Snowy Mountain Rifles wants your input on ideal walking varmint rifle

[gebhardt02]

Snowy Mountain Rifles would like the input of the members of LRH for an ideal walking varmint rifle. This would be a rifle to take after coyotes, chucks, prairie dogs, etc. Specifically, we would like to know what the majority of the members here would like in this type of set-up. This isn’t going to be a vote or poll type discussion, but rather we would like for you to just post your favorite or ideal specs. We do have some general “must haves” that include the SMR 3600 action (produced by Defiance Machine with one piece bolts) and we’ll utilize a Benchmark barrel. Please post the following:

1. Caliber/cartridge:
2. Twist rate:
3. Barrel contour (please reference Krieger contours as I don’t have Benchmark’s contours, so we’ll get one that matches) http://www.kriegerbarrels.com/Contours-c1246-wp3382.htm:
4. Barrel length:
5. Specific bullet to be used:
6. Stock of choice:
7. Stock color/camo pattern:
8. Stock options (adj. LOP or cheek, sling studs, etc.)
9. Trigger:

We’ll gather input through the end of the year and then we’ll build whatever the majority of the members here would like and offer it for sale. If there is enough interest, we’ll build several. This idea was actually mine as I have been contemplating this build for myself. Here are my specs:

1. Standard .223 Rem
2. Twist 1:9
3. Krieger contour #6, Heavy Bull Sporter, fluted
4. Length 20”
5. Hornady 55gr. VMAX
6. Manners MCS-T3
7. Molded in Desert Sage
8. Spacer LOP, 2 flush cups left side, 1 bipod stud, lightest fill available
9. Timney

Please chime in with what you would find the ideal walking varmint rifle whether you have any interest in buying one or not. We would really appreciate your input.

Geb

[sendero72]

Since this is a long range forum, I would like to see a 7 or 8 twist and a 24" barrel. Heavy bullets and high BC"s.

[gebhardt02]

Sendero72,

Any particular caliber you would like to see? Stock? What would your ideal LR walking varmint rifle consist of? Thanks.

Geb

[c_bass16]

I'm a spry young man and routinely pack an 18lb rifle + gear on a typical "walk" so my idea of a walking rifle is probably to heavy for your average Tom, Dick or Hairy. I only choose the WSSM because it can be fed in the true short actions. (.223 size) If we're looking at a "medium" action, things may be different.

1. Caliber/cartridge: 243WSSM
2. Twist rate: 1:8
3. Barrel contour : #10 with deep nasty flutes
4. Barrel length: 24"
5. Specific bullet to be used: 105 Amax
6. Stock of choice: Manners T5A
7. Stock color/camo pattern: Desert Sand or Coyote Tan
8. Stock options: Flush Cups, Atlas rail, Tubbs 4 way butt plate
9. Trigger: anything adjustable down to 1-2 lbs

[gebhardt02]

c_bass16,

Thanks for your input. We all have a bit different idea for this type rifle so it's good to get different opinions.

Geb

[barnesuser28]

1. 22-250
2. 1:8
3. close to a Sendero contour with deep flutes
4. 25"
5. 75 grain A-MAX
6. Dont have enough experience with to make a choice
7. Dont have enough experience with to make a choice
8. Dont have enough experience with to make a choice
9. Dont have enough experience with to make a choice

weight somewhere around 9-10 lbs finish weight.

Riley

[sendero72]

I thought you were strictly chambering the 223. But I'll stick with the 223, fast twist, and the longest barrel....24-26".