Thinking about a 204, any thoughts on manufacturers?

[KyleWoods35]

Hello,

I am considering buying a 204 for groundhog hunting (300-400 yard max), I will not be walking around too much so I was thinking about buying a heavy barrel gun. I would like to be able to get a gun for $500-600 and a scope for $200-300. I was looking into the Savage package deals for around $500 but I was also looking at a Remington 700 SPS Varmint, CZ 527 Varmint and Tikka T3X Varmint. If anyone has a 204 in one of these models or has a different model that they like feel free to give advice.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a Savage Model 12 in 204 Ruger with a 26" barrel. It shoots well if i do my part. I use it for prairie dogs.

It shoots 32 grain bullets very well, it took a little effort to find a 40 grain load that was accurate.

I bought a couple Remington 700s about 10 years ago, neither in 204 Ruger, but both in cartridges suitable for varmints. Each required some stock work and replacement triggers to get them to shoot well.

 

[KyleWoods35]

I was looking at the model 12 FCV, which model 12 do you have?

I've heard similar things about the 700 stocks being pretty cheap.

 

[Coop45]

CZ 527 Varmint.

 

[cfullgraf]

Yes, my Savage 204 Ruger is a 12 FCV.

 

[WestKentucky]

My Remington 700 is top notch. Made around 1999 or 2000...got it the first year Bass Pro was in Nashville. I have seen exactly 2 since then I thought were of the same quality. Both of those were VTR guns and were way overpriced with the gimmicky triangular barrel. Buy a Savage and don't look back, or buy a .204 AR upper. I have seen some VERY impressive small bore uppers...I'm still deciding between 20 tactical and .204 for my 20 cal build.

 

[redneck2]

I have a CZ 527 in .204 with a 4-16x50 VX-L. With 39 grain Blitzkings it gives sub .4" groups. Best groups are sub .3's

After taking it on a couple of prairie dog hunts I sold my .22-250. I really like the single set trigger for precision shooting.

 

[ontarget]

Pretty sure the Howa mini action 1500 is available in .204. I love mine in .223.

 

[Coop45]

The trigger is crazy good isn't it! And with a .223, 5.56mm is no problem. I called CZ just to be sure and they said it's okie dokie.

 

[Big7]

Ruger SVT..

 

[viking499]

I have a CZ and love it. I would say just about any gun in .204 should be good as it seems to be an accurate cartridge, most guns shoot it well.

Someday I will pick up a Tikka in .204, but that gun will be out of your listed price range.

Since you are leaning towards a heavy barreled gun, I would handle some of the ones on your list if you can and see what fits you and what ergonomics you like from each model and their prices. Then choose the one that fells the best and fits your price range.

Everyone has a gun out there somewhere that fits them like a glove when they pick it up and handle it or shoulder it. You just need to find the one that fits you or can be easy modified for you.

 

[KyleWoods35]

Well I just ordered my 204, Savage 12 FCV, got it for $575. I will post again with updates on how everything goes and how it shoots. I was considering putting a Mueller Eraticator 8.5-25x50 scope on it, I've read good reviews and haven't really seen any bad reviews.

 

[CoalTrain49]

Judging from the CZ 455 I just purchased I would say that CZ is the best bang for the buck. The triggers are excellent and the guns are very accurate.

Why couldn't an American company build a rifle like that?

 

[KyleWoods35]

Just an update, I've had my 204 for a couple weeks now and I love it! It easily shoots under 1/2 MOA if I do my part. I've also killed close to 20 groundhogs with it and I'd say a little over half have left some huge exit wounds. Longest kill so far has been 350 yards, the Mueller scope I put on it really does the trick!

Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase and can't wait to make up some loads with 39 gr SBK's.

 

[viking499]

Sounds good. What ammo are you shooting now?

 

[KyleWoods35]

Currently using factory 32 gr vmax's