Description
Picture this: you’re scanning a bean field at last light, looking to stretch the legs of a rifle you can trust without breaking the bank. You need something that bridges the gap between a basic hunting rifle and a custom varmint rig. That’s the practical niche the Remington 700 VLS Bolt 22-250 Remington 26″ Barrel Brown Laminate Stock Blued fills. It’s a purpose-built, long-range varmint rifle offering serious accuracy potential at a price point that makes sense for the budget-conscious shooter who demands performance.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a stripped-down model. The VLS (Varmint Laminated Stock) is built on the legendary Remington 700 action, known for its strength and aftermarket support. The 26-inch heavy-contour barrel is designed for the high-velocity .22-250 Remington cartridge, giving you the flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance needed for prairie dogs, coyotes, and other pests at extended ranges. At $852.85, it sits in a sweet spot, offering features you’d pay hundreds more for on a custom build.
Key Features & Practical Value
The brown laminate stock isn’t just for looks; it’s far more stable and resistant to warping than standard walnut or synthetic stocks in varying weather, which is a real benefit for consistency. That heavy barrel soaks up heat during long strings of fire, helping to maintain point of impact. The blued finish is a classic, durable choice that, while requiring a bit more care than stainless, keeps the initial cost down.
Let’s talk about the action. The Remington 700 platform is arguably the most supported rifle action in America. This means a vast ecosystem of aftermarket triggers, stocks, bottom metal, and scope bases from brands like Timney, Bell & Carlson, and EGW. Want to upgrade? It’s often a simple, drop-in ready process. The rifle weighs in around 9.5 pounds, which is substantial—that weight is your friend on a bench or bipod, taming recoil and aiding steady holds, but it’s a tradeoff if you plan on carrying it all day.
The .22-250 Remington chambering is the star. With muzzle velocities often exceeding 3,500 fps, it’s incredibly flat-shooting. You can engage targets out to 300 yards with minimal holdover. Ammo is widely available from Federal, Hornady, and Remington themselves, though it’s not as cheap as .223 Remington. That’s the practical tradeoff for its blistering performance.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 700 VLS |
| Caliber | .22-250 Remington |
| Barrel | 26″ Heavy Contour |
| Overall Length | Approx. 46.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 9.5 lbs |
| Stock | Brown Laminated |
| Finish | Blued |
| Action | Bolt Action |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Excellent out-of-the-box accuracy potential for the price. The stable laminate stock and heavy barrel are varmint-specific features you usually pay extra for. The Remington 700 action is a proven, massively customizable platform. The .22-250 is a supremely effective long-range varmint cartridge.
Cons: At nearly 10 pounds, it’s not a lightweight walking rifle. The blued finish requires maintenance to prevent rust. Ammunition cost is higher than common .223 rifles. As with any firearm purchase, an FFL transfer is required.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is for the shooter who has outgrown their sporter-barreled .223 and wants to reach further with more authority, but isn’t ready to spend $1,500+ on a custom varminter. It’s ideal for the Missouri farmer needing dependable coyote control, the weekend prairie dog shooter who values shot-to-shot consistency, or the handloader looking for a solid platform to develop accurate loads. It’s a workhorse, not a showpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle ready to shoot, or do I need to bed the action?
A: The VLS comes with a solid, laminated stock that provides good, consistent support. For most shooters using factory ammo, it will shoot very well fits out of the box. For ultimate precision, some choose to have the action glass-bedded, but it’s not a necessity to start hitting targets.
Q: How does the .22-250 compare to a .223 for varmints?
A: The .22-250 offers significantly higher velocity—often 400-500 fps more. This translates to a flatter trajectory, less wind drift, and more dramatic impact on small game. The tradeoff is more barrel heat, more muzzle blast, and higher ammo cost.
Q: Can I use a standard Remington 700 scope base?
A: Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped, and it accepts standard Remington 700 scope bases and rings. Popular one-piece bases from brands like EGW or Warne are a great, affordable choice to mount your optic solidly.
If you’re seeking a dedicated, accurate varmint rifle that delivers serious bang-for-your-buck without cutting corners on the essential features, the Remington 700 VLS in .22-250 deserves a close look. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full details on our site.
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