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That 1-12 twsit is actually considered a bit slow today. It was the original twist rate, good for standard core/jacket bullets up to 55 grains.
Then the military decided it wanted to go to a longer, penetrating core 62-grainer, and the 1-12 wasn't quite steep enough to stabilize the new bullet. So the new military standard is 1-9.
Civilian versions of the .223 (they are NOT quite the same as the military 5.56) also started out as 1-12, but when the guns started being used in target competition, longer heavier bullets became popular. Again the twist rate got sped up. First it was 1-9, then 1-8 and I've even seen a few that were 1-7" They're shooting 80 grain bullets that look like #2 pencils in some of those things!
Most varmint rigs will be just fine with a 1-12 twist. I find that 50-gr bullets are about optimum as a varminting/fun bullet anyway, and 55s are the most common in "generic" loads.
Don't overlook the Browning Micro Hunter as your rifle. They cost a bit more than the others, but they are sure worth it. My second choice would be a Howa or a Weatherby Vanguard (actually the same gun) for a bit less in both expense and quality but a bit more weight. I do love the new Savage Accu-Trigger, but their guns are a tad bulky.
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