Looking at Savage for a paper puncher?

[Supertrucker]

I'd like to get a paper puncher and have started looking at the Savage Target series. I'm not really looking to get into competition at this time, just something to tinker with. Probably go with the Benchrest model, but need help in deciding which caliber-6 Norma BR, 6.5-284 Norma or the .308? Also would like any reviews on these rifles. I'd probably top it with a Leupold Bencrest scope.

Thoughts?

 

[fullersson]

It would depend on what distance you are shooting as to which caliber would suit you best. I would choose the 6 BR and top it with a Nightforce 12x42 BR. Good shooting, Brian.

 

[Josh11]

They are great! I like mine. If there was no custom actions made, or all the stuff for rem actions, I would just be a savage guy. It shoots lights out for a factory. Mine shoots a 2.3 inch group at 600. The avrage is about 3". What style you shooting? (bench, f-class,ect)?

 

[82boy]

You may want to check out www.savageshooters.com web site.

As others have mentioned it depends on what "paper punching" means to you. If you are not looking to shoot 600 to 1000 yards then all of your choices would be ill-fitted. Out of the three I would pick 6BR. The 8 twist 6br will shoot well out to 1000 yards, less recoil, just an all around great round. It would also do well at shorter ranges, but the gun is designed for long range shooting.

The problem with the 12 Benchrest model is for the price they charge for it, you can build a Savage that will have a better barrel, and have better parts for the same cost.

The 12 Benchrest is an OK rifle, it has a far better stock than the "F" class Savage. (The "F" class has a weird design and requires a custom rear bag.) The 30 inch tube is too long and makes the gun nose heavy. Because of this the gun is hard to shoot free recoil. I had a 6BR and it shoot good, but I would cut the barrel back to 26 inches, I think this would make this gun shoot better, and handle the bags more efficiently.

If you looking to punch paper at 100-600 yards I would recommend a Savage model 12 VLP in 223 Remington. It is a great gun and half the cost of the 12 benchrest. The target actions have not proven to be any more accurate than the standard actions.

 

[Kenny474]

I would stay away from the 6.5x284 for anything but competition purposes. It is a barrel burner and will be toast by 1200 rounds. (Ask me how I know) The .308 and the 6BR are both good chamberings, though everyone told me to lean to the 6BR if I was to go that route. Savage makes several other rifles that cost much less and are very accurate. The 10FP is an excellent rifle that will shoot quite well with match ammo out of the box. I would think about your intended purpose a bit, and if you don't plan on shooting past 600, than the 30" tube is a bit unwieldy for short range work.

As others have stated, you can also build a Savage for less than you will pay for a target model, and end up with a more purpose built rifle. I have $800 in my Steven's .222 and it will shoot .25moa at 100 yards all day long. I bought a prefit barrel, timney trigger, and a long range benchrest stock from SSS. I also assembled and finished it myself.

If you can find a used Steven's for short money, you could easily duplicate my results. It's the same as a pre accu-trigger savage, and probably costs a lot less as well. I bought mine as a shot out .223 for $150. Now it's an absolute naildriver. It is heavy for a .222, but it barely moves under recoil.

The other benefit is the ability to have a chambering not offered by Savage. Hence my decision to go with a .222 rather than a .223. I feel it is just as capable, if not more so, as a .223 with all but the heaviest bullets and has a longer neck which adds more flexibility in bullet size without having to seat below the neck/shoulder junction or have it chambered with a really deep throat.

There are many different ways to get a really accurate rifle, and some will give better results for less money. You just need to think about what your intended purpose is and go from there.

 

[Delaware_Ken]

Good Morning,

I recently picked up the Savage LRPV in 6 BR. I has the same components as the BR series with a 26" barrel, and a HS Precision stock. I'd eventually like to shoot her in the factory class in benchrest competition, and possibly fuzz a few groundhogs. So far my best 100 yard 5 shot groups have been .4", but I'm pretty sure with some load development, she will do better than that.

Ken

 

[Thorbird]

82boy has given some good advise if you want to try your hand at putting one together yourself. A kreiger or Broughton barrel, or others to your taste is the way I do it. I have 5 Savage target actions. Three 3 screw actions and two 2 screw actions. They are equally accurate. If you find one of the 2 screw single shot actions, don't hesitate to build off one of those either. Just change the trigger to a competition trigger.

I do have many factory savages, that also shoot so well. It is hard to beat the .223 for paper punching and maybe a bit less component cost, but if you want to shoot longer, the 6br is hard to beat in the F-class or LRPV. The slower twist for 500 or less and lighter bullets, and the 8 twist for the heavier bullets for longer ranges. I have 3 Savage f-class guns right now. 2 6br 8 twist, and a F/TR in .308.