Hi all,
A simple question.

I am looking at buying an accurate varmint style rifle in .204 ruger. The XR-100 has caught my eye. I would really like some feedback on the rifle and its accuracy, from members that own or have owned one .

Thanks,
Shaky.

The XR is a great choice... The action is a Mil Spec 700 if I recall correctly, and the barrel is a 10X custom shop model. I've got a standard Rem 700 ADL in .204 and its a blast to shoot. I put a BSA Contender 4-16x X 40 and a Harris bipod. Its very accurate and you can shoot it all day.

Give this one some thought. Savages accuracy is much better than most out there today. It is a very nice rifle.

http://www.savagearms.com/12VarminterSS.htm

Hi all,
A simple question.

I am looking at buying an accurate varmint style rifle in .204 ruger. The XR-100 has caught my eye. I would really like some feedback on the rifle and its accuracy, from members that own or have owned one .

Thanks,
Shaky.

Good morning shaky and welcome to the forum. I don't have a Remington XR100, but I am a Remington fan an out of the several I own and shoot the VLS varmit rifle I have is excellent.

I've got several friends now shooting the 204 Ruger cartridge and they all love it. Shoots as flat as a 22-250 with costs approaching the 223 when you reload. My next varmit rifle is going to be in this caliber.

I think you would have good luck with the XR100, but you also might give Gismo's suggestion a look. Those new Savages's are sure an accurate rifle and the accu-trigger works well.

Again welcome to the forum and I'll look forward to talking to you again.

Thank you for your feedback so far.

Its seems that the new savages have been getting some good press and people who shoot them are definitely happy with them. Now, I do not have an opinion on this, but are they more accurate and a better long term prospect (quality wise) than the XR-100.

Thanks,

Shaky

As far as I am concedrned, the new Savages are much better in accuracy than the Remington and just as good if not better in quality. The XR-100 is built in the XP-100 pistol action. Its a good action, but I have not had much luck from anything new from Remington in the last 4 or 5 years. Savage seems to be running away with it as far as quality is concerned. Savage has about the best factory barrel out there.

Its seems that the new savages have been getting some good press and people who shoot them are definitely happy with them. Now, I do not have an opinion on this, but are they more accurate and a better long term prospect (quality wise) than the XR-100.
Thanks,
Shaky

Best of anything is mostly based on opinion but you can look at statistics.
The United States Armed Forces use predominantly Remington for their sniper programs. (that should tell you something right there)
The bulk of Law Enforcement Agencies that have precision shooting programs use Remington. (I believe there is another clue here)

The most accurate factory rifle is not a Savage, it usually is the one somebody purchased and thinks it is. We are all human, we think whatever we pick is the best....and maybe it is...for us. If you really get picky about accuracy, factory rifles don't offer much. All the squawking about out-of-the-box accuracy becomes meaningless, just topics for discussion and opinions because nothing from the factory will impress you like a custom will. If you like the XR100, get it. I'll bet it will be a very accurate rifle with a little tweaking and a good load. When you decide it no longer shoots to your standards, you have a excellent action for a good gunsmith to tune and rebarrel...and then the real fun begins! If you see a Savage you like better then get it. It's all a matter of personal preference and nothing more...any mass produced item is a crap shoot anyway. Get what you like and have fun with it!

I will have to politely disagree with the last poster. It is not all a crap shoot. If you would check into it, you would see that the Remingtons that the military and police snipers use, are not full factory guns. They too have custom barrels and triggers. There are some guns that are just plain more accurate out of the box than others. Yes it does have some to do with what you like the looks of also.

Question for you ole faucettb. How do you think the barrel in the 204 is going to hold up when compared to say a .223? Just wondering if it's going to be like the 223 wsm and burn the throat out real fast. I'm just curious. Sam has a Encore 204 barrel and it's scary accurate but I'm wondering about barrel life.

RJ

No need to check into it....I own four 700 PSS rifles and two 700 LTRs. All parts, barrels and triggers come right out of the factory, stocks are HS Precision on the Police models and I believe McMillan can be ordered on the Military rifles.

Crap shoot....Yep it's a fact. Every brand builds a clunker now and then, that's just a sad fact of life.

