How much is my cheap Savage action limiting me—really?

[Hohn]

I bought a pair of 12FV Savages in spring 2018 as potential project rifles-a .223 and a 6.5. For those unfamiliar with this model, it’s a Cabela’s exclusive model: 26” varmint barrel, blind mag in a Tupperware stock. It’s a standard 4.41” space top bolt open top model 12 action.

My particular examples are worse than most savages. They give the impression they are slapped together from parts not good enough for “real” Savages.

One of the two (the 6.5) has been especially bad. The bolt is so sloppy it wore the finish off part of the tang. The chamber had awful tool marks so bad it wouldn’t extract, leaving the brass stippled with chamber marks.

I bought one upgraded stock (GRS) and the two barreled actions share joint custody.

I rebarreled the .223 with a Criterion 7tw for midrange stuff. It’s done as good as 190-5x @600 in ftr, though I shoot off a flimsy bipod with a squeeze bag, and more commonly I’m mid 180s. I need to work on some load development for this barrel.

Now I have a shiny new 6.5 Bartlein blank ready to go and I’m having second thoughts about putting a great barrel on a really sketchy action. Like I should wait until I can get a better action to get the barrel cut.

The plan was to cut it for the Savage and then move it to an action that takes the savage tenon (ARC, bighorn, etc). But I don’t want to burn half this barrel out or more fighting a crap action that will never deliver low SDs and consistent ignition.

How can I rule out action factor like inconsistent firing pin strike as a contributor to poor SD?

My budget is super tight, but I can hold out if it means a lot less frustration.

Another option is just burn this barrel as much as I want, learn from it, then get a custom action for the next barrel.

It was eye opening to me to get behind a buddy’s rifle and punch 16 consecutive Xs in a 200y sling target with a Acurracy Intl .308 shooting 40 year old m80 ball ammo from Malaysia. Crap ammo and the gun refused to shoot over 1 moa. Then I get behind my savage .223 and in the same target I’m struggling to shoot that well with hand loaded 80 ELDs.

This suggested to me that there’s some arrow here, not just Indian.

Is my cheap savage action holding me back to where im wasting time and money putting a premium barrel on?

 

[mattri]

Send it in to Sharp Shooter Supply for a true and time- they will sort any issues it has and you will be good to go with a smooth accurate action.

 

[One Eye Pete]

There is nothing wrong with Savage 12 actions. The only shortcoming of the Savage 12 is the lack of an aftermarket trigger that will reliably work under 6 oz. the Sharpshooter Supply Evolution trigger fit the bill but it is no longer available. Personally I like the Savage target trigger that will go down to about 6 oz but many people don't care for it.
I don't know about the "cabellas" exclusive but I do know that Shillen Savage barrels are a bargain from Northland Shooter Supply and they shoot as good as most cut rifle barrels.
The other thing is that Tupperware stocks and cheap bipods just don't cut it for accuracy. Also the action must be properly bedded into the stock. GRS makes great stocks but to achieve top accuracy the action must be properly bedded to the stock. My buddies Savage 12 low profile varminter had real accuracy problems in the laminated stock until I bedded it for him. It's now a tack driver what a difference a good action to stock fit makes.
Normally Savage actions provide excellent ignition. The only time I ever had a Savage ignition problem was when I was first starting out and had the brilliant idea to use grease on the firing pin. Trust me that doesn't work especially in cold weather.
The action won't hold you back but as with any rifle load development (tuning) is where the accuracy is. Try the Cortina method to find a WIDE node that is forgiving, even if it is at a slower speed rather than push the velocity and end up with a finicky rifle that goes in and out of tune very quickly.

 

[spudgun]

I also have 3 Savage's, 2, model 12 and 1, model 110 that I set up for 600 and 1000 yd shooting.

My first was a used 6.5 CM and started the long range rabbit hole with that 4 years ago.

My first model 12 was bone stock and with my reloading and testing I was able to get 6" groups at 600 yds. After I shot out the barrel I put a Wilson barrel on it. My shooting still was getting better. Then I went full bore, Boyd's AT-one stock, timiney trigger, bedded and pillerd the action.
I'm on my 3rd barrel now (Brux) and it shoots 6.9" groups at 1000 yds.
Then I decided to get a second gun. Again bought a old used Savage 110 in .308. Rebarreld to 6mm CM and changed out the stock, trigger and beaded the action. I'm on my 2nd barrel with it.

Since my modifications moved my gun into Light Gun specs I bought another Used Model 12, 6.5 CM and I am keeping it stock so I can shoot factory gun on 600.

For what I have invested in my guns I can still shoot with the big boys that have $5 - $10K in their guns.

Don't count the Savage actions out. Yes some are sloppy and some have firing pin issues and need have the bolt head bushed, but you didn't spend $1k for the action and more for a barrel.

If your just getting into long range shoot the gun and test you reloads to find the node and Jump for what it likes. You will know when it needs some adjustment as I have found that mine like to shoot dirty (300-400 rounds between cleaning). Checking the chamber for errosion around each 200 rounds will keep you bullet jump where it likes to be.

Savages are so easy to change out the barrel (about 30 mins) and barrels are not going to send you to the bank for a second loan on your home.

pics are 1st model 12 and then progression to my second gun in 6mm CM

 

[Fuj]

I'm currently running two Savage PTA 12's, both with the stock
triggers set to 10 ounces. Having shot these for several years
now, the triggers are a non issue for me. Both are wild cat's
of my own design. All barrels are 30 inch heavy varmints and
shouldered. My SA284 graced me with a 5/8" group at 500
yards and followed up with a 3/4" and one just under an inch
I took this load and rifle to 1000 yard Ridgway and made AAA
first time out with a 22 in pouring rain. Quite a few on here were
at the match. I will admit, to most, these are not a preferred action
for a top bench build, but when set with other good components,
they will hold their own if you do your part.

