Mainehunt, the AR-15 (or any of the umpteen variants) make great varmint rifles. It' s just going to depend on how serious you are about it, and whether or not the gun will serve double duty as a target rifle. The basic ar-15 can be bought by several manufactorers for around 800.00. Then you can also find highly refined target/varmint versions with flat tops, bull barrels, target triggers, etc. Those range up anywhere from $1000.00 to 2,000.00 depending on options.

The basic AR will suffice for most people. The .223 is a light recoiling, accurate round and deadly on varmints. It has a maximum effective range of 500 meters with a maximum range of 1100 meters. Accuracy will depend on the individual rifle and how well it' s made.

The higher end rifles, like any, will come with " one hole" accuracy. The difference is in the making of the barrel, fitting of parts, trigger, etc.

One word of caution. ALWAYS use hearing protection. I don' t know if it' s the round itself, the fact it' s a fairly short barrel, or that bolt slamming back into the metal buffer spring in the plastic stock, but they will make your ears ring!!!