It's time...

[std7mag]

At the urging of some here to join them at more matches in my area, (you know who you are! ) i've decided it's time to build a dedicated range rifle.

Goal is mostly informal range, 2-3 F-Open matches, possibly some "ground hog" matches, and a long range steel or 3 matches per year as my time, budget, wife allows.
This is for local fun only, i have no ambitions, false hopes for National level.

Since i already have the reamer, gages, dies for 7mm-08AI, and some load data from previous, that is my first pick.

Thinking Savage Axis action (if you have one for sale, call out!), and a 28" (30"?) heavy barrel.
EGW 20 MOA one piece base.
Warne steel rings (low).
Sightron STAC 4-20X50 MOA scope. (Already have)
Open on stocks. Possible budget of $200.

Open to ideas, opinions, advice.
But yeah, i'm pretty set on a Savage action.

Thanks!

Std7mag

 

[dthomas]

for a cheap stock look at the pro varmint from boyds. Bed it and make a front bag rider and you would be set.

 

[std7mag]

It's on my short list.
I was also told of a Choate Varmint on sale for $212.

May jump on one for my wife's Savage 110FP.

 

[rsmithsr50]

my limited experience is the savage has limited bedding surface.
this is not a quality issue, just the stock has no material because of the action design.
i have played with them, upgraded them shot them, the weak point means no more attempts, been there dome that and it sucks.
get a 700 short action used and you are much better off.

 

[Dub]

my limited experience is the savage has limited bedding surface.
this is not a quality issue, just the stock has no material because of the action design.
i have played with them, upgraded them shot them, the weak point means no more attempts, been there dome that and it sucks.
get a 700 short action used and you are much better off.

very much agree with rsmithsr50 on this

 

[Terry]

Buy a used Benchrest rifle. I have helped 5 guys by one in the past two years. All got a good value.

 

[rsmithsr50]

well for some unknown reason he wants 7-08. not a benchrest, nor competition round, but he has stuff. so a used br rifle is not on his list.
so he picks '08, but to add to the troubles by using a savage is just asking for bottom of the list finishes.

 

[std7mag]

Alas, as i mentioned previously, i'm somewhat financially challenged. I can buy an action this month. Stock possibly next month, trigger in another month or so, barrel 2 months later.

In other words i probably won't get it built till the winter, or early next year.

Also, again, i'm not looking for National level. Fun, learning, bonding, local matches.

 

[gman47564]

I've only shot in 2 local matches.. one had 43 competitors the other had 38... I finished second in the first one behind a guy shooting a custom 300 win mag.. I was shooting a savage 6mm creedmoor with a shilen barrel... the other match I finished 3rd in with a savage 6.5x284 with a shilen barrel.... a savage may not be competitive at the national level but it can be at the local level...

 

[1CTShooter]

"trend was on full display earlier this month when Scottish benchrest shooter David Sharp (yes, his real name) posted a 3.090-inch 1000-yard group using a Savage Model 12 F-TR barreled action chambered in .308 WIN, according to a report from AccurateShooter.com. That group set the UK record in the Factory Sporter Class, and his aggregate for all four five-shot groups (6.756 inches) also beat the previous 1000-yard UK record in that class."
https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/scottish-benchrest-shooter
I'll take a stock rifle that "sucks" like that any day

 

[std7mag]

Sorry if i sounded rude in my previous post.
Trying to post and do "yes Dear" to my wife with a bad back.

I'm going with 7mm-08 AI, and a Savage action. I already have stuff for both.
Mostly bolt pieces for the action, and a ground square lug, nuts.

Not saying your not accurate with a Rem action, or that i couldn't be, just that i prefer Savage.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Invest a little more in the project ? say in the Action , when your tired of it you will get more back ?

Buy a Walmart 700 Rem . Part it out , keep the Action , add good Trigger Barrel ?

There are more Stock Deals for 700’s
Stocky,s

 

[rsmithsr50]

that is a $1600 "factory" rifle, not a $300 axis
stay in context

"trend was on full display earlier this month when Scottish benchrest shooter David Sharp (yes, his real name) posted a 3.090-inch 1000-yard group using a Savage Model 12 F-TR barreled action chambered in .308 WIN, according to a report from AccurateShooter.com. That group set the UK record in the Factory Sporter Class, and his aggregate for all four five-shot groups (6.756 inches) also beat the previous 1000-yard UK record in that class."
https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/scottish-benchrest-shooter
I'll take a stock rifle that "sucks" like that any day

 

[Dgd6mm]

Buy an ARC Nucleus, then go from there. It will cost more for the action up front, but it's a 700 clone.

 

[1CTShooter]

Stock Savage still beat the Remington
In the end it's the person that pulls the trigger that matters. Shoot what you like and are happy with. I shoot a Savage because I like it and it does what I want it too, not because I think something else "sucks".

And.... the OP said he wants a Savage. I'm sorry you have had a bad experience with Savage, my experience has been quite the opposite.

 

[500yards]

The topic of this thread scared me a little the first time i saw it.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I own like a dozen Savage's and probably have sold a dozen.
I had a Savage Axis. Hope you find what you're looking for.

 

[std7mag]

Well, i'm finding that even used Axis rifles are fairly scarce in my neck of the woods.
I'm to page 156 in the classifieds on this site. Lol

 

[Dgd6mm]

I know you're looking for an Axis action but last year Natan from Muzzle Brakes and More had reapter Savage actions for $235.00 shipped to your FFL. He may still have some. IdahoCTD is his screen name. If available that should fit in any builder's budget.

 

[std7mag]

I've messaged IdahoCTD several times, and have yet to hear back.

Friend of mine is trying to talk me into 7mm SAUM.

Tempting! Lol