In case anyone would like to check into it, here's a link to Remington's Law Enforcement page.

http://www.remingtonle.com/rifles/700p.htm

Crap shoot....Yep it's a fact. Every brand builds a clunker now and then, that's just a sad fact of life.



You have to admit though, that some factories build more clunkers than others. I know you have the info there on Remingtons Law Inforcement page, but I was involved in some testing about 5 yeras back with some of the city poilce officers Remington .308's. I asked if they were factory rifles and the instructor told me that they were to a point. They all had the barrels replaced because the Remington barrels did not shoot to satisfy them. They did have the factory HS prision stocks and some had 40X triggers and some were Shilen. They did not have a full factory rifle for any sniper use. This is just from my experience and what the instructor told me. The one rifle I used did not have any stamping on the barrel other than the caliber .308.

So really your posts are completely moot... you are comparing an experience with a custom job to a factory gun write something with clout... move on.

I've got a good friend with a XR100, he bought it right after I bought mine. He got the laminated thumbhole stock and blued fluted varmint barrel in .204 Ruger. I've shot right next to him with my 700 ADL and right next to another friend with his Ruger 77 Mk II Varmint stainless fluted barrel laminated stock. Each one of our guns shoots sub minute with handloads. The varmint guns don't heat up as quick as my tapered barrel, but I don't like to lay on the ground that long anyway.

You can't go wrong with a Ruger, Cooper, or Remington with this caliber. I've got direct experience with this, not something I saw 5 years ago.

I kinda figured that we would get a debate, which was not my intention.

All the posts so far have some very valid points in them, and gee, thats the problem. We are realy dealing with people's perceptions on brands, calibers and configurations. Even though I would love a custom weapon, I don't hunt enough to justify one. So I am looking for something thats fine straight out of the box.

I was surprised by the amount of people I know who supported the idea of going to a savage, mainly through the reputation of the new savages and the bad press given to Remingtons these days, I guess. As I've said previously, I don't really have an opinion on the whole shooting match, because I know that I don't know enough to comment. I've tried both, but guns are like dogs, it depends on how they've been treated, on whether they do what you want. Theres bad dogs in both brands.

I've got guns I like and I've got guns I don't like, and the reason I'm posting is that I don't want anymore guns I don't like.

I was kinda hoping that there was going to be a ground swell of opinion all one way or the other. Kinda stupid hoping, AH.

Shaky.

Sorry shaky but you seem to be seeing the clarity of the mud. There is no exact science as to what is best. It's all just opinion....but that's ok....it gives us the wonderful opportunity to have these argreements. I'm a big advocate of "buy what feels right for you". Most rifles, regardless of brand, can be improved. If you start with what appeals to you, you will like it just that much better after you tinker with it for a while. If you get a "bad dog" trade it off and start over, maybe that's part of what keeps this hobby interesting.

To be sure, make sure an XR-100 is what you want as its strictly a single shot, no magazine.

With a bit of patience you could just go around and spend time shouldering up a rifle to see what is easiest to wield and aim...which feels more natural. If your set on a particular action such as the 700 or M-70 or whatever you want but don't like the furniture they come with, then look into stock manufacturers to see what they can provide...H&S precision was mentioned...I like them alot more than the McMillans but this is an oppinion so treat it as such please. :)

Lastly...

I think you will need to reload. If you want true accuracy, then rolling your own is the only way to go, IMO. My rifles are all "hunting accuracy" capable with factory loads. When I switch over to my home-rolled ammo, my babies begin to shine. :)

Hate to put more on your plate to think about...but thats why we hang around on here... :)

MTCW
D

I don't know what the XR-100's are selling for, but if you are right handed and had the budget for it, I would check out this one http://www.savagearms.com/12PrecVarm.htm

So really your posts are completely moot... you are comparing an experience with a custom job to a factory gun write something with clout... move on.
You can't go wrong with a Ruger, Cooper, or Remington with this caliber. I've got direct experience with this, not something I saw 5 years ago.



If you would read all my posts, you would see that I was talking about the Remingtons that I had issues with in the past 4-5 years... meaning, to-date. Not 5 years ago. As far as the custom gun, I was talking to lumberjak.

I am talking about the Remingtons and Savages that I do have experience with within the past year.

