Sorry, here I go again with more questions...

I thought I made my mind up going down to my gun dealer, I was going to purchase a Savage 12 Varmint - either 22-250 or 223 However, once I p/u a remington VS models, I came back to the drawing board !!!

So, a couple of questions regarding the Remmy Varmints, here goes - - -

1) Am I better off served with the HS stock over a Laminated stock, as far as better accuracy goes ?

2) Between the VS Blued vs the VSS Stainless, which overall is a better choice for target/varminting ?

3) I've read a few comments about the "bolt safety" and "key lock", what do I need to watch for and which model/feature should I stray away from ?

4) Between the VSSF and the 2005 model VSSF II, is there a big enough difference to pay the extra $200 for the II model ?


Thanks so much for your valued comments !!!

THese are my personal opinions.


If you can handle a little extra weight, the laminated stock is the best way to go. They don't swell and move your zero like traditional wood stocks. They're heavier than synthetic and add stability.

They are not cheap and some think they look weird...I like 'em.

Re. the J bolt...they're a pain in the axx. I started a thread a few days ago about them & my new Remington. However, after I settled down, a little black paint covered the offending red dot. Replacement shrouds/firing pins and springs are available for $50 or less that not only eliminate the feature, but provide faster lock times. I'm going to live w/ my blacked out one...at least for awhile.

Can't help w/ your other questions.

If you find you have a preference for the fit and feel of Remington, then that's the rifle to go with. Many of today's varmint rifles will shoot very good with the right load and a little general tuning.

Stock material is a matter of what you like. The new laminated woods are probably as stable as synthetic but might not be as tough. A bump that might nick or scratch the laminated wood will not mark the synthetic.

Stainless steel vs ChroMoly steel- stainless might offer a slightly longer barrel life but at an increase in cost of the rifle.

The J bolt lock is more hated for cosmetic reasons than functionality. I'm like most others, I'd avoid the thingy if possible.

Don't hold my feet to the fire over this but the only difference I know of between the VSSF and the VSSF II is the stock. Remington went to the tactical style stock on the II. In other words, there needs to be 200 bucks worth of different feel because both stocks are HS Precision and pillar bedded.

Stainless steel is a better barrel material. It will give longer barrel life. My son has a VLS with a blue barrel and a laminated stock. It shoots very well, under one inch groups at a hundred. (ten shot groups)

He hunts coyotes with me and does not mind carrying a heavy rifle. I use a Ruger #1B which is a bit lighter.

Remington's are popular, most of my rifles are that brand and I am pleased with them. I would get what feels best. If you can try to find friends whom will let you shoot the rifles your interested in. That is the best way to find one that really fits you.

I own both a 220 swift in a remington 700 VS and a 243 in a VLS. They are both sub MOA shooters. The 220 the only thing I did was adjust the tigger it shoots 1/2 -3/4 in. always. The 243 I had to pillar bed to get it to shoot Moa and less, and it has a J lock which I don't worry about. Both of these guns are real nice to shoot, the VLS is pretty heavy but very stable. My 220 has the HS stock on it and it would be my weapon of choice for varmints they still make it in the S/S fluted model. Remington also made a 17 remington not to be overlooked in a limited run back last year in a 700 VS you can still find some for sale on gunbroker.com..

Hoeram :D

[I have a 22-250 vls, a 243 rem varmit and two 112bvss savages. With the exception of the 22-250, all now wear choate varmit socks they are all very stable and somewhat heavy. They have aluminum bedding blocks and aluminum reinforcement all the way to the forearm tip
The savage synthetic stock is flimsy and touches the barrel when its on a bipod. The VLS thumbhole stock had a great deal of tip pressure and had to be relieved. Also, the Vls trigger was the worst I've ever seen on a remington, it would not adjust like the old rem triggers and appeared to be made of cheap stampings. I'll change it this winter