Light Varmint Contour

[Mike in Oregon]

What contour would you recommend for a light varmint rifle? This will be a 20 caliber (Currently unknown) that will be used in the rat patch. I want something that I can be mobile with and carry throughout the patch, shooting short strings, proned out off a bipod. I'm thinking 22 to 24-inches with a straight taper down to .750" or .800".

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

My 10 1/2 pound, Rem 700 SA, in 6 XC has, a Medium Heavy "Sporter" contoured, 24 inch Barrel from, Criterion NSS is, .707 dia at the Muzzle and All of, the group's ( Low .2's to Sub 1/2 MOA ) and "Cold Bore" shots are, Great
Also sports, a 6x-24x Viper, 30 MM Scope and H-S Precision Stock, w/ a Toe Runner for, Bag "tracking" !
Anything Bigger, diameter at, the muzzle would suck, IMO,.. IF carrying it around very Far to, Hunt Varmints !
Light Varmint "Class", is Maxed Out at, 10.5 Pounds for, Regist. shoots,.. IIRC

 

[alf]

What contour would you recommend for a light varmint rifle? This will be a 20 caliber (Currently unknown) that will be used in the rat patch. I want something that I can be mobile with and carry throughout the patch, shooting short strings, proned out off a bipod. I'm thinking 22 to 24-inches with a straight taper down to .750" or .800".

For a walk about rifle, I wouldn't go over a #5, which is .700" at 26"....

 

[1mil]

I rebarrelled a Howa mini in 204 while back intending it to be a quicker lighter "truck gun" but still wanted a stouter barrel. Used a #4 sporter from Ragged Hole....these are Wilson barrels. At 21" the muzzle is .750ish. I only shoot suppressed now so cut them a bit shorter to keep the oal manageable. I tried their LV straight taper barrel (.8 @ 26") also but found it too be just muzzle heavy for carrying. I have plenty of heavy barrelled p. dog rifles for the swivel bench. I grab the handy 204 a lot. Have fun.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

.20 Caliber, is a Small Hole, so you'll NEED to stay, well Under,.. a .700 Muzzle dia. for, SURE, If, wanting, a Sub 10.5 Pound Rifle.
Sporter Contour, 24 inch and around, a .665 -.670 dia Muzzle ( Check Weight closely from, manufacturer, tho ! ).
Can be, shortened a Bit or, Fluted, IF, necessary

 

[drop_point]

I always liked #4 for that role.

 

[B23]

What contour would you recommend for a light varmint rifle? This will be a 20 caliber (Currently unknown) that will be used in the rat patch. I want something that I can be mobile with and carry throughout the patch, shooting short strings, proned out off a bipod. I'm thinking 22 to 24-inches with a straight taper down to .750" or .800".

Are you looking for something with that much muzzle dia. because you intend to screw a can on it? If that is your intention a Hart #5 or Bartlein 3 or 3B would be my choice but if you aren't intending to run this with a suppressor AND you're looking for something as a lighter varmint rifle I'd go with a Hart #4 or Bartlein 2B contour. Any of the above will result in larger muzzle diameter the shorter they get. On the above mentioned Bartlein's they're .012 of taper per inch. I run a can on everything so I've been using a lot of Bartlein's 3B contours but my 20-222 has a Hart #4 finished at 26 and it's more what I'd consider a lighter-ish varmint rifle. I don't exactly recall what it weighs but it's one of the lightest rifles I own. I could weigh it if you're curious what a setup like it weighs.

 

[jds holler]

My next one is gonna be a #4 @ 20".

I've got a 24" number 6 on my 20 now, and I'd love it to be lighter. With barrels measuring under 24 inches, it's also easier to find a variety of cheap scabbards, cleaning rods, and such. AND-- just look at how accurate soma these guys are with their short barreled XP's. I'm thinking there may be something to be said for short and stiff.
jd

 

[MDT6BRA]

I rebarrelled a Howa mini in 204 while back intending it to be a quicker lighter "truck gun" but still wanted a stouter barrel. Used a #4 sporter from Ragged Hole....these are Wilson barrels. At 21" the muzzle is .750ish. I only shoot suppressed now so cut them a bit shorter to keep the oal manageable. I tried their LV straight taper barrel (.8 @ 26") also but found it too be just muzzle heavy for carrying. I have plenty of heavy barrelled p. dog rifles for the swivel bench. I grab the handy 204 a lot. Have fun.

Can you post a pic please, I really like the mini

 

[kyotekiller25]

Bartlein #3b is .7" at the muzzle. What I'll be getting for a lighter 6 GT build. Whenever I can find one.....

 

[JB10]

I went with a #4 contour for my 20 practical at 22in. I have no regrets

 

[Mike in Oregon]

My next one is gonna be a #4 @ 20".

I've got a 24" number 6 on my 20 now, and I'd love it to be lighter. With barrels measuring under 24 inches, it's also easier to find a variety of cheap scabbards, cleaning rods, and such. AND-- just look at how accurate soma these guys are with their short barreled XP's. I'm thinking there may be something to be said for short and stiff.
jd

That's funny you mentioned the XP, that's the action I'm using.

 

[1mil]

Can you post a pic please, I really like the mini

I'll send one but it may be 4 or 5 days before I can. Too bad Howa stopped clambering the mini in 204R in MHO

 

[Darkside]

#4. Will give you what you want.

 

[alf]

Bartlein #3b is .7" at the muzzle. What I'll be getting for a lighter 6 GT build. Whenever I can find one.....

Bartlein 3b is the same as a Krieger, Brux, Douglas #5.

I wanted a #4 for my last 22x47 build, but they were nowhere to be found in stock, so I settled for the #5 Brux. I've been temped ever since to get it fluted to drop the weight some, but I don't believe the juice is worth the squeeze.

 

[kyotekiller25]

Bartlein 3b is the same as a Krieger, Brux, Douglas #5.

I wanted a #4 for my last 22x47 build, but they were nowhere to be found in stock, so I settled for the #5 Brux. I've been temped every since to get it fluted to drop the weight some, but I don't believe the juice is worth the squeeze.

View attachment 1705826

Hmmm, I might have to try a Krieger...I've got a couple Bartleins and BRUXs already, but they are all Rem Varmints and HV's.

 

[alf]

You can still use a Remington Varmint if you want to flute the piss out it and cut it to18"....

 

[MDT6BRA]

I'll send one but it may be 4 or 5 days before I can. Too bad Howa stopped clambering the mini in 204R in MHO

I just wish you but the actions alone

 

[Jrjones]

20 cal hole is small. I have a Wilson # 4 and Bartlein # 3 in Remington stocks if you want a pic of what they look like I cld take pics tomorrow

 

[alf]

20 cal hole is small. I have a Wilson # 4 and Bartlein # 3 in Remington stocks if you want a pic of what they look like I cld take pics tomorrow

Years ago, Lock, Stock, & Barrel out of Nebraska had a limited run of Remington Varmints in 17Rem. That little hole in the middle made them a real porker to haul around.