Sorry to maybe cause confusion to the original poster. Just trying to clairfy something here.

I don't know what the XR-100's are selling for, but if you are right handed and had the budget for it, I would check out this one http://www.savagearms.com/12PrecVarm.htm


Man....I could just imagine that sweetheart...12 lbs of shootin' iron in 223....mmmm....getting a Homer Simpson moment there. :) lol

D

I'm not sure what the retail to actual sales deduction is for the Savage, but the Remington XR-100 sells here at Scheels for $749. My buddy got a package deal with a Swarovski scope, Harris bipod, and hard aluminum case for just under $1500. I imagine the Savage comes in just under what the Rem sells for. I haven't seen one at any of the shops around town. I bet its a shooter with that barrel, the weight probably tames .22-250 right down.

Question for you ole faucettb. How do you think the barrel in the 204 is going to hold up when compared to say a .223? Just wondering if it's going to be like the 223 wsm and burn the throat out real fast. I'm just curious. Sam has a Encore 204 barrel and it's scary accurate but I'm wondering about barrel life.

RJ

Recoil, It's my understanding that Ruger did a lot of research into just that question when designing the 204 and they say that barrel life will be good. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but, I've got a friend with just over 2000 rounds thru his and no drop in accuracy yet and the throat looks good. He's shooting around 3950 fps with his.

It dosen't really look like there are many XR-100s out there for people to comment on. I was hoping there would've been a few users out there.

Objectively, it may mean that the single shot option is not as attractive as a 4 or 5 shot mag. Or worse!

Shaky

I went to a shoot last Summer where multiple gun companies brought their new products out for testing.
The 2 favorites for myself and many others were the Remington XR-100 in .204 and the Ruger Alaskan in .454!
We shot the heck out of that Remington and never cleaned it. Accuracy was exceptional! We finally started aiming for the little X's inside the 1inch circle of a Remington target and hit them often. The rifle never strung the shots due to barrel heating and was a pleasure to shoot. If I were going to buy a dedicated varmint rig I would definitely consider the XR-100 in .204.
Hope this helps!
WFR

It dosen't really look like there are many XR-100s out there for people to comment on. I was hoping there would've been a few users out there.

Objectively, it may mean that the single shot option is not as attractive as a 4 or 5 shot mag. Or worse!

Shaky

Savage just brought out a new varmit rifle that ejects on the left side. I don't remember if it is a single shot or not.

I spent a lot of time behind varmit rifles and have had 222's, 223's, 22-250's and 220 swifts. I finally went to the 243 simply because I can shoot a 55 grain bullet at 3900 fps and that bullet is very destructive. I'm not sure it's more destructive than the 22 caliber pills, but after years of blowing up ground squirrels and coyotes it seems to be. It also carries up a little better in the wind than the 55 grain .224 bullets do.

I have two dedicated varmit rifles, a Ruger 243 #1B with the 26 inch medium weight tube. This rifle carries either a 3-9 Weaver classic for yote hunting or a 8-24 Tasco for ground squirrels. I also have a Remington VLS 243 26 inch heavy bbl in a laminated stock with a 6-24 scope that is used both for squirrels and yotes.

I like the lighter (9 pounds) Ruger for carrying around for yotes, but the VLS is more accurate. Were talking about 1/2 inch groups for the VLS compared to 3/4 to one inch groups for the Ruger.

Frankly both these guns will kill the game I hunt with them as far as I can shoot anymore (getting old sucks), and I am very happy with them.

If you are planning on shooting tighter groups than most factory rifles deliver then you should look into barrels and action tuning. Those two things usually deliver the biggest upgrade in accuracy. Talk to some of the folks chasing the benchrest game, you'll find that there are not many factory rifles sitting on the line.

Other than that good load development, good glass bedding and lots of practice will make most factory rifles give pretty fair accuracy.

Good luck on your search for that just right rifle.

WFR,

That the kinda post I like. Not because its positive about the XR-100, but because its by a user of the XR-100 about the XR-100.

Thanks
Shaky.

It dosen't really look like there are many XR-100s out there for people to comment on. I was hoping there would've been a few users out there.

Objectively, it may mean that the single shot option is not as attractive as a 4 or 5 shot mag. Or worse!

