20Practical_First build

[DeadWoodDan]

The 20 Practical has always intrigued me and since I have a life time ( I hope ) of brass already, thought it would be a nice caliber to add to my already AR-15 RRA bench build and Howa 1500 bolt gun in .223. Have limited if any "gunsmithing" experience. I assembled my lower on the AR so that would be what I would call the extent of experience. I like the idea of the Savage switch barrels even though I am the type that would set it and forget it. Seems like Savages may be friendlier than the Rem. 700's for the do it your self guy? Currently have a Sav.M12 FT/R in .308 and M11 in .22-250 ( light weight woods gun), but no Remington's.

Looking at Northland Shooters Supply actions and would like everyone's thought process on different actions and why? Little overwhelmed with the choices and trying to make a decision based on my needs...bench & varmint shooting.

Have been shopping for used Savages thinking of robbing the action and scrapping the barrel. Wasn't sure if the actions sold by NSS are superior than the factory models?

I realize I could buy/build an upper for the AR, but believe I would like the bolt gun better. And for the cost it's about the same.

Looked into having a gunsmith build, no offense to them, think I'm capable of learning and putting together one for myself and saving for optics.

Just need to bounce some ideas off everyone before I make a decision. AND make sure I am looking at this correctly.

Thanks
DWD

 

[Ledd Slinger]

If you just want something simple where you can avoid the need for a gunsmith and tinker with yourself in the garage with hand tools, a savage with a prefit barrel will work. Accurate, but Savage triggers are junk. Even the aftermarket triggers for them are no good in my opinion.

For your wants and needs, I would suggest you do a 'Rem-age'. It's a Remington 700 with a savage style barrel. Has a barrel nut, can buy them prefit, and you can change and headspace the barrels out the same as a Salvage rifle. Big difference is you get the added benefits of the largest selection of aftermarket parts for any bolt action rifle ever made. Best stocks, best triggers, etc...

 

[Terry]

I own several Savage rifles including a 20 Practical with a barrel I purchased from Northland. All work well and shoot 1/2 MOA or better. The AccuTrigger and Rifle Basics triggers work well.

 

[hogpatrol]

A lot can be arrived at considering a budget and your mission. A few weeks back, Cabela's was selling Savages so cheap you could save the action and throw the rest in the scrap can, I believe the bottom line after rebate wa $219. Having said that, Savage is probably the cheapest way to go but I would be selective on where you buy the pre-fit. Now if you have a thousand or so to play with, Remington or clone would be another option.

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

I would highly recommend the Savage Precision Target actions, which can be purchased from Northland or Gunbroker whichever you prefer. These actions are single shot but they make a great starting point for a build. The factory target accutrigger that comes in them is good and you can upgrade to the Rifle basix SAV2 trigger if you want to go lighter.

 

[DeadWoodDan]

Regarding the Sav. LP/RP/DP options it seems this is just personal preference. Can anyone think of a reason why a bench shooter would prefer one over the other?

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

Personal preference, I use the RBLP for most of my builds

 

[DeadWoodDan]

Looking at all options and curious how much difference there might be between the action on a Sav. FV ( i am assuming this is just a varmint action?) and the S.S. target actions offered by savage? Understand the target is a singe feed resulting in more metal/stronger action.
Thanks

 

[Bully]

I second the “Rem-Age” option. Mainly because I’m a 2-stage trigger guy and there are no 2 stage triggers for Savage.
You can buy a single shot R700 for about 400 and have your pick of top shelf components. Barrels from Northland are awesome, ship quickly, and are accurate enough for most.
Good luck.

 

[jds holler]

I built a sweet little rifle with the Remage system on a barrel from PacNor. Did it with .20 cal in the 20-222 cartridge. It was easy as falling off a log, and everything went really well. I went with a fairly heavy barrel at 26 inches, and I'm probably gonna do another on the same cartridge with a lighter and shorter barrel for a more packable coyote calling gun.

I had the advantage of already owning the 700 short action, and all my 222 reloading stuff, which I still use for this cartridge. And I still have three different stocks that I can use for a different barrel.

I've been shooting it for about a year now, and there haven't been a half dozen groups larger than an inch. Most are around .5", and I've got a few in the .2's. I know this doesn't sound so hot to a lot of shooters here, but my loading techniques and bench rest set-up are pretty casual. And frankly, I haven't done a lot of load work-up trying more combinations.

There's only a smidge of a difference between my cartridge and the one you're thinking of, and I'd recommend either. I'm a bolt gun guy, and like this rifle on that platform. Bet you will too. jd