varmint rifle decision......

[chet]

So I've had my heart set on winning a particular rifle next weekend at a fundraiser.
It's a Winchester M70 coyote lite 22-250.
BUT! just in case I don't win it :lol: I have a backup plan :twisted:

I'm going to buy one, but maybe not a M70. I've narrowed it down to 4 choices.

#1 ) Win M70 Coyote lite. I can buy one new for around $950. 24". 7lbs 8oz

#2 ) Win M70 Coyote Outback. No longer produced. New ones on gunbroker for around $850. 24". 7lbs 12oz

#3 ) Kimber 84M Varmint. Walnut stock. around $1150. 26". 7lbs 9oz

#4 ) Kimber 84M Pro-Varmint. laminated. around $1200. 24". 8lbs


The money saved by going with the Outback would leave extra cash for optics, but the stock design is a little hard to get used to.
The 26" tube on the walnut Kimber is a big plus, but the walnut stock would be less stable than the other three.
The rifle would ride around in my truck, so maybe walnut would be a poor choice.
The stock on the Lite has an aluminum bedding block, the two kimbers are pillar/glass. I don't know what the bedding stuation is on the Outback, but i can address that at a later time.
The Kimbers are button rifled, the winchesters are hammer forged...... I've owned several of both and really have no preference here.
All four barrels are stainless, 14 twist, and fluted.

So........ just in-case i dont win :lol: which one do you think I should go with?

 

[DrMike]

You always choose a Winchester regardless of the other choices! :shock: Well, almost always. Actually, each has strong points. It would really come down to your personal preference. I have no doubt that any of them will shoot for you. The ability to pay for (better) optics is a big plus. I wouldn't worry too much about the wood stock. You can seal the channel and hold warpage to a minimum. It really sounds like a winner no matter which way you go.

 

[JD338]

Chet,

That is a tough one to answer, it depends on what you like and what you want to spend. I agree with you in spending good money on good optics.
Are you set on the 22-250? The standard 1:14 twist is not the best choice and you can't shoot the heavier bullets well. If you are serious about a 22-250, go with a 1:12 or better yet, a 1:10 twist.

The 243 Win is also a pretty good round for varmints and predators.....

I am a real sucker for wood and can't resist a pretty laminate.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

Not on your list but if you really want to rock them with accuracy go Savage 12v and upgrade the stock and still have $$$$ left over.

 

[SJB358]

I would echo Jim's comments Chet. I bought the TC Venture as my beat around truck and yote rifle. It is a plastic stock, but has a 1-12 barrel, so it will do okay with the heavier weight bullets. I really think a 243 would be a good choice as you have a broader range of bullets and powder consumption isn't too much more than the 22-250. Scotty

 

[nodak7mm]

.
The rifle would ride around in my truck, so maybe walnut would be a poor choice.

Ahh, but walnut is a class of its own and dings add character... Go with the purty one..

Oh, I think a 26" barrel sux for a truck gun. Dont know how many times I have tried to bail out of the truck to get a shot on a yote or jack and its like "wait for me".... Truck guns are better shorter... Something to consider..

Rod

 

[SJB358]

.
The rifle would ride around in my truck, so maybe walnut would be a poor choice.

Ahh, but walnut is a class of its own and dings add character... Go with the purty one..

Oh, I think a 26" barrel sux for a truck gun. Dont know how many times I have tried to bail out of the truck to get a shot on a yote or jack and its like "wait for me".... Truck guns are better shorter... Something to consider..

Rod

That is the exact reason I ditched the Savage. Shot really well, but it was too heavy and way to long to be a good packing rifle. Scotty

 

[chet]

Hopefully I win the darn thing and this thread will be just for fun!!!! 8)

I'm really leaning towards the walnut stocked kimber :grin:
It sure is pretty!!!

 

[SJB358]

That is a REALLY good looking rifle! Scotty

 

[DrMike]

They are attractive! How did they get that coyote to pose like that?

 

[chet]

it must have been sleeping!!!

 

[JD338]

it must have been sleeping!!!

Every one I have ever shot has had its teeth showing, like a devil dog.

The rifle sure looks nice.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

it must have been sleeping!!!

Every one I have ever shot has had its teeth showing, like a devil dog.

The rifle sure looks nice.

JD338

Devil Dog! Heck, those were the Marines that fought in Belleau Woods, and were nicknamed "Devil Dogs" by the Germans for their intense fighting!

At least, that was what I was taught 15 years ago! Sorry for the Marine Corps history lesson! Scotty

 

[6mm Remington]

Chet how about the Ruger Hawkeye Predator rifle in 22-250 with the Laminate stock and 24" matte stainless barrel and action and the barrel being medium heavy. Weight 8 pounds minus scope.

They really look nice and the stocks are beautiful!

 

[Powerstroke]

Due to bullet selection or maybe I should say limitation, I wouldn't worry about the difference between a 24 to 26 in tube - The 24in tube would make a better truck gun like said above and you'll still be able to shoot as far as you want.

Not to change subjects - but when are the Mfg's going to give us an option on barrel twists for the 22-250 ? 60gr thru 70gr bullets out of the 22-250 would give it one more notch on the belt.

 

[BK]

Due to bullet selection or maybe I should say limitation, I wouldn't worry about the difference between a 24 to 26 in tube - The 24in tube would make a better truck gun like said above and you'll still be able to shoot as far as you want.

Not to change subjects - but when are the Mfg's going to give us an option on barrel twists for the 22-250 ? 60gr thru 70gr bullets out of the 22-250 would give it one more notch on the belt.

Well, some of the manufacturers are giving us a choice in .223, so maybe there's hope!

 

[Guy Miner]

I like varmint and predator rifles. Particularly rifles that don't weigh a ton and a half but are actually man portable. A "walk around" varmint rifle to use an old description.

Can't really add much to the discussion. I'd buy something "nice." Something I'd be happy with and proud of. Consider the .204 instead of the .22-250, worth a thought.

A varmint/predator rifle can be something really nice. Accurate as a benchrest rifle. Shootable as a deer rifle. Just plain cool. Buy something neat. Maybe a Winchester low wall in .243?

How about a Cooper? Seen the wood on those? Wow!

Guy

 

[nodak7mm]

Chet how about the Ruger Hawkeye Predator rifle in 22-250 with the Laminate stock and 24" matte stainless barrel and action and the barrel being medium heavy. Weight 8 pounds minus scope.

They really look nice and the stocks are beautiful!

That is a great, hot looking rifle agreed.. If I didnt have all the varmint rifles I already have, I'd have on of them!!

But again, with rifles, I am like a women with shoes & purses..... Always looking for another and changing my mind daily.... :lol:

Rod

 

[muleman]

Chet,
I know you already have a brace of Kimbers. I say go for the Kimber! That way I can enjoy it as well by listening in on your load deveopment and hunting stories.
Scott

 

[chet]

well....... I didn't win it

and the more I think about it, the 24" bbl does sound much better for a truck gun. And I'd hate to beat up the nice walnut on the Kimber. So the 26" 84M varmint/walnut has been eliminated.

Also the 14 twist is giving me second thoughts........ I'd mostly shoot 50gr bullets, but the option to use 60gr PT's would be nice. I know, I know... "a 243 would do the trick" but you see - I have over 700 rounds of 22-250 ready to throw down range!!!! And we all know that's the best reason tho buy a gun, right? 8)

still deciding..................