 

[JEFFPPC]

As it has been said.......It's not the arrow, It's the Indian. I am a believer. However, when competing with high level competition a Savage action leaves you swimming upstream a bit at times. Trigger is a big item, especially if you want to shoot free recoil. Roughness of the bolt can leave you behind when trying to get 5 off on a hurry in a short condition window. I have a Savage based .22br bench gun I put together with a stock,and barrel I won. It shoots bugholes. Do I take it to matches. No, I know I am making winning a bit tougher compared to my Panda based actions. Ok you have the action from a shot out M12 . Now you get some machine work done, buy a trigger that is still inferior and you end up with a rifle that may shoot good but is harder to compete with and is less way less money when you sell it down the road. You must decide how how much money and effort you want to invest. If you just want to shoot and are not real,concerned about always being in the top couple it will work fine. If your competitive and want to be in the upper tier going at it with the Savage action will make it more difficult. My advice is sell what you have and buy a used bench gun built by a real benchrest gunsmith. Learn to shoot the first year, rebarrel it the next year and how far you go with it is up to you. In the 25 years I have been involved I feel there have only been 2 major advancements, better glass and tuners. Good luck , choose what works for you.

 

[slm9s]

Sell them and use the funds to buy a better action/rifle.

Every gun enthusiast goes through a Savage phase. Most outgrow it and move onto better platforms. It sounds like you're ready. (flamesuit on!)

 

[Hohn]

Sell them and use the funds to buy a better action/rifle.

Every gun enthusiast goes through a Savage phase. Most outgrow it and move onto better platforms. It sounds like you're ready. (flamesuit on!)

No flames. It feels like that’s where I’m at.

 

[JEFFPPC]

No flames. It feels like that’s where I’m at.

See, you know the correct answer

 

[Attrum]

Buy a BAT and don’t look back.

 

[mike mccormick]

Send it in to Sharp Shooter Supply for a true and time- they will sort any issues it has and you will be good to go with a smooth accurate action.

Yeah......and get it back in about 4 years

 

[Kracken McGraw]

https://www.bugholes.com/product-p/def-ten-sa-308.htm
If you don’t want to go the used benchrest rifle route, these Defiance actions seem to be a step up from the Savage. They do pop up frequently if you get on the notifications list.

 

[SKWERLZ]

Slap as good of barrel as you want on it.
Yea it not nearly as smooth as a custom action but accuracy wise it’s a non issue for 99.99% of shooters.

 

[Attrum]

Contact Chris Mackey as he has BAT actions in stock in about any flavor you’re looking for.

Or if you want a new full blown 1000 yard BR rig I’m just about finished with a Dasher .266 neck that I’ll be selling here directly.

BAT B dual port RBLPRE, melonited body stainless diamond fluted bolt, Bartlein 28” 4G HV fitted with a Harrell’s Brake, Jewell 1.5 BR trigger, McMillan MBR stock.

 

[3Sigma]

The 12FV is a special breed, not in the same vein as a PTA, nor even a mainstream 10/110. The stock is crap, the triggers are hit and miss, and the barrels and chambers can be good or bad.

That said, I have a 22-250 that is a 0.3 to 0.5 moa gun with 5 shots with regular H380 and 53gr. Vmax. It has a riflebasix set to 1.5 lbs and I put some 1/2" keystock in the forend and bedded the whole thing. It is still in the Tupperware stock. Still shoots well, just copper fouls in 50 rounds.

It was cheap. It wasn't after a good trigger and stock work. I'd rather run a ARC nucleus or bighorn/zermat. All around better, and easy path to upgrade, and can use 700 stocks.

 

[spaniel]

If you are tight on funds, screw on the good barrel, find the best trigger you can, do load development, and have at it. Truth is it's probably wind calls more than anything affecting your scores.

I was a big Savage fan right up until Remage barrels became easy to obtain.

As for sending an action to NSS...the one guy good at Savages...he's also a terrible businessman. Be prepared to write that action off. Given the easy to find horror stories I wouldn't send him anything.

 

[JB10]

I have a 12fv in 223. Its in a stocky stock laminate stock. I got it 2nd hand and its not bedded yet. I was going to but when it produces 1 inch groups at 300 yards with my hand loads i just left it alone for now. I think its a smooth operating action on the one i have. A buddy of mine picked one up 2nd hand a year ago but has yet to put a scope on it to try it out.

 

[Fuj]

Sometimes ya' don't feel the love....LOL

 

[std7mag]

Yeah....
The more JEFFPPC is on me to give up my Savage action and the 250 Savage cartridge, the more i want to do it. Lol

JEFFPPC is usually in the top 3 of the group we shoot with.
But another Jeff was there too with his Stevens 200 action.

Do a good bed job, a trigger, and good glass. I really can't stress doing the action screw tuning enough with the Savage actions!
Then learn to read the wind. (A real problem i have)

 

[drop_point]

Remember, that Savage needs a stock, trigger work, and a barrel. A pig will only wear so much lipstick, and it will still stink.

You're going to spend well north of $1000 (probably more like $1500) on a $300 low-tier action. Its your money, choose wisely.