I am planning on buying a varmint rifle soon. My first thoughts were on Remington's 700 VS SF II because of its beautiful stock (not to mention its swell palm), barrel length, and of course the legendary 700 action. A few weeks later I was reading a magazine and Steyr apparently introduced what I think is their first varmint rifle. Looks magnificent by the way. Costs a little more than the 700, but Steyr has a reputation for exceptional accuracy; competition wise and price also :)

Does anybody here know anything about the Steyr Pro-Varmint rifle? I can't find an article on it anywhere. If you were in my shoes which one would you pick and why? Buying a new gun is like buying a new car. Looking for the most reliable, consistant gun while keeping the price range at a nominal.

Thanks a bunch.

I don't have the varmint rifle, but I do have their original Jeff Cooper Scout. The hammer-forged barrel has good smoothness and the ideal half thousandth taper to the muzzle. It shoots half m.o.a or better with everything I've put in it.

Lots more aftermarket stuff is available for the Remington, but if you want the best probability of out-of-the-box accuracy, Steyr, like many European makers, provides an actual 100 meter test group shot from your gun with the owner's manual, and it won't pass inspection without that group being small enough.

if you want the best probability of out-of-the-box accuracy,

Have to agree with unclenick. My experience with Steyr, Sako and Tikka has lead me to the same conclusion.

As to your question, Remington or Steyr, that's kinda tough. All else being equal, my choice would be Steyr but there are a few considerations. I like the idea of keeping my money in the pockets of working Americans so Remington gets a point. I wasn't aware that Steyr built a varmint model but I would think it's at least twice the price so Remington gets another point for cost. I would give the accuracy award to Steyr but it's possible the Remington could shoot better for less overall expense but keep in mind, I haven't seen a price on a Steyr varmint rifle. I'm leaning toward Remington but here is where personal taste comes in. Remington makes one of the most attractive rifles available with a quality and smoothness not found on many cheaper rifles. It's looking like I would end up with the Remington but ultimately you are going to have to decide which one you like best and how much money you want to spend, neither is a bad choice.

Now, for my hypocritical confession...I am saving for my next rifle, A Sako 75 varmint in .243. I haven't ordered it yet but tax refund time is approaching....
http://www.berettausa.com/product/product_rifles_main.htm

I should add this disclaimer: Own about 30 Remingtons in various calibers and configurations so a little variety is needed.

European, American? European, American? European, American??


Am I brain dead??? European!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've never had a Steyr, but have had good luck with Remington. Another you might check out is the CZ 527 in 204 Ruger. Shoots as flat as a 22-250 with less recoil. You can watch your hits in the scope.

Here's what mine looks like along with a couple of groups also a pix of my Rem 700 VLS in 243. Both are excellent varmiters.

I will not "badmouth" the Steyr. I would "prefer" the Remmington though! It is a better value for the money in my mind. I can't recall a Remington that could not be "made to shoot?" That is "if" it don't shoot out of the box?

All of this is about money.

Cheezywan

I will not "badmouth" the Steyr. I would "prefer" the Remmington though! It is a better value for the money in my mind. I can't recall a Remington that could not be "made to shoot?" That is "if" it don't shoot out of the box?

All of this is about money.

Cheezywan

You have it pegged, Cheezy

I think the Remingtons are the most accurate or can be made accurate very easily. I have two 700 VLS's in 22-250 and a 700 XR-100 in 223. All three are so accurate it' unbelieveable. Routinely shoot in the teens and low "two's" and a good rifleman could do better than that.

I'll take the Remingtons anyday and will not have to take a back seat to any other factory rifle.

Happy shooting,

Jim

I will not "badmouth" the Steyr. I would "prefer" the Remmington though! It is a better value for the money in my mind. I can't recall a Remington that could not be "made to shoot?" That is "if" it don't shoot out of the box?

All of this is about money.

Cheezywan

Hi Cheezy, hope you had a good Christmas.

Is it about money? Maybe it depends on your perspective. If it boiled down to just money would we eliminate desire, personal taste and a appreciation for different things? Would we all shoot 30 30 levers because most of us don't need more than that? Every aspect of daily life depends on two things, what we want and what we can afford. I agree Remington is a better value than Steyr but I can easily understand why someone would prefer one over the other without price being the only factor. If you get right down to it, there are many rifles that could be considered a better value than Remington. Some care for slick fancy rifles, others care only for utility. I'll never see it as anything more than personal choice.

