I am considering getting a varmint specific rifle. I'm looking for something that has a heavy barrel and available in .204 Ruger. The primary use will be some prairie dog shooting off a bench, so weight is a good thing.

I've considered the following rifles and I understand they are all different and available at different price points. Just looking for some insight from anyone who has used any of these. In other words, if it were your money what would you choose? Unfortunately, none of these are stocked at local establishments and I have to order based on faith. Let me know if there is something I should consider that isn't on the list.

CZ 527 $675
Savage 12 VAR LP $950
Cooper Varmint $2,300 plus 8 month wait time.

I'm not in any hurry to get the rifle so the wait time isn't a factor. In fact it gives me some time to scrape all the money together if I choose that route.

If I was in the market for a factory bench/varmint rifle I’d look at the Ruger Hawkeye Varmint Target.
Remington 700 VLS is another to look at.

The most accurate .204 Ruger that I've owned is also the least expensive, an RAR-P. That said, you can't go too far wrong with a Cooper.

The Sako 85 Stainless Varmint would also be on my list for consideration. The trigger is outstanding and provides you the option of using a standard trigger pull adjustable between 2 and 4 lbs and a single set trigger of 8 oz just by pushing the trigger forward. I have owned a couple in .204 Ruger, one is .243 Win and currently own one in .223 and considering one in .308 Win. All have shot extremely well with no issues. I just wish they made one in 6.5 Creedmoor. Good luck.

IF the Tikka Varmint is offered in 204 Ruger, that will be your huckleberry.

If you're planning to spend $2,300 on a Cooper, spend $2,600 on a Blaser and have multiple barrel opportunities.

I don’t think you can go wrong with the Savage, I’ve never owned one that didn’t amaze me how easy it was to hit what I’m aiming at and it’s a large sample group.

I would put a Kimber Varmint on your list.

If you watch gunsamerica.com and gunbroker there is a good chance that you can find a Cooper Varminter in 204 at less than full retail price.
I have been shooting Coopers for years, all you have to do is add the scope of your choice and go shoot.

drover

Drover is right. I picked-up a used Cooper 21 in 204 Ruger for less than half the price you quoted.

I have a couple of .204 Rugers, and I still find myself using the .223 almost exclusively for what you're wanting the .204 for.

Me too. I owned two 204's and they did not meet the hype they were given, IMO the 223 is more versitile and has the option of more bullet weight choices.

drover

Thanks for the input. I didn't mention that I already have a few .223 in lighter barrel weights. I was looking for something different. I found the Tikka in 22-250 which is an option also. The Sako was available in .204. I like the idea of the set trigger on that one. Kimber looks like an attractive rifle.

I've located a used Cooper Varminter in 22-250 with a zeiss conquest scope on it. I need to run and take a look at it. Price is less than new and includes the scope.

I have a CZ 527 in 204 Ruger that I'm currently trying to sell. I don't even think I have fired it. It's been a safe queen. The scope (B&L Balvar 3-9) in the pictures is not included. I only put it on it in case I got time to shoot it, but never did. I have 2 other varmint rifles (Colt AR heavy barrel and custom Sako Rehimaki (sp) in 222 RM) I plan on keeping and haven't fired them in years. Just time to thin out the herd.

http://www.mwguntrader.com/viewad.asp?id=50304508797107749

I have a Ruger MKII VT in .22-250. 4-shot, half-inch group at 200 yds. Love it.

I have several CZ 527's and LOVE them, Get the Varmint model instead of the American. It is more than a pound heavier and the barrel is a couple inch's longer. buy a spare clip

The Tikka in 22-250 with the 8" twist is an awesome rifle to take a look at.

Cooper, sako, or a XR100 Rem.
I've had them all and still do.