Shaky


I wished that more rifle makers made single shot actions. Thats all I need. I mostly varmint hunt and they get loaded one at a time. The 700's I have, have been converted to single shot actions. The Savage and the new XR are the only ones out there other then the 40X which it priced way too high. I can build a custom rifle for less than the cost of a 40X. The XR might be a good one. Has a better trigger than the standard 700.

This is for Recoil junky, who had a question about barrel life for the .204. Good barrel life was one of the features that the designers of the cartridge strived for and was/is a real bragging point. the designers wanted a cartridge that had the flat shooting and wind bucking properties of a 22-250 or .220 swift, but had milder recoil and wasn't as hard on barrels. Here is a pretty good article on how they did it. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_10_50/ai_n6180938.

Understand the primary reason for better barrel life is the propriatery powder mix used by the manufacturer (Hornady) to achieve these velocities. Home reloaders will be handicapped due to having to use commercial cannister powders.

I've got roughly 500 rounds downrange with mine, and no throat erosion or loss of accuracy. I've owned the gun since December, and the majority of my shooting has come in the last two months. I'm going to visit a prairie dog town here in the next couple weeks. I'll be taking 600 rounds with me. :)

I've taken the plunge and ordered the XR-100 topped with a nightforce 12-42 x 56. I've gone all out and am expecting big things after a little tuning and loading.

Shaky

Great choice :) The Savages are nice but I like the exceptional quality and accuracy of the custom remington's, and I think they look a lot better too. The xr-100 comes with an adjustable trigger which is probably what some previous posters may have complained about but they were thinking about the model 700; so that takes quite a bit out of your tweaking price unless you want a lighter pull than 1 1/2lbs(this kind of gun is usually shot from a heavy rest so I don't think that will be a problem). This gun has a receiver based on the xp-100 single shot pistol action and is made to give custom gun accuracy out of the box for half the price. My friend that now lives in Wyoming used this in 22-250 I believe it was when we went on prairie dog shoots in Nebraska together, and he made a shot of over 1000yds so I'd say it's adequate :D

Unless you have a gun specifically for 1000yd. shooting, killing a prarie dog at 1000 yards is pure luck and takes many many shots to get you there. Not saying the gun is not accurate, which I am sure it is. I shoot mainly 22-250 myself in a custom 14lb. gun built on a 700 action. I do nothing but varmint hunt and have been out west and those shots take many times to even get the bullet close. You hit a lot of dirt before you finally hone in on one. Just don't want the original poster to think he can go out and shoot something no wider than about 3" at 1000 yards with his new rifle. Not saying it can't be done, just not like shooting paper, or varmints within 500 yards.

Gismo, I totally understand.

99% of my shooting will be this side of 300yds, especially with a new caliber. When I'm used to the set up and have tweaked it and sorted out loads, then, I'll risk shots further out. But I'm not a big fan of not having "first shot kills", so I'll stick to my limitations for a little while.

Shaky.

It dosen't really look like there are many XR-100s out there for people to comment on. I was hoping there would've been a few users out there.

Objectively, it may mean that the single shot option is not as attractive as a 4 or 5 shot mag. Or worse!

Shaky
I was looking at the XR-100 also, but I already have a single-shot .223 and wanted a bolt gun with a magazine for follow-ups. Then I wandered into Sportsman's Warehouse here in Phoenix, and they have a Remington LVSSTH in 22-250 - It looks exactly like the XR, thumbhole & vented stock and all ,with a 5-round magazine for just under $700. I was going to wait on a new rifle, but I can still hear this one calling me...

If you like single-shot, go for it. The thumbhole is a beautiful rifle in either one... :cool:

The advantage to the XR is the 40X Barrel and Trigger, and mil spec action.

I saw a Savage 12PV and the new model 40 today, the model 40 was $1000 and the 12PV was $800. I think the big advantage to the Model 40 is availability in .22 Hornet, but is a cartridge like that really worth a $1000 rifle?

The advantage to the XR is the 40X Barrel and Trigger, and mil spec action.

I saw a Savage 12PV and the new model 40 today, the model 40 was $1000 and the 12PV was $800. I think the big advantage to the Model 40 is availability in .22 Hornet, but is a cartridge like that really worth a $1000 rifle?


