CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter .22-250 Rem 20″ 10+1
About this product
What is the CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter .22-250 Rem 20″ 10+1? It's a purpose-built, bolt-action varmint rifle designed for repeatable, sub-MOA precision and fast follow-up shots, featuring a heavy-contour 20-inch threaded barrel, an adjustable synthetic stock, and a 10+1 capacity. This rifle is engineered to bridge the gap between economical production models and custom-built dedicated varmint platforms. From my range testing, its core appeal is the combination of factory-ready precision and suppressor-ready features that save the shooter from immediate aftermarket gunsmithing costs.
What is the CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter used for?
The CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter's primary application is long-range, precise varmint and predator control, typically against targets like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes. It's chambered in the flat-shooting .22-250 Remington, a cartridge capable of velocities exceeding 3,800 FPS with 55-grain loads, allowing for extremely flat trajectories out to 400 yards with minimal holdover. The rifle's 20 MOA Picatinny rail is specifically designed for mounting high-magnification optics or ballistic software-capable scopes, pushing its effective ethical range well past 500 yards in capable hands without requiring immediate aftermarket parts like our Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
How does the CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The CVA Cascade is a superior platform for dedicated, rapid-fire precision work, while the Stevens 334 is a better general-purpose hunting rifle. The key difference is in the action bedding and stock: the Cascade's rigid, adjustable synthetic stock provides a more stable, repeatable platform for a heavy barrel, especially during extended shooting strings where barrel heat is a factor. Comparatively, the Stevens 334's standard synthetic stock offers less modularity, making it a more economical choice for occasional hunting but less ideal for high-volume bench or prairie dog shooting sessions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The factory-listed weight is 8.70 lbs (approximately 3.95 kg) without optics, suppressor, or bipod; with a typical 4-16x scope, bipod, and a 10-ounce muzzle brake, expect a total field-ready weight closer to 10.75 lbs. The overall length from the butt pad to the muzzle threads is exactly 39.5 inches, making it 4.75 inches shorter than a standard 24-inch varmint barrel configuration. This 20-inch barrel length is a deliberate choice, balancing velocity retention for the .22-250 with improved handling and reduced overall weight for maneuvering in a pickup or from prone positions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the first-time shooter, the budget-conscious hunter seeking a single do-everything rifle, or someone averse to the sharp report and barrel wear of a high-velocity cartridge. The .22-250 Remington is notorious for throat erosion; expect significant accuracy degradation after approximately 1,500 rounds of full-power loads, necessitating re-barreling. Additionally, at 8.70 lbs bare, it's over 2 lbs heavier than most lightweight hunting rifles, making it cumbersome for all-day spot-and-stalk hunting in steep terrain where ounces matter more than pure benchrest stability.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action, the fully assembled adjustable synthetic stock, one 10-round AICS-pattern detachable box magazine, a factory-installed 20 MOA Picatinny rail, and the necessary Allen wrenches for comb height and length-of-pull adjustments. Notably absent is a thread protector for the 5/8x24 muzzle threads; you will need to purchase a muzzle device or thread protector separately if you do not immediately mount a suppressor or brake. The trigger adjustment tool is also included, allowing pull weight reduction from the factory setting of approximately 3.5 lbs down to a crisp 2.5 lbs.
Is the CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter worth it at $882.99?
Yes, at $882.99, it represents strong value for a shooter who understands its specific role and is prepared for the operational costs of the .22-250 cartridge. You are paying for features that would cost hundreds more to add to a base model: a threaded heavy barrel (~$150+ gunsmithing), an adjustable stock with a rigid bedding system (~$250+), and a 20 MOA rail (~$40). For a dedicated varminter who values shot consistency and plans to use a suppressor, this rifle saves immediate aftermarket investment compared to a more basic platform like the Stevens 334, directing those funds instead toward quality optics and ammunition.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-installed 20 MOA Picatinny rail saves ~$40 and installation time versus adding one later.
- Adjustable synthetic stock with rigid bedding system provides a stable platform typically found on rifles costing $300+ more.
- 5/8x24 threaded 20-inch heavy barrel is suppressor-ready, avoiding a ~$150+ threading service.
- 10+1 capacity via AICS-pattern magazine enables extended shooting strings without frequent reloading.
Trade-offs
- No thread protector included for the muzzle; an immediate $15-$50 purchase is required to protect threads.
- 8.70 lb bare weight is significant; with optics and bipod, it exceeds 10.5 lbs, limiting mobility for some hunting styles.
- The 1:12 twist rate limits projectile selection, potentially struggling to stabilize bullets heavier than 60 grains.
- Cerakote finish on barreled action, while durable, shows machining marks more plainly than a high-polish bluing.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 043125001903 |
| manufacturer | Connecticut Valley Arms / CVA |
| manufacturer part number | CR4052 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22-250 Remington |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Realtree Camo |
| model | Cascade |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the 20-inch heavy-contour barrel features 5/8x24 muzzle threads, which is the standard thread pattern for .30 caliber and many .22 caliber suppressors. You can directly mount most quality suppressor models from companies like SilencerCo, Dead Air, or Rugged without an adapter. Ensure your chosen suppressor is rated for the .22-250 Remington's high pressure and velocity.
- What optics rail is installed?
- The rifle comes from the factory with a 20 MOA Picatinny rail permanently attached. This rail is specifically angled downward 20 minutes of angle, which provides additional internal scope elevation adjustment for long-range shooting, effectively allowing you to zero at 100 yards and still have sufficient upward travel for shots beyond 800 yards without holding over.
- What type of magazines does it use?
- It uses detachable box magazines that follow the AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) pattern. The rifle ships with one 10-round polymer magazine. Aftermarket metal AICS-pattern magazines in 5, 10, or 12-round capacities from manufacturers like Magpul or Accuracy International will also function, providing flexibility for different range rules or hunting regulations.
- Can the trigger pull weight be adjusted?
- Yes, the user-adjustable trigger allows for pull weight modification without disassembly. Using the included hex key, you can adjust the pull from the factory setting of approximately 3.5 pounds down to a minimum of about 2.5 pounds. The adjustment is made via a set screw on the trigger assembly; always function-test the safety and sear engagement after any adjustment.
- What is the rifling twist rate?
- The barrel has a 1:12 twist rate. This is optimized for stabilizing lighter-weight varmint bullets in the .22-250 Remington, typically in the 40 to 55-grain range. It may not adequately stabilize longer, heavier bullets like 60+ grain projectiles designed for the .223 Remington, which is a critical consideration when selecting your ammunition for optimal accuracy.
- Does the stock adjust for length of pull?
- Yes, the synthetic stock includes spacers to adjust the length of pull. By adding or removing the provided rubber spacers between the recoil pad and the stock, you can customize the fit. The comb height is also adjustable via a dial on the side of the stock, allowing you to achieve a consistent cheek weld for different optic mount heights.