Nosler Varmageddon Rifle Package

by
posted on July 24, 2013
NoslerVarmegeddon_F.jpg

Premium bullet and ammunition maker Nosler has teamed up with rifle manufacturer Noveske to produce the Varmageddon-a custom-designed AR available as a stand-alone rifle or as a package complete with signature Leupold scope. The latter is evaluated here.

The direct-gas-impingement, semi-automatic, magazine-fed Varmageddon has a variety of precision features. For example, the 18-inch, stainless-steel Noveske barrel has a 1:8-inch twist rate, which provides greater stability to a wide range of bullet weights. It features a bead-blasted matte finish and is chambered in 5.56x45 mm NATO with extended M4-style feed ramps at the rear of its extension.

The gas system is intermediate in length, with a gas tube that is 1.5-inch shorter than a standard-length gas tube. The low-profile gas block has been pinned onto the medium contour barrel. The front of the barrel has standard 1/2-inch×28 threads for installation of a muzzle break, flash hider or sound suppressor and includes a standard thread protector. Additionally, the 13½-inch Noveske NSR handguard ensures the barrel is free-floating for shot-to-shot consistency, thereby resulting in improved accuracy.

The thin and ultra-light NSR has an uninterrupted, full-length M1913 Picatinny rail on top, and the KeyMod Modular Direct Attachment System-jointly developed by Noveske and VLTOR-provides an easy and secure interface for installing additional rail sections on the handguard. It is secured to the upper receiver with a steel barrel nut.

The Modular Upper Receiver (MUR), is manufactured by VLTOR from a 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum forging and has noticeably thicker sidewalls that create a more stable and rigid platform for improved accuracy and durability. It also features an anti-rotation handguard interface.

The Noveske forged lower receiver features a mil-spec buffer tube and standard AR controls with the exception of the Noveske Short Throw Safety (STS) selector, which affords a 60 degree rotation from the safe to fire position rather than the standard 90-degree rotation of a conventional AR. It features stainless-steel construction with ambidextrous Magpul polymer SSG levers for smooth operation and user comfort.

Internally, the Nosler Varmageddon features a bolt carrier that provides greater weight for more secure lockup. The bolt has been shot-peened and magnetic-particle-inspected. The former provides compressive stress to the bolt surface, increasing metal fatigue resistance. Magnetic particle (MP) testing uses a magnetic field to detect any imperfections in the surface or subsurface of the part.

As befitting a precision rifle, the Varmageddon also features a precision trigger, in this case the Geissele Super Dynamic-Enhanced. The blade of the two-stage unit has a flat surface that provides outstanding feel and a crisp 4-pound pull with zero creep or overtravel. The BCM GUNFIGHTER charging handle makes one-handed operation of the action a simple affair and provides convenient and easy access to the charging handle with a mounted optic. Aluminum folding backup iron sights from Troy Industries are standard.

Instead of the standard grip, Nosler has added the Magpul MOE version that features better ergonomics, improved comfort and internal storage space for spare parts or batteries. The Magpul PRS (Precision Rifle/Sniper) stock is also a distinct upgrade that befits a true varmint rifle. The rifle-length stock does not collapse but does feature machined aluminum adjustment knobs that solidly maintain position under recoil and can extend length of pull by 1 inch and raise the comb height by up to ¾ inch.

The complete rifle package tested here also includes a signature Leupold VX3 LR Varmageddon branded 4.5-14x50 mm scope with a pre-calibrated Custom Dial System (CDS) matched to Nosler’s Varmageddon .223 Rem. 55-grain flat-base soft-point ammunition.

On the range the Varmageddon rifle package performed as expected with no malfunctions and, despite its almost 10-pound unloaded weight, it was well balanced and handled easily. In testing for accuracy at 100 yards from a sandbag rest the rifle showed its sub-m.o.a. potential with a variety of premium ammunition.

Fit and finish of the rifle were outstanding, and custom logos abound including the Varmageddon branding on the Leupold scope and on the right side of the lower receiver. Many extras, such as a soft-sided rifle case, a Harris bipod, 20- and 30-round Magpul PMAGs and 40 rounds of Varmageddon .223 Rem 55-grain Tipped ammunition, are included in the package.

For more than half a century Nosler has been perfecting bullets and ammunition designed for extreme accuracy and terminal ballistics. The Varmageddon represents the next step and establishes a perfect collaboration that delivers excellent out-of-the-box performance.

Manufacturer: Nosler, Inc.; (800) 285-3701; varmageddon.com

Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO (.223 Rem.)

Action Type: direct-gas-impingement, semi-automatic center-fire rifle

Receiver: 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum

Barrel: 18" stainless steel

Rifling: three-groove, 1:8" RH twist

Magazine: 20- and 30-round detachable box

Sights: M1913 Picatinny Rail, MBUIS rear/front, Leupold VX3 Scope

Trigger: two-stage; 4-lb., 1.2-oz. pull

Stock: black polymer Magpul: length of pull, 131⁄2"; drop at heel, 13⁄4"; drop at comb, 13⁄4"

Overall Length: 36.25"

Weight: 9 lbs. 14.2 ozs.

Accessories: extra magazine, bipod, case, sling, manual, two boxes ammunition

Suggested Retail Price: $2,295 (rifle only); $3,195 (as tested)

Latest

Rossi Brawler 01
Rossi Brawler 01

New For 2025: Rossi Brawler In 5.56 NATO & .300 Blackout

Building on the .45 Colt/.410 bore Brawler introduced in 2024, Rossi USA is expanding its line of break-action handguns to include chamberings in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout.

Preview: Winchester Supreme W20-60X 80 mm Spotting Scope

Sure, the skilled use of your firearm is vital to the success of any big-game hunting adventure, but you’ll first need to find your quarry, and Winchester’s new Supreme line of optics includes a pair of reasonably priced spotting scopes that can help put you on the trail of your target animal.

Gun Of The Week: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and this time, we’re checking out a revolver fit for all the private eye wannabes and film noir fans out there. This is the Roscoe from Heritage Manufacturing.

The Armed Citizen® May 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Nazi Germany's Last-Ditch SMGs Of World War II

As the war in Western Europe began reaching its inevitable conclusion, German efforts to expedite arms production led to some of the most unusual submachine guns in its arsenal.

New Optics For 2025

For 2025, your American Rifleman staff engaged with the latest optic products available for the year, with a few of the most interesting noted here.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.