I don't know where your getting your prices from, but the Savage model 40 lists at $452 and sells around here for about $380. Thats quite a ways from $1000. Your just about right on with the 12PV.

Well, I got myself a XR-100 in .204. I've taken it out and had a few shots at paper whilst running in the barrel.

Its showing real good signs that this love affair might last a while.

Shaky

Sounds good. Hope everyhting works out good for ya. You using factory or handloads right now?

Factory ammo at the moment, but when I get through what I've got left and the bank balance is back up, I'm going out to get some dies and materials and start loading my own.

Anyone got any recipes?

Shaky.

I don't know where your getting your prices from, but the Savage model 40 lists at $452 and sells around here for about $380. Thats quite a ways from $1000. Your just about right on with the 12PV.



Well, ya see, I got on my motorcycle and I went down to the gun store (Shiptons Big R, 214 N14th, 59105) and I saw the price.


Shaky, I posted a couple loads on loadswap.com They've been pretty accurate in my gun, which is 1 in 12" twist. If you have the 1 in 9" twist your gun will probably shoot the 40 to 50 grain bullets much better than the 30 to 39 grain bullets.

Mattsbox99 - my barrel is 1 in 12.

I've heard that the 39gr sierras might go well in that.

Shaky

Well, ya see, I got on my motorcycle and I went down to the gun store (Shiptons Big R, 214 N14th, 59105) and I saw the price.


Sounds like I need to go and buy a few from here and sell to them out there and make a mint. Not calling anyone a liar. Nothing like that at all. That is just a royal rip off out your way. Don't see how they can seel something for more than double the List price.

Mine shoots the Nosler 40 grain Ballistic tips (not currently available in a factory load) very well, and the 40 grain V-Max very well, with the 32 grain V-Max and 32 grain Blitzking the groups open up just a fraction of an inch, but for downrange, I'd take the 40s anyway. Inside of 200 yards, anything is game with this cartridge. I'm not sure if this is indicative of smallbores, but I'm a way better shot with this caliber. I can shoot it all day long and it makes me a better shot when the target isn't paper.

Well, ya see, I got on my motorcycle and I went down to the gun store (Shiptons Big R, 214 N14th, 59105) and I saw the price.


Hey buddy, Just called Shiptons.... They have the Savage Model 40 for $399.95. That sounds a lot better. Just letting you know.

Well it's been 18mths and I must say, that IMO I made the right choice. The XR, without any modifications (out of the box- as they say) is consistently shooting in the high .1s and .2s. And it fits me well.

The only tweaking was on loads, where I settled on the 39gr sierras, the lighter projectiles just didn't seem to get much under MOA. The .204 was a great choice as well, for my style of shooting.

This is allowing me to pursue my favourite passtime of varminting for cottontails, and getting me what I want, which is head shots out past 250yds. The nightforce scope really helps and complements the rifle for this purpose.

It is the most accurate rifle I have owned, and this has prompted me to go varminting more than I would've in the past, which is great.

To all the Savage owners, I appreciated your input, but the XR is a real shooter. I think it just comes down to what you really want and what feels right and not brand loyalty.

For the guys that worried about it being a single shot. Well, one shot kills help and follow ups on the dead one's friends don't take that long, and can be done without taking your eye off them.

If someone asked me tomorrow if I would recommend an XR-100, I would honestly say that I'm happy with mine, but try it first to see if it suits. And who knows what the next one will shoot like. I would be supprised if every XR to come out of the factory shoots below 1/4 MOA consistently (out of the box), but the guys that I know now that have them, all get these kinda results with theirs, modified and unmodified.

Thanks,
Shaky

What about a Weatherby Sub MOA Varmint or a Tikka T3 Varmint, Super Varmint or Stainless Varmint? Both have accuracy guarantees and are very nice rifles. Havent owned either but I would be giving them a good hard look if i wanted another varmint rifle.

Brad Y,

I was thinking about both rifles you mentioned at some stage during my decision making process, with them boasting a 1 MOA accuracy guarantee. But I think these days you would expect at least that, so that guarantee means nothing to me. Just clever marketing to fool people into a purchase.

Shaky