Description
The Savage 12 Long Range Varminter 22-250 Single Shot is a purpose-built, heavy-barreled rifle designed for precision varmint and target shooting at extended ranges. It’s a dedicated platform that trades capacity for inherent accuracy, built on a stiff single-shot action and chambered in the flat-shooting .22-250 Remington cartridge. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of handloads through one, and its consistency is what you’re paying for. This isn’t a run-and-gun rifle; it’s a benchrest or prone specialist that demands a methodical shooter.
Key Features
- Stiff, single-shot action for maximum accuracy potential and simplified bedding.
- Heavy, fluted barrel minimizes vibration and dissipates heat during long strings of fire.
- AccuTrigger is user-adjustable for a crisp, clean pull weight.
- AccuStock with aluminum bedding block provides a rigid, stable foundation for the action.
- Chambered in the high-velocity .22-250 Remington, a legendary varmint cartridge.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22-250 Remington |
| Action | Single Shot Bolt Action |
| Barrel | Heavy, Fluted, 26″ |
| Stock | AccuStock with Bedding Block |
| Trigger | Adjustable AccuTrigger |
| Overall Length | 46.5″ |
Let’s talk about that single-shot action. Some folks see it as a limitation, but for the precision work this rifle is meant for, it’s a strength. The action is incredibly rigid, and without a magazine well, the stock-to-action bedding is more consistent. The 26-inch heavy barrel is a beast—it keeps things steady and helps wring out every last bit of velocity from the .22-250. The whole package weighs in around 10.5 pounds, which is a feature, not a bug; that mass soaks up recoil and steadies your aim. The price point of $1300.86 reflects its position as a serious tool, not an entry-level plinker.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the shooter who chases tiny groups on paper or needs to make ethical, long-distance shots on prairie dogs, groundhogs, or coyotes. It’s for the handloader who wants to experiment with seating depth and powder charges without worrying about feeding from a magazine. If your idea of a good time is methodically dialing in a load and shooting sub-MOA at 300+ yards, this is your platform. It’s also a fantastic rifle for introducing someone to precision shooting fundamentals, as the single-shot action forces discipline between rounds.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The accuracy potential is outstanding right out of the box. The AccuTrigger is one of the best factory triggers available. The heavy barrel and stock are stable and effective. The .22-250 chambering offers blistering speed and flat trajectory.
Cons: It’s heavy and long—not a carry rifle. The single-shot action is a deal-breaker for some hunters. You’ll want a robust scope and mount, like those from Vortex or Leupold’s Varmint series, to match its capability. The fluted barrel helps, but after a string of shots, you’ll need to let it cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the single-shot action a major drawback for varmint hunting?
A: It depends on your style. For paced, precision shooting from a stationary position, it’s fine. For rapid fire on a large prairie dog town, a repeater is faster. The trade-off is the theoretical accuracy gain from the stiffer, simpler action.
Q: Can the AccuTrigger be adjusted easily?
A: Yes, and safely. Savage includes a tool and clear instructions. You can lower the pull weight significantly, but I recommend stopping at a safe minimum for field use. No gunsmithing required for this adjustment, which is a huge plus.
Q: What kind of scope base does it use?
A: The Savage 12 Long Range action typically uses a standard Savage flat-back receiver scope mount pattern. Popular two-piece bases or a one-piece Picatinny rail from brands like EGW or Warne will fit out of the box, giving you a solid platform for your optics.
Look, if you need a rifle to walk miles through the woods, this isn’t it. That said, if you want a dedicated, no-compromise instrument for hitting small targets far away, the Savage 12 Varminter makes a compelling argument. Its design choices all serve that one goal. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, requiring an FFL transfer for firearm purchases. If the role fits, it’s a hard tool to beat.
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