shooter that doesn't know the difference I think he will not benefit from the accu trigger  yet. If he learns good trigger control on a regular trigger he will be ahead of the game later on in life, and there are after market triggers out there that can be put on the Stevens later on when he is ready.

Hope that helps you some,
Greg

[diesel instructor]

+ that 200 Stevens, in .243 excellent varmet AND deer cartridge, a good quality 3x9(many,many good choices) you gots a moa right out of the box and a dam site under 800 bucks. more like 500 JMO.