In the Remington line-up, for varmints, I think I would go for something like the Model 700 VLS (Varmint Laminated Stock). I think it is still in their catalog. Mine in .308 is excellent, but a bit much for varmints. I also had one in .22-250, a great varmint cartridge, but traded it away some time back. You won't necessarily sacrifice that much in accuracy or velocity, but I don't think the tactical type rifle is best for varmints, unless you are a walking kind of varmit blaster. The VLS, with heavy barrel and dense laminated stock has better weight for varmint shooting from a rest, and you have a choice of great varmint cartridges. There are similar choices in other brand lines, of course.