Ruger 77/22 VBZ legal for Hunter class?

[rich56]

Just wondering if it is. It has a obviously tapered barrel, conservative classic stock and will make weight with a light scope

[Trent]

It has a obviously tapered barrel, conservative classic stock and will make weight with a light scope

You kind of answered your own question right there. Tapered barrel, makes weight, and classic stock. I don't see how anyone can question that.

[rich56]

I just ask because they call it a varmint rifle.

[BCloninger]

Most rifles called "Varmint" by manufacturers look perfect for Silhouette except for weight. A heavy barrel in a laminate, thumbhole stock is the usual formula, and that makes a beefy rig that's a little nose heavy. Again, ideal, so if your barrel has a noticeable taper, makes weight, and has a traditional (as opposed to thumbhole) stock, then it sounds like a winner!

[Another Dang 9]

I shoot the very same gun and it shoots better than I do. Haven't put it in the "box" yet but it should fit.

[Jason]

Being called a "varmint" barrel doesn't matter at all. In fact, one of the most common starter guns for hunter class smallbore silhouette is the CZ 452 Varmint. That one actually is actually named Varmint and still works great for hunter class.

[pbansen]

Being called a "varmint" barrel doesn't matter at all. In fact, one of the most common starter guns for hunter class smallbore silhouette is the CZ 452 Varmint. That one actually is actually named Varmint and still works great for hunter class.

That's good to know! I have a CZ 452 Varmint and in reading the rules, I figured it wouldn't be allowed in a Hunter class, since they say that "bull" or "varmint" barrels aren't permitted - there must be a maximum diameter or barrel taper component that I'm missing.

[BCloninger]

There is a slight taper to the CZ 452 Varmint barrel, just enough to see, and it's a recognized Hunter class rifle. Just select your scope and rings carefully because weight can become an issue.

[Innocent]

pbansen, no there is not a maxium barrel diameter or taper amount listed in the rules. Nor is there a clear definition in which direction a taper occurs. That being said, with an accurate set of calipers most barrels have some change from one end to another, therefore have a taper. Weight and trigger pull are the two biggest catching points on hunter rifle rules, followed by height of comb, thumbhole stock, depth of forend.
In my day I have seen a Win 52 Bull barrel have the barrel cut short enough to make weight and pass the hunter configuration.
Mary

[pbansen]

Thank you both for your clarifying posts - much appreciated!

Pete

[Jetmugg]

I believe the older NRA rulebook (maybe pre-2006 or so) had language about "Varmint" barrels not being allowed in Hunter class, with no definition of what a "Varmint" barrel was.

Steve