Factory 204 Ruger Suggestions?

I'm looking to add a 204 ruger to my fleet and seeking advice on factory models. Budget is 1000.00 and purpose would be for trigger time and for coyotes, bobcats and dirt poodles. Weight isn't a huge factor but like to keep it 10# or under. New or used is ok. Prefer 11 twist but seems most are offered in 12 twist.

Just looking for a solid, accurate out of the box setup to hunt varmints with. Trying to keep myself from building another custom because it won't be good on my wallet or marriage.

Savage model 12 varmint low profile seems to be where I'm leaning.

Any thoughts or comments on make/models?

Thanks

Cz 527
They're not fancy but they shoot!
Years ago I bought my wife a ruger m77 in 204, it's nice SubMOA accurate also.

I've owned and shot multiple different rifles chambered in 204 and currently running a 20 tac. My remington's (Vls and vssf-II) both shoot unbelievably well! I've had a Tikka T3 stainless in 204 and it also shot and handled beautiful. I prefer a heavier gun for my varmint/predator rifle so it didn't last too long. I've spend a few range sensations with savage 12 varmint low profile and also a beautiful rifle. The savage was heavy and bulky, atleast it felt that way in my hands. But **** could it shoot. I don't think you could go wrong with most of the options I mentioned. My vls was probsbly the best shooter out of the bunch, 39gr blitzkings into high .2's-mid .3's. Factory 32 and 40 vmax would be all within 1/2 moa. The savage was a shooter, everything that went in it shot close to 1/2 moa from cheap Winchester to federal and reloads. Shot so super groups with it and 35gr Berger's. My vssf was pickier then the rest, but boy did it ever love those 35gr Berger's as well!

Awesome. Appreciate the responses and exactly the feedback i was looking for. I'll check out cz...

Matt:

How old were your Remingtons?

Im trying to find a rifle i can be happy with from a factory standpoint and factory loads. Ive got enough dies and custom rigs so i want simplicity on this one. Thx

SO92 said:

Matt:

How old were your Remingtons?

Im trying to find a rifle i can be happy with from a factory standpoint and factory loads. Ive got enough dies and custom rigs so i want simplicity on this one. Thx

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Both were relatively new. I don't have either of them any more but definately regret selling them. I'd say the vssf-ii was only a few years old and the vls was probably 5-6 years old would be my guess

SO92 said:

I'm looking to add a 204 ruger to my fleet and seeking advice on factory models. Budget is 1000.00 and purpose would be for trigger time and for coyotes, bobcats and dirt poodles. Weight isn't a huge factor but like to keep it 10# or under. New or used is ok. Prefer 11 twist but seems most are offered in 12 twist.

Just looking for a solid, accurate out of the box setup to hunt varmints with. Trying to keep myself from building another custom because it won't be good on my wallet or marriage.

Savage model 12 varmint low profile seems to be where I'm leaning.

Any thoughts or comments on make/models?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Well go semi custom and get it all. Pick up a savage action and order a new match criterion barrel from northland shooter supply and have some fun putting it together. I did and mine shoots awesome

Thanks

Buck

SO92 said:

I'm looking to add a 204 ruger to my fleet and seeking advice on factory models. Budget is 1000.00 and purpose would be for trigger time and for coyotes, bobcats and dirt poodles. Weight isn't a huge factor but like to keep it 10# or under. New or used is ok. Prefer 11 twist but seems most are offered in 12 twist.

Just looking for a solid, accurate out of the box setup to hunt varmints with. Trying to keep myself from building another custom because it won't be good on my wallet or marriage.

Savage model 12 varmint low profile seems to be where I'm leaning.

Any thoughts or comments on make/models?

Thanks

Click to expand...

The new savage 110 varmint with the accufit accustock looks like it is hard to beat from a value perspective. My experience with savage has been really good. I had a model 12 204 for a while that shot lights out - gave it to my son and then sold it because it weighed to much for him. I have a 243 and a 6.5 creed both savage 11s - they both are shooters too.

Savage just came out with a boatload of new 110 model rifles.

I have three .204R's: A CZ Kevlar Varmint (discontinued), a Cooper M21, and a Remington LVSF (also no longer made, unfortunately). All are shooters.
A new walnut C-Z Varmint can be bought for well under 700 bucks. One could add a synthetic H-S Precision or B&C stock later; maybe fit an 11 or 10-twist barrel when you wear out the original; the CZ 527's set trigger is already very good for a rifle in that price range. I also like the C-Z Varmints because they have enough barrel but don't weigh a ton.
I handload, but almost any store-bought ammo under 40 grains I've tried shoots okay in a .204. Do wish Federal still offered the 39 Blitzking-tipped ammo; the closeout stuff I stocked up on for "emergencies" almost equals my handloads for accuracy in my C-Z and Cooper.
FWIW, Cabela's may still have their heavy-barreled Savage 12FV on sale for around $350; also - if you don't need a repeater, and if one can be found - a used Remington XR100 should be a dandy.

Love the .204! Had a savage, shot bug holes, bugs, squirrels and everything else. It was so great, I traded it off. Dumb kid. Now have a Ruger #1. It's good too. I never got anything to shoot better than 32 gr. Vmax.

Bucklowery said:

Well go semi custom and get it all. Pick up a savage action and order a new match criterion barrel from northland shooter supply and have some fun putting it together. I did and mine shoots awesome

Thanks

Buck

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Exactly what I want to do but I can't help myself and I'll blow my budget!

Lots of great advice from all and much appreciated.

Building one is an option for sure on a savage platform. Savage 12 is too bulky after holding one.

I've seen a few xr100's for sale but never held one although I remember those being a step down from the 40x?

I'm going to check out cz's line as well.

Love the options!!!

SO92 said:

Exactly what I want to do but I can't help myself and I'll blow my budget!

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The 204 I built turned out great. I used CDi bottom metal and a Richards stock and was in your budget

Thanks

Buck

I have one CZ 204 that was set back to a 20 VT that shoots easily. 5 moa
A 20 prac and 4 - 17 badgers all on CZ 527 actions that all shot very well

My self and my son have savage Varminter very happy they both shoot 1/4-3/8 moa with hsm ammo mine likes the 40 grain my son likes the 32 Grain the funny thing is I build guns so could have what ever I would want also reload but like you I wanted something simple most everything mentioned would do a good job maybe see which one feels the best good luck