Advice/suggestions regarding a .204?

[Sniper66]

I've had two .204s; a Ruger #1 and a Kimber 84M with wood stock and fluted barrel. I like the round for varmints. The Ruger #1 was probably the most beautiful rifle I have ever owned. The wood was gorgeous. After banging it up shooting prairie dogs, I had it refinished and it turned out looking better than new. A friend fell in love with it and offered me more money than I could pass up. Then I bought the Kimber. Another beautiful gun and very accurate, but......here's the deal. It has a rounded forearm, which makes it a bit wobbly even on a sandbag. I'm looking for a rifle with a flat forearm that is more comfortable on a bag. I've looked at Tikka, but it has the same forearm shape. If I could find one, I would buy a Remington 700 VLS .204 with .26" barrel. I've shot two of these, one in .243 and the other a .223...both very accurate and has a flat forearm. I've found two of the Rem 700s but both sold quickly for more than I want to pay. They sold for $1000 and $1200 respectively, then I would replace the trigger. Since I'm faced with spending well above $1000, I think it would be wise to look around. What can you guys suggest? Maybe restock the Kimber? Build a chassis style?....if so which barreled action? As always I'll appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Varminterror]

I’m not sure if it’s a current offering, but Savage used to offer the 12 BVSS in 204 Ruger. The 12 VLP DBM is an updated version, but I prefer the beefier stock of the BVSS.

Also an option, a delrin “bag rider” can be bolted to the rounded forend of any rifle, using the threaded anchors from the sling swivel studs.

 

[redneck2]

That looks pretty slick and I assume leaves your rifle unmolested

 

[Ks5shooter]

Bag rider is way cool,I love it.

 

[Varminterror]

That looks pretty slick and I assume leaves your rifle unmolested

Yup - on and off, no alteration to the rifle, and rides a machine rest bag much, much more repeatably than bare forend.

Some stocks may need a little bedding or filing to fully mate to the bag rider, but doing so is easy and fast.

That one pictured is from EGW.