Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles WTB Mod 700 Varminter .222

Looking for light-moderate/honestly used 1980s or newer rifle. Will consider package that includes decent varminter scope (3-10/4/12 AO, etc.) sling and bipod. Contact dennislabarearthlink.net.

Thanks,
Dennis

Dennis might I suggest you consider a 722 222 early model?
They are always very accurate (26" barrel with same contour as 721 300 H&H), better trigger, smoother action and can be had in an A model for +-$500.

A B model I just sold and an A with extensive upgrades.

Hi, OM...thanks for your thoughts! Are you saying the 722 action is better than the 700? Can I get a 722 with a varmint barrel? Where are they? I'm not sophisticated at this....I'm looking for a gun to shoot out west. Like you, as I note WY and FL, we are currently dividing our year about equally between two states (I have a pal with a place in the Keys who's in MD now and getting ready to divide his year between Tetonia and FL) while we are heading to Idaho and back to just one house, thus my interest in a gun for use out on chucks and coyotes, etc. Tell me more, please, I need this education

Thanks!

Dennis

You might want to watch gunsamerica.com or gunbroker.com for a Remington Varmint Special. These were made in the 80's, they are essentially a walnut BDL stock heavy barrel rifle, they are fairly common in 222 and generally they shoot excellent. The ones I have seen recently have been selling for around $500.

The 722's do have a reputation for good accuracy, they were the forerunner of the 700, however they are not without issues either the main one being that if you break an extractor you may have to search long and hard to find one to replace it. The other issue being that they have not been made since around 1969 and there is a possibility of the barrel having been shot so much that accuracy is less than acceptable.

I have a 22/250 in the Varmint Special and it is a true 1/2" rifle, as a rule most of them shoot very well. But the heavier barrel does come with a penalty and that is weight, my rifle with a 6.5x20 Leupold weights 10# 4 oz. which doesn't sound like a lot but it is a little heavy for a walking varminter.

drover

drover...thank you..I'll keep my eyes peeled, but if you see something that looks interesting and have a moment to pass it on, I'm at dennislabareearthlink.net Thanks again!

Bump

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Yep, I see them for sale on those two web sites occasionally, for the price you posted.
I have a pair of Rem 722's in 222 Rem. Accuracy is nothing short of amazing. I just had a new Rem 700 built in 222 with a sporter weight barrel. I will be testing it soon.

Pix of targets shot with the 722's in 222 Rem.














I have more pix with groups just like these.

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Free bump to a person looking for a great rifle. You have good taste.

I have one, but I'm not selling it. It is a pre-alphanumeric model (s/n is just numbers-made when quality meant something at Remington). Has <200 rounds down the tube, and is immaculate and accurate. Smooth as glass action.

I wish you luck finding one. You may want to put out a WTB post on gogovarmintgo.com (varminthunters board)

The 222 Rem version may be tough to find. They are a classic outfit. You may want to expand your search for a 223 version.

These are not mine, nor do I know anything about them: Sako 222:

http://www.unclehenrys.com/init/classifieds/ad_detail/3604696/?_next=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.unclehenrys.com%2Finit%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2F1%233604696

Rem 722 rebarrel
http://www.unclehenrys.com/init/classifieds/ad_detail/3579054/?_next=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.unclehenrys.com%2Finit%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2F1%233579054

butt...man, sounds like a beauty...I'd keep it too! Lucky you!! Thanks for the thoughts!!!

722s do not break extractors any more than 700s do. Urban myth, especially a 222. An early 722 w/the 26" barrel gives you a varmint weight barrel as the outside contour is the same as the 721 300 H&H magnum. (fat barrel, tiny hole). the actions are much smoother as they were actually polished unlike the current 700s which are as rough as a cob. The barrels were cut rifled vs broached and there is no comparison. You can buy a minty 722 222 on Gunbroker.com for 500-700 and they appreciate unlike any 700.

I have yet to meet any 721/2 (over 50) that was not a sub MOA rifle and the 222s shoot bugholes.

Insofar as barrel life goes my buddy in KS has a 1952 722 222 that has seen 5019 (he is anal) rounds down the bore and will still put 10 in a dime. 20 gr 4198 52 gr Sierra HPBTM.

Gentlemen...this is some great stuff for a relative neophyte like me. Really appreciate the wisdom...and those pics...some terrific groups! Thanks so very much! I have a question....if an extractor breaks in a 700 vs. a 722, am I going to have it easier finding parts for the 700? Thanks in advance for your further consideration in advice.

Dennis

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I prefer to buy used guns and rebarrel. The problem is finding what you want when you want it. Just keep your eyes open and be ready when something comes along. The 700/.222 varminters are much less common than .223's and may be priced higher simply because of relative scarcity and the deuce mystique that some people have. I'd rather have a .223, also stainless.

The 722 is a good rifle, but be aware it's just a cruder early version of the 700. The stocks are crude unless it's a rarer, higher grade....which means collector premium on the price. The 722 triggerguard/floorplate is stamped steel and doesn't open, the bolt handle is straight, the trigger is different from a 700 and has a 2-piece sear which may/may not have anything to do with anything. But the safety is different which means it won't fit a 700 stock without modifying something. And the barrel has that sight band anyway. The most common chambering is 300 Savage, I've had several of those. My 222 action is used as a mule for different takeoff barrels....it had a sporter barrel which is the only kind I've ever seen. It's been cycled a bunch and is smooth. My 700's are just as smooth. I've not broken a 722 extractor but over the years have known two people who did. If it does break you'll probably never find another and the usual fix is to install a Sako extractor. That wouldn't keep me from buying one. But priced equally I'd choose the 700 no question.

Here in Utah varmint guns aren't as common as the big game chamberings, but you do see them now and then. A few years ago I stumbled onto an early BDL varmint .223 in almost new condition for $430. So it can happen. Besides the ads, check gunshops and pawnshops. You never know.

They really aren't that rare, folks just won't part with them. If they do they won't be worth the $$$ for condidtion and if they do you'll pay for it for condition.

The 222 was the most popular 22 CF into the early eighties.

I'm betting more original "Varmint Specials" were of that cartridge than 223's......

Excellent thoughts, guys...everytime someone on here writes, I learn and I thank you. I'm looking at a varmint 700 bdl in .222 (yes, I have seen one in .223) and it is scoped to my satisfaction, has a custom trigger and its barrel has been free floated. After I have it at what is, I believe a good price, I'll tell you how much. The rifle is said to be a tack driver. I'll let you know. Again, my thanks for all the imparted wisdom.