Building my own Savage?

[Varminterror]

I've built a few AR-15's (not that it's difficult), but I'm considering building my own bolt rifle, probably starting around a Savage action. I'd be open to some other actions, but I've had a lot of luck with the Savage factory rifles, and I like the Savage design for changing out barrels and bolt heads.

So please forgive my ignorance, but is it realistic to think I could accomplish this on my own? I wouldn't mind buying a few tools here and there, but I don't want it to turn into a $40,000 rifle just because I'd need that level of tools to pull it off (well, I probably wouldn't complain about it, but I know the wife sure would!).

I was considering a Savage target dual port, 6.5x.284Norma, either a Krieger or Shilen tube, and either a fiberglass Shehane Tracker, or a McMillan Edge...

So what am I getting myself into? It seems like a pretty cut and dried build-up as far as tools/equip I'll need, but I'm fully aware that I'm probably not going to hit the nail on the head the first time I swing the hammer. I'm hoping to start learning the ropes, so I really just want to be sure that I'm at least going to be able to assemble the rifle, whether it's competition worthy or not.

Am I way off base, or will this be possible without massive amounts of hands on help?

 

[jonbearman]

If you can build an ar-15,this is easier yet with a barrel nut wrench and a way to hold the reciever and at least a go gage. You will need a couple small hand tools and that is about it.

 

[fullersson]

http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/savage-action-screw-torque-tuning/

It's isn't much to it. The article above will help you alot once you have the rifle built. Sounds like you pretty much know how to do it so I won't bore you with the details. If you need any specific help let us know and we will be glad to help you. Good shooting, Brian.

P.S. I think I have a pretty good source for those Savage Actions. If you don't have one yet let me know and I will see about getting you a price on one. If you can wait a couple of weeks I will have my FFL and I know I can get you one then. It can be frustrating having to depend on others.

 

[Pyscodog]

If you built an AR, a Savage will be "almost boring". If you get a pre threaded barrel, its a piece o cake! Have fun.

 

[Rock Knocker]

I just went through this a couple months ago, and everything went great.

I was going for a 6.5x284 but after calling Jim Briggs of Northland Shooter Supply he talked me into a 260AI and im glad i went with it.

Give Jim a call hes great to deal with and has whatever you need. After i decided to go with him i found out i lived 3 miles away from him.

Ive got agreat savage target rifle now and it couldnt have been easier.

 

[Thorbird]

I have put together about 8 builds using Savage actions. I have used custom barrels and factory barrels. They all have been shooters, and the are pretty easy to tweek and fine tune in order to bring them into to really being shooters if they are not at first, but I haven't had that problem. It all comes down to your choice of barrel. I haven't found a factory barrel that did not shoot to suit its purpose, either hunting or target, but you don't know for sure what you'll get. I have built using Shilen and Kreiger, and have a Brux on order. These have been exceptional shooters, including a factory model 12 SS .204 Ruger barrel that shoots in the .2's with 39 grain SMKs. Haven't tried Bergers yet, no need. If these builds don't shoot .3, or better, they get taken apart, and I am not really happy with even .3. Word of warning, it is addictive building off the Savage action. Got most of my info. from Savageshooters.com

 

[Forester]

Get a $12 subscription to Savage Shooters forum, there is a wealth of info there and Jim Briggs (Northlander) is a great source for Actions and Shilen Barrels. I would say the average level of precision shooting and reloading knowledge is much higher here, but Savage Shooters is hard to beat for parts specific questions.

Tools are pretty minimal, a barrel vise or action wrench, and a barrel nut wrench and you are good to go. Personally I have both an action wrench and barrel vise but tend to use the barrel vise more often especially for re-assembly. The action wrench makes me nervous on a freshly re-finished gun. The action wrench comes in good for breaking down factory guns because the nuts on them can be a little tough to get loose. I think bluing salts get trapped in the threads and seize them up some.

Don't forget a new recoil lug, I am partial to Northlander's, but there is nothing wrong with Kevin Rayhill or Sharp Shooter Supply's version either.

 

[Matt Pitchon]

I've built both Ar's and a custom Savage Palma rifle. The Palma rifle has a Shilen drop in barrel and a McGee stock.

The difference between the AR build and the Savage is the need for bedding and stock finishing. Neither are hard, but they are a different skill than the AR. The AR is bolt together. It is easy to make a good shooting AR.

My Savage Palma gun is an absolute tack driver. However, there is substantial work that is time consuming and requires care. Pillar bedding and glass are not turn the wrench operations. To get a good finish on the stock requires sanding, and sanding, and more sanding. If patience were ever a virtue, it would be in these operations. The good news is if you screw it up, it can usually be fixed by either sanding off the offending finish or re-glassing the bedding. The only thing that is hard to fix is pillars that don't line up.

If you enjoy this type of work (as I do), its a great project.

As others have said, fitting the barrel is trivially easy. The Target Action trigger is great out of the box. If you take a few coils out of the 'blade' it even better. Do not remove the blade as the sear engagement is minimal (a good thing). Overall, I very happy with the gun and the project. My gun can shoot as well as custom Palma guns costing twice as much. If I drop points, it has nothing to do with the gun.

Have fun.

 

[elginrunner]

Not to hijack this thread, but Where can factory savage bbls be obtained?? My 112BVSS is due for a new one...

 

[SomeFool]

The easyest and quickest would be an unfired factory takeoff from Northland Shooting Supply or an individual in classifieds. I have been told that ER Shaw makes their barrels, but have no way to prove or disprove that. If there is wiggle room in the budjet, look at some of the "drop in" manufacturers, some verry good products there.

 

[memilanuk]

The easyest and quickest would be an unfired factory takeoff from Northland Shooting Supply or an individual in classifieds.

Yep.

I have been told that ER Shaw makes their barrels, but have no way to prove or disprove that.

They make their own barrels. During a factory tour in 2009, we saw large stacks of barrel steel, watched them rifling and chambering the barrels. FWIW, they were *also* making SIG .22LR barrels at that time...