Volquartsen Firearms VT2 Takedown, the ideal “backpack rifle” in .22 WMR and .17 HMR

“No tools, no twisting, no tightening. We wanted to build a takedown rifle like no other on the market. One that is modular and adaptable to the preferences of the shooter." 

This is how Kolby Pavlock, responsible for product development at Volquartsen Firearms, explains the genesis of the new Volquartsen VT2 Takedown rifle. Chambered in .22 WMR and .17 HMR, the VT2 Takedown rifle – a .22 LR version will also be offered – is intended for small game/varmint hunting and in particular for overlanders or survivalists. It can in fact be stowed away or tucked into a backpack for quick accessibility. 

Takedown is quite easy: by simply depressing a button and pulling down the locking lever, the VT2  barrel slides effortlessly out of the receiver. For reassembly, simply slide the barrel back into the receiver, push the locking lever back up into position – the video below shows how to proceed. Nice and done. Moreover, barrels can be swapped to easily switch between the .22 WMR and .17 HMR calibers. 

According to the manufacturer, the unique design and exacting tolerances of the Volquartsen VT2 Takedown rifle  combine to ensure that “the point of impact remains fixed even after removing and reinstalling the barrel. No matter how it's stored, the VT2 is built to be on target.” 

Video: Volquartsen VT2 Takedown rifle

Volquartsen VT2 technical features

Technically speaking, the VT2 is a semi-automatic rifle available in both 6” and 12” handguard lengths. Both handguards feature M-LOK slots so you allowing the mounting of accessories, including bi-pods. It has a  0 MOA integral Picatinny rail on the top of the aluminum receiver and Magpul MOE-K Grip & MOE Milspec collapsible stock. The lightweight barrel  is 16.5" long, topped off with a 2” forward blow compensator that helps with both muzzle rise and noise control by directing the noise towards the muzzle end of the firearm rather than back towards the shooter thanks to precision machined ports that are angled in a forward direction. An aluminum thread protector is included. (All aluminum parts are black anodized.) Trigger group is a TG2000, CNC-machined from aluminum billet and with 2.5 lb. trigger pull. Pretravel and overtravel can be adjusted. The VT2 is fed by a Ruger 10/22 rotary magazine with a capacity of 9 rounds in .17 HMR and 10 rounds in .22 WMR.

Prices for the Volquartsen VT2 Takedown rifle is $2,352 for both the .22 WMR and .17 HMR versions (no price difference between long and short hanguard). 

Volquartsen VT2 Takedown rifle specs and price