If you’re looking to ring steel at 50 yards or stack dimes on paper, the Keystone 722 Varmint .22 LR 20″ Bull Barrel Thumbhole is the bolt-action rimfire you’ve been waiting for. This rifle pairs a heavy 20-inch bull barrel with a comfortable thumbhole stock, giving you the stability and precision needed for serious smallbore work right out of the box.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Keystone Sporting Arms |
| Model | 722 Varmint |
| Material | American walnut laminate stock / blued steel |
| Compatibility | .22 LR ammunition |
| Finish | Blued |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 20″ Bull Barrel – The heavy-profile barrel soaks up heat and vibration, keeping your shots consistent even after a long string of fire. That means tighter groups at the range and less poi shift when you’re plinking.
- Thumbhole Laminate Stock – The ergonomic thumbhole design locks your hand into a natural, repeatable position. Why it matters: better trigger control and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver – No gunsmith needed to mount your favorite scope. Why it matters: you can go from box to optic-ready rifle in minutes, saving time and money.
- 1-in-16″ Twist Rate – Optimized for standard-velocity .22 LR rounds. Why it matters: you get reliable stabilization with bulk-pack ammo, which is exactly what most recreational shooters use.
- Blued Finish – Classic corrosion protection that holds up to range trips and field use. Why it matters: less maintenance, more shooting.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for recreational shooters and first-time buyers who want a no-nonsense bolt-action .22 LR for target practice, small-game hunting, or learning fundamentals. If you’re tired of flimsy stocks and skinny barrels that walk after five shots, the 722 Varmint gives you a solid platform to grow your skills.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: The bull barrel delivers sub-moa accuracy with match ammo, which is rare at this price point.
- Pro: Thumbhole stock feels like it was made for your hand – reduces flinch and improves consistency.
- Con: The rifle is on the heavier side (around 7.5 lbs) compared to a traditional sporter .22, so it’s less ideal for all-day carry in the field.
Comparison
| Feature | Keystone 722 Varmint | Savage Mark II FV-SR | Ruger 10/22 Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 20″ bull, blued | 16.5″ heavy, threaded | 20″ bull, stainless |
| Action | Bolt action | Bolt action | Semi-auto |
| Stock | Thumbhole laminate | Synthetic | Laminate thumbhole |
| Twist Rate | 1:16″ | 1:9″ | 1:16″ |
| Price | $454.15 | $380 (approx) | $550 (approx) |
FAQ
What kind of scope mounts do I need for the Keystone 722 Varmint?
The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard .22 scope bases (typically 3/8″ dovetail or weaver-style). You can use any rimfire rings or a one-piece base. I’d recommend a set of low-profile rings to keep the optic close to the bore.
Can I shoot high-velocity .22 LR ammo in this rifle?
Yes, the 1:16″ twist handles standard and high-velocity .22 LR rounds just fine. Stick with standard velocity for the best accuracy, but high-velocity works for plinking or small game without issues.
Is the thumbhole stock comfortable for left-handed shooters?
The stock is ambidextrous in shape, but the bolt is on the right side. If you’re a lefty, you can still shoot it comfortably, but you’ll need to break your cheek weld to cycle the bolt. It’s doable, not ideal.
Does the barrel come threaded for a suppressor?
No, the 20″ bull barrel is not threaded. If you want to run a can, you’ll need to have a gunsmith thread it (usually 1/2×28). The heavy profile gives you plenty of meat for threading.
How does the trigger feel out of the box?
The factory trigger breaks around 4-5 lbs with a bit of creep. It’s serviceable for most shooters, but you can adjust the sear engagement or swap in an aftermarket trigger like a Timney for a crisper pull.
Why Buy From Us
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
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Browse more bolt-action options in our Bolt Action Rifles category, or check out Rimfire Rifles and Thumbhole Stock Rifles for similar builds.
Last updated: April 2026
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