A Name that made me run backwards!

[M14AMU]

SAVAGE! When I was 15 years old I worked all one summer (1955) and made enough money to buy my first M70; paid $124.00 for it. Then in later years, after earning my Distinguished Rifle badge with the M1 and M14 Service Rifles I began to shoot in the NRA Match Rifle class and I opted for the M700 Remington as it was available in a left hand version and since that time my rifle actions have primarily been the two listed above. About 4 years back my son talked me into letting Kevin Rayhill up at Stockade Guns build me up one of his Savage rifles and the photo depicts this rifle. When my son mentioned SAVAGE...I damn nigh broke a leg backing up and made a few comments to him that I can't type here! When I asked him why SAVAGE....Brandon told me "Dad....they're good shooters!" Long story short....I bought one and I must say that this has been the most surprising rifle for accuracy that I've ever had. It's primarily a hunting rifle....with target rifle accuracy! It's in a short action which limits bullet placement within the case but shooting a 150 gr. Nosler BT bullet with 61 grs. H4350 powder...it's absolutely deadly out to 1000 yards. Some folks kinda grin when the name SAVAGE is mentioned or either they walk off saying under their breath "that guy don't know chit or shineola about accurate rifles" and that's understandable! Basically the way I felt at one time but this rifle turned around all that thinking as it's one of the most accurate rifles I've ever fired. So for those folks wanting to get into the game of LR shooting at a minimum of cost, from the experience I've had with this rifle, it'll work! Seems I've read that Savage has an F Class team that has done pretty well in competition also!


SavageRH by Sharps45 2 7/8, on Flickr

 

[spclark]

Yep, your experience is much like that of several hundred other folks these past few years. Today's Savage isn't the same as the Savage from years ago, the current crew's done their homework & it shows on paper, both the kind you shoot at AND the kind you can fold up & use to buy stuff! I know several folks shooting them, a couple making competition accessories for them too so the numbers are there. Great way for someone wanting to get into the game to pick their hardware & come on out.

 

[broncman]

I just bought a 308 FTR and will use it till I can get my Barnard built. Only shot it on two occasions. Have not found my load yet but the biggest group is still under 1 moa for five shots! Looking for the sub .5moa. Believe I found it, waitjng on the weekend.

 

[Hopkins]

Savage has a history of appreciating precision accuracy and supplying it on a budget. Go back 30 years to the 110S which was developed for centerfire silhouette as an affordable choice. For years Savage had a partnership with Anschutz in the U.S.. The Savage Target Action availability represents a support of and cooperation with the precision marksman's community that isn't approached by any of Savage's competitors. It's a shame that they haven't done as good a job on PR as they have on their products.

 

[Larryh128]

Names really don't matter, results do. Fine looking weapon.

 

[gilream]

RMulhern, I'm liking the looks of that portable bench. Is it homemade?

 

[coreydelong]

My Savage F-Class 6.5x284 was a nice entry level F-Class rifle.

The only problem I found was the same as most factory chambered rifles.... the chamber is too large. My brass was over-worked having to neck down from 0.300" to 0.293" to hold any neck tension at all.

 

[M14AMU]

RMulhern, I'm liking the looks of that portable bench. Is it homemade?

Yes sir...homemade it is. Ball hitch so I can pull to any yard line on my range. My own innovation is the sliding top adjustment so I can reposition for my grandkids. ;D The Caldwell front rest as from the factory is too high IMO....so this is my 'improved version' thereof!