It more depends on what kind of Varmint you are wanting to hunt. For fox and similar size game i would get a 22 Mag or 17 HMR. I have both and usually pick up the 22 to hunt with. Dont get me wrong the 17 is a great rifle but accuracy is hard to get after 125 yards with 10mph wind. I know wehre my 22 will hit out to 200 yards and has more knockdown power. Either one you pick will bea great gun. Both of mine are Marlins. For larger game i have to recomend a 204 Ruger. I just sighted mine in and it is crazy accurate for an out of the box rifle that cost me $550 for the scope and gun. Here is a pic of 10 shots at 200 yards with my 204.
