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Fast & Deadly
The latest crop of varmint guns and calibers will take the wily sap out of your favorite predators.

In the end--the sweet, glorious end in which we see ourselves hoisting for posterity a brace of coyotes called to the gun--if you can't close the deal, it doesn't matter how much time and ingenuity you put into your hunt--you're just another poor sap with a sad song.

In fact, so much time is spent ferreting out the latest electronic calls, hand-picking the perfect camo, triangulating the ideal setup and charting stealthy entrances and exits, it's a wonder more of us don't end up sitting under cedar bushes in gilley suits with nothing more than remote controls in our hands.

Once you've acquired all the accouterments needed to lure in your favorite predator, don't let him stand there licking your call box--read on to find out how to close the deal.


Remington 700 SPS Varmint
Remington's new .17 Remington Fireball will create a small firestorm with predator hunters, and there's no better place to get in on the super-fast action than with the SPS Varmint.

It's built on the Model 700 action, fitted with a 26-inch heavy-contour barrel--finished with a nonreflective matte blue--and is set in a black synthetic stock with a beavertail fore-end that's been vented to help dissipate heat and lighten weight.


The Varmint weighs about 8 1/2 pounds. Calibers: .17 Rem. Fireball, .204 Ruger, .22-250, .223, .243 and .308. $647; (800) 243-9700; www.remington.com



Ruger M77 Mark II Target Grey


The Mark II Target Grey is about perfect for hunkered-down situations. With its hammer-forged, low-glare, target-grey barrel; two-stage trigger; and control-feed Mauser-type extractor, deadly accuracy and positive extraction for quick follow-up shots practically come on a silver platter. The three-position safety is, of course, standard, as are the integral scope mounts. The brown laminate stock gives it some heft at 93?4 lbs. Calibers: .204 Ruger, .22-250, .220 Swift, .223, .243, .25-06, .308. $899; (603) 865-2442; www.ruger.com



Savage Model 10 Predator Hunter


If you're one of the rare few who can't hit the inside of a half-dollar with a Savage, take heart. The good folks from Connecticut have done their best to bring you into the fold. The new Predator Hunter is fitted with an AccuTrigger adjustable from 6 lbs. all the way down to 1 1/2 lbs. Now you can't jerk the trigger even if you want to. And to ensure secrecy, the 22-inch medium-contour barrel, synthetic stock, triggerguard and bolt handle will be dipped in Mossy Oak Brush camo. Comes standard with Weaver-style bases. Calibers: .223,.22-250, .204 Ruger.$691; (431) 568-7001; www.savagearms.com



Howa Axiom


When you know you're going to be sprawled out for some high-volume long-distance fun, try the Axiom. It's built on the M-1500 barreled action combined with a Knoxx SpecOps stock, which comes with an adjustable length of pull (11.5 to 15.5 in.) and two recoil suspension devices that will knock out kickback by up to 95 percent. The 24-inch barrel is free floated, and stock options include synthetic in matte black or Prairie Ghost camo, and billet aluminum. Calibers: .204 Ruger, .223, .22-250, .243, .308. $911 to $1,271; (775) 828-0555; www.legacysports.com



Mossberg 100 ATR


In short action, and for quick work, the seven-pound ATR rides easy on the shoulder of the mobile varmint hunter. Its 22-inch free-floated, button-rifled barrel and all-steel machined receiver keep groups tight, and the matte blue finish and wood or black synthetic stock options keep you well concealed. Ships with factory-installed Weaver-style mounts and a side-lever safety. Calibers: .243, .308. $351-$367; (203) 230-5300; www.mossberg.com



CZ-USA 550 Varmint


CZ's Varmint comes in .22-250 or the versatile .308, but those options should entice sportsmen with serious predator issues, both professionally and personally. The heavy, hammer-forged barrel measures 25.6 inches, runs into a square bridge receiver with a Mauser-style extractor and comes with a 1:12 twist. A Kevlar composite synthetic stock (or laminate or walnut), detachable four-round magazine, two-position safety and milled receiver round out its field credentials. Calibers: .22-250, .308. $749-$823; (800) 955-4486; www.cz-usa.com



Blaser R93 Varmint


European craftsmanship, good wood and a smooth, straight-pull action give the R93 highly attractive features--and an Alpine like price. While traditional bolt-action fans may have a hard time with the straight pull, it's an unquestionably fast and efficient action that will put you on target with little distraction. And the heavy, fluted barrel, broad fore-end and adjustable comb improves accuracy. Tips the scales at a little more than 7 1/2 lbs. and comes with a 25.6-inch barrel. Calibers: .222, .223, .22-250, .243, .308. $4,201; (410) 604-1495; www.sigarms.com



Weatherby Vanguard Sub-MOA Varmint


It's the long shots at little targets lined up like soda cans in the next township that the Varmint thrives on. With a 22-inch No. 3 contour barrel, hand-laminated Monte Carlo stock and adjustable trigger, it's guaranteed to shoot a .99-inch three-shot group out of the box (with Weatherby ammo). The vented beavertail fore-end helps moderate weight and keep things cool. For new shooters, the Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad will help with the already light loads. Calibers: .204 Ruger, .223, .22-250, .308. $929-$979; (805) 227-2600; www.weatherby.com



Kimber 84M SVT


The next time you're up for long-distance bipod work from the belly of a mesquite tree, get comfortable with the SVT. The 18.5-inch bull barrel, laminated stock, Mauser-style claw extractor and adjustable trigger (factory set at 2.5 to 3 lbs.) combine to make fast work of curious predators. A 3-position Model 70-type safety comes standard issue. This compact little package weighs in at 8 1/2 pounds. Calibers: .223. $1,225; (800) 880-2418; www.kimberamerica.com



Tikka T3 Super Varmint


Fast on the Russian border, Finland has always had to be self-sufficient--just look at its guns. The Super Varmint, with its heavy, nonglare, stainless barrel free-floated in a synthetic stock, will deliver groups small coins can cover. The extra wide fore-end adds stability in the field and on the bench, while the adjustable trigger (2 to 4 lbs.) lends a hand with accuracy. Comes standard with Weaver and Picatinny-style rail options and an adjustable cheek piece. Calibers: .204 Ruger, .222, .223, .22-250, .243. $1,425; (800) 636-3420; www.berettausa.com



Browning A-Bolt SSA Varmint


The A-Bolt's short lift makes for quick work in high-volume situations, or when a fast follow up is needed. The glass-bedded, free-floated barreled action is medium in weight, matte finished and fitted to a synthetic stock. The adjustable trigger comes factory set at 4 pounds, and the magazine detaches. A Mossy Oak Brush pattern with a DuraTouch coating is the newest offering. Calibers: .222, .223, .204 Ruger. $865; (800) 333-3288; www.browning.com

 


 



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