Thread: beginner varmint hunter

Hey Plan B
All the advice above is spot on. If you read between the lines, you will end up with 2 rifles ... which is what I have.
For static varminting - a .204 sporter varmint barrel (Kimber), turret scope up to 20 power (Zeiss) with a suppressor (MAE) and a nice trigger job, bipod & 10X power bino's ... and a pain to carry.
For walk-around farm varminting - a .233 normal barrel, mildot scope up to 14 power with a nice trigger & 10X power bino's ... and way easier to carry.
General comments - if you burn out a barrel, then that's just wonderful as you will have done a shed load of shooting. If there is a chance of pigs - take the .243, but I have shot plenty of pigs with my .223. Wind - with the distances you are shooting this won't be too much of an issue. I shoot Tekapo heaps with my .204 and I use the iStrelok iPhone app and just dial it in. I'm consistently nailing vermin out to 400yds in 10-15mph winds. Harris bipod as a minimum as the cheaper ones will rust. Bino's - you will only ever need one pair in your LIFE so invest in quality. Over 15 years, I bought 3 pairs before buying Leica but I couldn't afford the big ones so only have the ultralight ones. Optics - never underestimate the pleasure of shooting through a good scope. Once again - invest here (before the Leica's). I am thinking of putting a very lightweight suppressor on my walk-up .223 as its just so much more pleasurable for a little more weight.
All the best - keep safe in the hills.