Suggestions for .204

[Sniper66]

I'm looking for a .204 suggestion. I have a Kimber 84M with walnut stock and fluted stainless barrel and had a Ruger #1, both good, but not great (for me) rifles. Sold my #1 and have my Kimber for sale...it's just not the best balance for me and was not a fan of the falling block Ruger #1. I could buy a Remington 700 VLS, which fits my personal needs...having owned one in .243 and shot my brother's .223, I'm very familiar with it. There is one on GB right now that I should probably bid on, but I'm looking for.......well....something else. Am willing to spend $1000-$1500. The VLS is weighted perfectly for me (I prefer a heavier target type balance)...would need a new trigger. You guys are great at suggesting options I've never heard of, so please send suggestions. I'll appreciate it.

 

[Varminterror]

Personally, I found the 204R suited me best in an AR.

 

[rayatphonix]

My FFL has a CZ 527 varmint in 204 waiting for me. I’ll try and pick it up this afternoon. For me the mini-Mauser is the ideal platform for that cartridge. My 223 version is one of my most accurate rifles and I expect the same from the 204.

 

[dranrab]

If you are selling the Kimber because it's not the best balance, then you may want to shy away from ordering a gun on line if you have never handled one before. Is there a weight range you want to stay within?

 

[Sniper66]

I plan to take a drive around to all my LGS and heft as many rifles as I can find. Scheels has a good stock of firearms. The weight ideally for me is around 9-10 lbs, not counting the scope. The ones I shoot best have medium to heavy barrels 24"-26".

 

[doubleh]

If I were ever to go to a .204 and considering my use for one I would just buy a barrel for my contender. Light, well balanced, etc. Of course few seem to share my like of single shot rifles.

 

[Offfhand]

The weight ideally for me is around 9-10 lbs, not counting the scope. The ones I shoot best have medium to heavy barrels 24"-26".

I agree that a heavier, stiffer barrel is best for the .20's. After all, the .20 is primarily a varmint caliber and accuracy is the name of the game for small, distant targets like prairie dogs. Rifles like the M-700 BDL Varmint Specials made by Remington back in the '80's are about ideal. One of my favorite PD rigs is this .20 built on a Stolle left hand bolt action with left load and right ejection ports with a medium heavy Shilen barrel. I'm a right hand shooter but prefer left bolt for the PD patch, where the .20 sings.

 

[doubleh]

I agree that a heavier, stiffer barrel is best for the .20's. After all, the .20 is primarily a varmint caliber and accuracy is the name of the game for small, distant targets like prairie dogs. Rifles like the M-700 BDL Varmint Specials made by Remington back in the '80's are about ideal. One of my favorite PD rigs is this .20 built on a Stolle left hand bolt action with left load and right ejection ports with a medium heavy Shilen barrel. I'm a right hand shooter but prefer left bolt for the PD patch, where the .20 sings.View attachment 982221 View attachment 982222 View attachment 982223

I like that rig even if someone did flip the blueprints when they built it.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have and like my 204 Ruger Savage Model 12FCV (26" barrel). It has done well on the prairie dog fields.

I also have a 26" heavy barrel AR-15 chambered in 204 Ruger. Also, good medicine for prairie dogs but it uses lots of ammunition. It weighs about 13 pounds empty so not a walk-about varmint rifle.

With standard AR-15 parts, a 204 Ruger AR-15 is over gassed so either an adjustable gas block or a heavier buffer is needed. I made a custom heavy buffer as it was easier than re-assembling the rifle with an adjustable gas block.

Both of my 204 Ruger rifles shoot well with 32 grain or 39/40 grain bullets. The latter do better against the wind out past 500 yards or so.