Varner Favorite ?
Another local dealer got in a Varner Favorite falling block rifle. It comes with 2 barrels (22LR and 22 Mag). It has the high grade wood and case coloring, and is in mint condition. I already looked it up in Blue Book, so I know the value, but I'm wondering if anyone has one of these, or can tell me anymore about it than what is in the Blue book. It is in on pawn, so the guy can't sell it for 90 days I think. I told him to give me first chance.
"My faith, my country and my family will guide me; nothing more, nothing less" -Gen. Tommy Franks
"My faith, my country and my family will guide me; nothing more, nothing less" -Gen. Tommy Franks
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I have a few Stevens Lady model .22 and .25RFs. They are some of my favorite rifles (no pun intended) in my collection of single shots. but the favorite action upon which they, like the Varners are based, is inherently weak. If you get it I suggest you stick to the .22LR barrel 0 -
The Varner was built in Atlanta, but went under some years back. They were beautifully built and came with some classy accessories. I recently found that a group in Oak Harbor, WA, is trying to get Varner back on its feet. I think they're starting very slowly and I've not seen any or their work. You can reach them at:
<greg@thehawkenshop.com> or
<greg@daytraco.com> or
1-800-450-71110 -
I own a dandy Varner Favorite with a case-colored,engraved reciever, and an AAA-grade checkered walnut stock. It came in an aluminum presentation case, with a test target, and both peep and open sights. It's a good shooting rifle, accurate to less than an inch at 50-yds., and fun. Its stock is a little short for an adult, but I use a Pachmeyer slip-on rubber recoil pad as a temporary lengthener.
As far as strength goes, the Varner was/is made of modern heat-treated steel, and ought to be fine with any contemporary long rifle load, despite the Stevens Favorite-type action. As a boy, I had an early original Stevens 1894 Model, and pumped thousands of rounds of both regular and high speed long rifles through it. It never complained, and I'm sure its steel was much softer than the Varner's.
Xzec.0 -
As far as strength goes, I was only referring to .22RF Magnum. When Stevens produced the model 417 and 417 1/2 Walnut Hill in .22 Hornet in the late '30s, they thought modern steel would correct the inherent weakness of the Ideal action. They very soon learned they were wrong. The Favorite and the Varner are simply the Ideal action scaled down. 0 -
varner is first rate & you don't come across them that often....the old favorites pins will not hold up headspace to rechamber 22 mag but i have rechambered the savage repro model 71-72-74 without problem...you have to notch the hammer to clear the longer mag case...in 22lr try aguila super max hyper-velocity 30g at 1750 fps, starting range for 22 mag, great small game or plinking 0 -
THis Varner comes with a 22lr and 22mag barrel. They are both factory barrels. I would never try to rechamber one.
"My faith, my country and my family will guide me; nothing more, nothing less" -Gen. Tommy Franks0
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