Browning T-bolt Sporter vs Varmints - Opinions wanted

[Scott Bear]

Has anyone ever owned both or held the Sporter? I'm wondering if the barrel is too thin and would heat up fast or just too light to tame recoil? Would the varmint be too heavy to carry around?

Any experience would be appreciated.

 

[MilitaryCollectorMark]

My Dad has a 17 hmr varmit. Doesn't seem to be to heavy. The stock would be more suited for resting on a sandbag.

 

[Smallgamefanatic]

If you want to shoot a lot go with the varmint.
If you want to walk a lot, go with the sporter wich is really ligth.

 

[Smallgamefanatic]

They are both crazy accurate.

 

[Can-down]

I've got an old model with the long thin barrel, If I was buying the new model, I'd probably go for a shorter 16" barrel which I believe only come in the heavier barrel profile.

I almost pulled the trigger on a 16"er on the EE last year, it was a zombie model or something like that with a funky coloured plastic stock with mag storage for a second mag in the butt.

Looks like this is the only short barrel model offered currently, 6lbs,2oz

 

[Smallgamefanatic]

Heheh exactly the one i own... zombie stock short heavy sporter barrel, litgh and crazy Accurate. My .17 hmr is exactly the pictue you shared Can-Down.

 

[Smallgamefanatic]

https://www.browning.com/products/f...d/t-bolt-varmint-reaper-suppressor-ready.html

 

[Can-down]

That's it, the "Reaper"....

 

[Smallgamefanatic]

An awesome small game rifle.

 

[Scott Bear]

I found a varmint for a good price so I went for it.

 

[Smallgamefanatic]

Congrats, eccellent choice. Where did you buy it?

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

Has anyone ever owned both or held the Sporter? I'm wondering if the barrel is too thin and would heat up fast or just too light to tame recoil? Would the varmint be too heavy to carry around?

Any experience would be appreciated.

Ah yes. The massive and punishing recoil of a .22LR. Is it as bad as an AR15 as described by a journalist?

 

[cantgetright]

I found a varmint for a good price so I went for it.

Good choice. I use the varmint and buddy uses the sporter, both in HMR. They are both accurate, light and will heat the barrel with rapid shooting. Be sensible when shooting and get the one you like.