Thinking of going 204 :-)

g00167015

Hi guys,

I'm very much thinking of enduring the many months of nonsense and delays (in our AGS district) in order to add a 204 to the stable for small vermin/corvids over longer ranges and fox control where there is a need, either for my own livestock or for farms where I have been asked to help sort out problem foxes. I currently have a HMR, a PCP in .22 and my Trap Gun, but adding a small centrefire will greatly broaden the effectiveness of the vermin control I can carry out, plus of course provide some sport along the way by being able to dial-for and despatch vermin on the more open areas of our lands where there isn't sufficient cover to get within HMR range or where the wind drection/strength is unfavourable.

As a first centrefire, I am looking at a new Rem 700 Varmint SF in .204. It has a 26" stainless fluted barrel but I think the stock is inferior to the composite ones on the more expensive VSSF. Any opinions on these as a rifle for starting out would be appreciated. Haven't dry fired or tried the trigger as yet so that may need attention. Some 700's used to have horrific factory triggers but I think they are not as bad nowadays. I've yet to check the fore-end flex on the stock as fitted but if it's easily rattling off the barrel I'm sure it can be remedied :-)

Looking forward to having a 204 though I must say, being an avid varmint-basher :-)

gearoidol

having owned a 204 in the past and about 2 -3 weeks away from getting my hands on a full custom 204 currently being built you wont be disappointed.They are an amazing calibre.The only thing to watch is try and keep the platform as light as possible because if you are doing a lot of walking with it,you will be wrecked and a long barrel is sickening at night for under bushes and over gates etc in the dark

A lot of people think you need 26" to get the best out of them but in actual fact 22" - 23" barrels often give the best performance

worth a read

http://www.bullberry.com/204_ruger_velocities.html