I completely agree. The key is what I said about out-of-the-box. The Remington may shoot just as well from the factory; certainly my old 600 in .222 has printed many a one-holer just as it came. You just can't count on not having to let a custom gunsmith keep it for a six months or a year before you get what you really want out of it. If you can do the work yourself, this is no issue, but you still have the delay. If you're like me, you may actually prefer to see what you can turn it into by your own hand?

I would put one more consideration into the equation. See if you can handle both weapons before you decide? Everyone's ergonomics are individual and you may find that for one reason or another one of them just fits you better or feels better. If you can get to the next SHOT show or NRA Annual Meeting, both pieces are bound to be there along with a lot of smaller company and custom gunsmith offerings.

Hi Cheezy, hope you had a good Christmas.

Is it about money? Maybe it depends on your perspective. If it boiled down to just money would we eliminate desire, personal taste and a appreciation for different things? Would we all shoot 30 30 levers because most of us don't need more than that? Every aspect of daily life depends on two things, what we want and what we can afford. I agree Remington is a better value than Steyr but I can easily understand why someone would prefer one over the other without price being the only factor. If you get right down to it, there are many rifles that could be considered a better value than Remington. Some care for slick fancy rifles, others care only for utility. I'll never see it as anything more than personal choice.


Are you running for public office? :D :D :D


.

Is it about money? Maybe it depends on your perspective.

I agree. My intended meaning was that I concider the Remington to be a better value for the dollars spent. I would be proud to own either rifle. If given a choice to choose between the two for free? Tough call! I'm going with the Steyr. I might sell it and buy a Remington. Could then pocket the cash for related stuff. Pure personal.

Cheezywan

[QUOTE=JBledsoe]Are you running for public office? :D :D :D


Why do you ask, are you afraid of the competition ;)

First You should keep the money here and support our gun makers. That said, I like the Remington looks better than the Steyr. One thought all the arms amkers over the world make very reliable products and they donot fail or break often. BUT on the rare occation that something go's wrong you have to note parts for a forgen rifle matbe hard to get and will be vewry costly.
Note: spark plug wires for a certain BMW model car cost $300 in a after market discount store, not the dealer that will be more. When replacing or upgrading on a Remington most gunsmiths have parts off the shelf or can be had in one or two days. Just my 2 cents TF

Step out and be different. I would go with the Steyr. Yes the Remington is a nice gun and probably shoots nicely too. My problem is everyone has one. My friend has a Steyr and it shoots beyond belief. I had a Remington myself but sold it because I wanted something different. I picked a Tikka because of there reputation for shooting so nicely, it does by the way. Anyway, you rarely see one at the range and in my opinion it's worth the little added cost. Step away from the pack and pick the Steyr. We aren't talking about a car where things go wrong and leave you stranded. Just my two cents.I am planning on buying a varmint rifle soon. My first thoughts were on Remington's 700 VS SF II because of its beautiful stock (not to mention its swell palm), barrel length, and of course the legendary 700 action. A few weeks later I was reading a magazine and Steyr apparently introduced what I think is their first varmint rifle. Looks magnificent by the way. Costs a little more than the 700, but Steyr has a reputation for exceptional accuracy; competition wise and price also :)

Does anybody here know anything about the Steyr Pro-Varmint rifle? I can't find an article on it anywhere. If you were in my shoes which one would you pick and why? Buying a new gun is like buying a new car. Looking for the most reliable, consistant gun while keeping the price range at a nominal.

Thanks a bunch.

I like both I haven't seen the Steyr so for now I'm for the Remington as I'm familiar with them and they've always perfomed very well for me. I also have to mention the CZ 527 Varmint. Great rifles at great prices.

Remington without any doubts about it. Guess what, everyone else has a .30-06 but I think I will keep mine...lol. I actually think Browning and Remington is a much harder choice.

Thanks for all your opinions. I havn't had a chance to get back on the computer for a while now. Price is really not a concern when I want accuracy. Of course, not something that's priced outrageously inaffordable. I do have to agree that Remington's specific VS SF II does look better than the Pro-Varmint from Europe, but Steyr has a fine reputation for accurate, consistant shots, and reliable rifles. Not that Remington doesn't carry that legacy too, but in the end I guess it really comes down to which one you prefer. American or European. And another thing. I love to own "things" which many people do not have whether it comes to cars or guns. Something unique is always more appealing. Maybe not the best, but worth a show.

Thanks again.